New Yamaha CP Piano “The Rebirth Of A Legend”

yamaha-cp-piano

Yamaha today announced a new 3-strong range of Yamaha CP pianos (CP1, CP5 and CP50), headed up by the CP1, described as “the ultimate digital piano”. The new line was inspired by Yamaha’s classic CP70 and CP80 stage pianos.

The CP1 has a completely redesigned core sound technology. Its Spectral Component Modeling (SCM) tone generation system recreates the sounds of pure acoustic and classic vintage instruments, and even includes a set of original DX keyboard sounds.

No pricing or availability information was included in their announcement. Audio demos are available at the Yamaha site.

The Yamaha CP1 Piano

The architecture of the modeling system perfectly compliments the exceptional creative expression offered by the newly developed NW-STAGE wooden key action which draws on Yamaha’s 100 years of expertise in producing keyboard actions.

The Spectral Component Modeling concept is a fundamentally different approach to any other technology previously employed by Yamaha, combining ultra sophisticated sampling and modeling technology. All sounds can be comprehensively and easily edited, then further customized by adjusting the parameters of ‘physical’ components including hammer stiffness and striking position.

The CP1 can also function as the heart of a complex performance setup thanks to its master keyboard functions. For example, up to four virtual zones can be set up along the keyboard and assigned to separate tone generators, including external MIDI devices.

The spirit of the original CP pianos lives on through the design and ergonomics of the CP1 with classic wooden side panels and a vintage textured top panel invoking iconic instruments of the past. These traditional features are matched with a brilliant vacuum florescent display and brushed aluminium knobs and switches.

The middle model of the new CP lineup, the Yamaha CP5, offers a varied sound set of over 300 voices. Using some of the CP1’s Spectral Component Modeling facilities, the CP5 additionally features many of the sounds from the Motif XS range of synthesizers. The CP5 is also ideal for education and composing thanks to the onboard record and playback functions.

Completing the new CP range is the Yamaha CP50, a compact professional piano which also features a sound set based on the flagship CP1. The CP50 offers over 215 voices and, like its range partners, also offers the ability to customise sounds and effects. The 88-key Graded Hammer action reproduces the feel of it’s traditional counterparts by producing a heavier response in the lower register and a slightly lighter touch in the higher keys, like an acoustic instrument. The CP50 also offers record and playback functions as well as a range of professionally arranged rhythms for added live performance options.

19 thoughts on “New Yamaha CP Piano “The Rebirth Of A Legend””

  3. I tried the CP1, CP5 and Roland's V Piano. Ended up buying the CP5 which struck me as easily the best value and most versatile of the bunch. I don't expect to use many of its features, such as the sequencer, but its Pianos are excellent and its Rhodes and Wurlitzer electric pianos the best I've heard, and very tweakable. Its other sounds (strings etc) work well enough too. The CP1 didn't seem to offer that much more for the money and had fewer features in some respects, and the Roland, though magnificent, is purely a Piano, not even a Rhodes in sight, and weighs a ton. I much prefer the Yamaha action to the Roland, but that's always a matter of taste and what you're used to, and I've played Yamaha pianos for years.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *