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Are you looking for an amazing stage piano? Look no further than the Yamaha CP88.
It’s retro-style and packed with features that make it perfect for live performance. Enjoy outstanding piano sounds, a premium feel with its Natural Wood Graded Hammer keyboard, and dedicated effects for each voice group.
Plus, you can seamlessly switch sounds without dropping out and share and download custom patches with the Soundmondo platform.
Get ready to take your performance to the next level with the Yamaha CP88.
Key Takeaways
- The Yamaha CP88 is praised for its retro-styling, outstanding piano sounds, and overall performance.
- It features the CFX Concert Grand and Bösendorfer Imperial 290 pianos reproduced by Yamaha’s AWM2 sound engine and has excellent electric pianos and sub sound group sounds.
- The NW-GH keyboard provides a premium feel with synthetic ebony and ivory keytops, triple-sensor technology, and dedicated effects for each voice group.
- The CP88 has a tactile layout, intuitive control, small LCD display, and a solid, retro-styled design with a metal top panel and switches.
Sound Quality
When it comes to sound quality, the Yamaha CP88 packs a punch. Its AWM2 sound engine is capable of reproducing the CFX Concert Grand and Bösendorfer Imperial 290 pianos with incredible accuracy. The electric pianos, including the classic CP-80, are also incredibly realistic.
The sub sound group that consists of organs, clavinets, strings, and synths also sounds excellent. When compared to other stage pianos, very few can outperform the CP88 in terms of sound quality.
This makes it a great choice for live performance and recording.
Keyboard Feel
One of the highlights of the Yamaha CP88 is its premium feel with the NW-GH keyboard (Natural Wood Graded Hammer). This is thanks to the triple-sensor technology and the synthetic ebony and ivory keytops that provide a luxurious feel and additional grip when playing.
The key action is responsive and dynamic, allowing for expressive performances. The keys are also designed to be resistant to dust and grime, so you don’t need to worry about dirt and debris ruining your performance.
The CP88 is a joy to play, and its keyboard feel is one of the best on the market. It’s the perfect choice for serious performers and producers who want a reliable and responsive instrument.
Features and Performance
You’ll be amazed by the CP88’s sound quality, electric pianos, and sub sound group.
Yamaha’s AWM2 sound engine accurately reproduces CFX Concert Grand and Bösendorfer Imperial 290 pianos, plus classic CP-80 electric pianos.
With the NW-GH keyboard, you’ll get a premium feel with synthetic ebony and ivory keytops. Triple-sensor technology, dedicated effects for each voice group, and the Soundmondo platform for custom patches make the CP88 a joy to use.
Seamless Sound Switching and Live Sets make it easy to transition between sounds on stage.
The CP88 is an ideal choice for serious performers and producers.
Design and Layout
With its tactile layout, dedicated sound groups and effects sections, and one-to-one user interface, the Yamaha CP88 gives you intuitive control. The small LCD display provides quick browsing of voices, while the Live Set section allows easy recall of patches and settings.
The retro-styled metal switches give an authentic vintage feel and the solid metal top panel and controls ensure durability. The NW-GH keyboard has synthetic ebony and ivory keytops, providing a luxurious feel and extra grip. Triple-sensor technology ensures the keys are very responsive.
All these features create a tactile interface that’s perfect for the stage. With the CP88, you get a classic retro style combined with modern features that make it a joy to use.
Usage Scenarios
Building on its design and layout, the Yamaha CP88 is suitable for a variety of usage scenarios. At home, it’s more suitable for a home studio setting than general piano practice. It’s expensive and heavy, but perfect for working musicians and home studio producers.
Offering connectivity to combine with external hardware, it can work without an external audio interface if space is limited. On stage, the CP88 is built for live performance with its tactile one-to-one user interface. Seamless Sound Switching and Live Sets make it a joy to play on stage, and it can combine external hardware for a more interesting setup.
Perfect for the right user, the CP88 is an ideal choice to bring incredible sound, feel, and interface to any performance.
Comparisons
Continuing on from its usage scenarios, it’s time to compare the Yamaha CP88 to other stage pianos. The CP88 is highly regarded among keyboard testers and is considered to be a significant investment. Before making a decision, you should consider the alternatives.
The Roland RD-2000 is a more modern and versatile option, while the Yamaha YC88 focuses more on organs. The Korg SV-2 offers a vintage touch at a lower price point.
Comparing the CP88 to the RD-2000, both have intuitive layouts, but the RD-2000 offers a more modern and versatile experience. The CP88 is better for electric pianos, while the YC88 is better for organs. Lastly, the SV-2 offers a vintage touch, but the CP88 is more expensive.
The CP88 isn’t recommended for beginners, so it’s perfect for serious performers and producers.
Overview
The Yamaha CP88 is one of the best-looking stage pianos with its retro-styled design. It’s praised for its sound, feel, and interface, with few other stage pianos performing as well.
Pros include outstanding piano sounds, a premium feel with the NW-GH keyboard, and dedicated effects for each voice group.
On the other hand, the CP88 is expensive and heavy, making it better suited for a home studio setting than for general piano practice.
User reviews are overwhelmingly positive, with many praising its sound quality and intuitive layout. The CP88 is a great choice for serious performers and producers, offering a tactile one-to-one user interface and seamless sound switching. Its retro-styled design is also a hit with many.
Conclusion
You won’t regret investing in the Yamaha CP88.
From its impressive sound quality to its natural wood graded hammer keyboard, this stage piano is ready to take your performance to the next level.
It has dedicated effects, seamless sound switching, and a range of custom patches to choose from.
Whether you’re a professional performer or a budding producer, the Yamaha CP88 is an excellent choice.
I’m thrilled to be able to share my passion for music with others through this audio blog, and I can’t wait to connect with fellow music lovers from all around the world. Let’s rock on!