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The Yamaha CP1 Digital Stage piano is a premium instrument which is committed to both innovation and tradition. The core sound technology used in the CP series was redesigned from the basic level.
This model faithfully recreates the vintage electronic pianos and acoustic sounds with its unique Spectral Component Modeling (SCM) tone generation system. With your instruments brought together in one place, you can tune and adjust various parameters of physical components such as Striking position or Hammer Stiffness to create diverse range of stunning piano sounds.
Table Of Contents Video Overview of Yamaha CP1Feather Touch Response of Yamaha CP1The Latest Core Sound Technology of Yamaha CP1Attractive Enough for Your Living RoomYamaha CP1 Stage Piano Demo with Tony EscuetaAlternative Products to ConsiderMusik Schmidt’s Yamaha CP1 ReviewConclusion
Video Overview of Yamaha CP1
Feather Touch Response of Yamaha CP1
This Spectral Component Modeling technology is highly responsive to players touch and allows higher level of creative expression. The SCM tone generation system provides natural and rich sounds which include 17 different acoustic and electric pianos. The SCM tone generation system also offers a customize function that gives you the ability to create original piano tunes.
A special NW-STAGE wooden key action was designed to meet the demand of top professionals. The new NW-Stage wooden key have layer of synthetic ivory. These keys minimize the vibration and distortion. Finally a piano that offers players to program up to four virtual zones on the piano. Players can assign independent tone generators to these four virtual zones including external MIDI devices.
The Latest Core Sound Technology of Yamaha CP1
A developed core sound technology is the main reason for its spectacular performance. The Dubbed Spectral Component Modelling accurately produces the sounds of acoustic instruments, which includes vintage instruments.
The SCM technology offered by Yamaha is blend of modelling and sampling. owners do not have to look anywhere else as this Yamaha provides them with capabilities to edit sounds by themselves. Seasoned Pros can also check the playability of model by adjustment of hammer stiffness and striking position.
Yamaha CP1 provides record and playback functions and user can transfer their performances to a USB stick with the bundled version of Cubase A15. This Yamaha offers wide range of present to the player.
It features Preset (16x3banks), User (16X3 banks), and External (16 X 3 banks). In addition, it offers 17 piano block types along 10 types of Modulation effect Block. It’s also equipped with 8 reverbs and 5-band Master equalizer.
Attractive Enough for Your Living Room
The classic wooden side panels with vintage textured top brings alive the memories of legendary keyboards of the past.
The brushed aluminum knobs, vacuum florescent display, lighted Yamaha logo enhances the look of the instrument.
The user interface is laid out for optimum performance and ease of use. The detail and quality in every component of Yamaha CP1 speaks for itself.
Yamaha CP1 Stage Piano Demo with Tony Escueta
Alternative Products to Consider
Yamaha CP4 Stage
The Yamaha CP4 stage is a worthy alternative to the Yamaha CP1. Both keyboards have 88 realistically-weighted keys that are touch-sensitive. With natural wood-graded technology, the CP4 offers smooth and authentic key action. However, the CP1 edges the CP4 slightly in this category because its keys feature actual wood, which creates an even more realistic texture. Nevertheless, both keyboards have graded keys, meaning the lower keys require more force to play than the higher ones. Graded key keyboards are sought-after because of their accuracy to an acoustic piano’s feel.
In terms of sounds, the CP4 has a total of 433. All of these sounds go through the piano’s SCM and AWM2 sound engines. This keyboard also features a 128-note polyphony, the maximum number of notes you can play at once. The CP4 features 11 effects as well as reverb, pitch-bend, modulation, and chorus controls. Each of these controls contributes to elevated user experience. Both the CP4 and CP1 have MIDI connectivity, dual-mode, and a four-zone split function. This split function is convenient since it can allow up to four separate tones on different keyboard ranges. With this capability, you can have a band at your fingertips. While both keyboards aren’t highly portable, the CP4 weighs in at 38.5 lbs while the Yamaha CP1 is a more massive 60 lbs. Though gigging is possible for the CP4, transporting the CP1 isn’t nearly as ideal. So with overall portability, the CP4 is superior to the CP1. However, not every pianist has gigs to attend. Most people look for pianos to be permanent additions to their homes. If that’s the case, the CP1’s extra weight may be ideal for exclusive home use. The CP4’s LCD is a slight advantage over the CP1’s VFD type display. On the other hand, Yamaha CP1 comes with a license for Steinberg Cubase AI, a powerful Digital Audio Workstation that allows you to create music on an industry-standard level. By itself, this DAW isn’t on the cheap end either, so this adds to the CP1’s value.
Clavia Nord Stage 3 88
Another keyboard that is comparable to the Yamaha CP1 is the Clavia Nord Stage 3. Nord is known for creating high-class keyboards with an abundance of effects as well as a classy appearance.
With an identical 120-note polyphony, both keyboards supply plenty of power for most people. The Nord Stage 3 allows for seamless transitions between different sounds, a sought-after feature among creators and performers.
A few other aspects include a string resonance function, triple pedal support, a noise pedal, a long release option, and a rotor jack pedal input. The piano also emulates a classic Leslie Vintage 122 very accurately. Like the CP1, Stage 3 has MIDI compatibility, allowing for a connection to computer software.
