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The Stage Piano Of The 80's | The Yamaha CP-80

Alamo Music Sound Lab

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Today Roland and Ted dive in to the newest addition to the Alamo Music showroom, this vintage 1980's Yamaha CP-80 Electric Piano. This electric piano offers a unique blend of acoustic piano mechanics and electronic amplification that defined the sound of a generation. In this video, we explore its rich history, distinct tonal character, and why it remains a sought-after instrument for collectors and professional musicians alike. Join us as we put this classic piece of musical engineering to the test!

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20 Comments

@simonhodgetts6530 2 months ago

I've always loved the CP-80. As you say, it has a distinctive sound. What I always liked with these, is that for a performer, sitting behind one of