This keyboard is quite bulky and weighs 10 lbs more than the Yamaha CP1. As its name suggests, the Nord Stage 3 excels in the world of stage performances. However, the piano isn’t nearly as convenient for regular gigging musicians due to its massive weight. Stage performers often have extended amounts of time to set up equipment and, in some cases, even help from a crew. In regards to the sheer quantity of sound-editing capabilities, the Nord Stage 3 has many more.
The Nord also features an arpeggiator function, which produces complex note sequences by holding notes or chords. Lots of people enjoy this function because it gives them the ability to create advanced or intricate-sounding music.
Determining which piano to buy depends purely on the needs of the person. Many people may not need the extensive sound-editing capabilities of the Stage 3, just as many mathematicians might not use every function of a graphing calculator.
This keyboard doesn’t come with a triple pedal but includes a decent sustain pedal. Along with the purchase, Nord also gives you convenient samples, DVDs, and a standard USB cord. The Nord Stage 3 is an excellent keyboard for professional musicians that require lots of sound-editing tools.
Yamaha CP300
The Yamaha CP300 is another valuable alternative to the Yamaha CP1. With the CP300, you have 543 sounds at your disposal, giving significant freedom to express ideas. In terms of sound, the CP300 utilizes the AMW2 engine, which many musicians thoroughly enjoy. A unique feature of the CP300 is a 16-track sequencer. If you want to record, the large number of tracks should be apt. Though the keyboard includes a high-performance sequencer, it doesn’t come with a DAW software like the CP1, meaning you’ll have to buy one separately. The keyboard features a five-band equalizer, hardware that increases or cuts specific frequency ranges accordingly, bettering sound quality. For those who value powerful internal speakers, the 30W of power generated by the speakers may suffice. This powerful sound is adequate for hosting small house performances, but not sufficient for anything on a grander scale. If you have external amplification, you can produce a much louder sound for large venues. Many pianists prefer to use an external amp for home use to achieve the best sound. With a weight of 71 lbs, the CP300 isn’t gig-friendly. Technically, you can use any keyboard you wish for gigs, but you’ll find that lighter ones are exponentially easier to transport.
Roland FP-60
Known for excellent synthesizers and keyboards, Roland produces a line of high-quality products. The FP-60 is no exception. This keyboard is an excellent alternative to the Yamaha CP1 and features a SuperNatural Sound Engine. With 288-note polyphony, the FP-60 has a considerably higher number than the CP1. Regarding polyphony, any number above 120 is likely sufficient for even the most advanced pianists, so FP-60’s amount of 288 is extreme and unnecessary for most people.
The Roland FP-60 has a compact list of quality sounds, including 15 pianos, 16 electric pianos, 15 organs, and 15 pads. Though there isn’t an extensive quantity of sounds, each instrument showcases authenticity and versatility. Thirty tracks allow users a world of recording capacity to suit creativity needs. The FP-60 also includes convenient dual, split, and duo mode for pianists to utilize. Duo mode is beneficial for both a piano student and teacher because it splits the keyboard in half, allowing two people to play in the same octave range. Another nice feature is the high-quality LCD. Not only does the screen add to the overall appearance, but it also creates ease of use. On top of that, eight 12cm speakers outline the piano’s surface to produce an immense sound. Since many acoustic pianos feature a three-pedal unit, digital pianos are of great convenience when they allow a three-pedal connection. The FP-60 supports three pedals, but only comes with a signal sustain pedal. These pedals give you full control over the dynamic and expressive range that pianos have to offer. The FP-60 features many organ and electric piano effects to provide additional sound options. On top of that, you can also play audio in MP3 and WAV formats through the keyboard, which is something uncharacteristic of every workstation.
Yamaha P255
The Yamaha P255 features 24 tones in the soundbank, with a 256-note polyphony. With a strong internal speaker system, the P255 boasts two 15W speakers that provide ample home use volume. At 38 lbs, this keyboard is more portable than the Yamaha CP1. You can get by with transporting the P255 frequently, but most musicians still prefer an even lighter choice. With four sensitivity levels and a Pure CF Sound Engine, this keyboard sounds and feels much like a real piano. A unique characteristic of the P255 is compatibility with iOS devices, which gives you the freedom to connect to many music-making apps.
Musik Schmidt‘s Yamaha CP1 Review
Conclusion
With great ivory action and authentic wood design, the CP1 is a flagship model by Yamaha. This keyboard is dedicated entirely to producing specular acoustic and electric piano sounds. Classic wood side panels and a vintage texture serve to create an aesthetic look. On top of the piano’s visual statement, there are many quality components within, including a Spectral Component Modeling system and NW-STAGE action. Both technologies respond to a player’s touch, allowing for highly-expressive performances. The Yamaha CP1 features sampled sounds from large concert Grand Pianos. Pianists genuinely appreciate the sound, especially when hearing it from a good speaker system. This keyboard also provides customization options to create your own piano sound, rather than choosing from a bank. With a three-pedal unit included in the package, you have the tools to harness the keyboard’s potential without having to buy one separately, which can be very costly. One last benefit that the CP1 comes with is Steinberg Cubase AI DAW software. You can spend hundreds of dollars on professional software, so the inclusion of Cubase is a considerable advantage of purchasing the Yamaha CP1. Though the piano emulates a classic look, the internal functions are very modern, featuring countless advanced options and effects. The Yamaha CP1 is an excellent value for people that can afford it. If you’re someone who wants a world-class keyboard with spectacular sounds and features, the CP1 might meet your needs.
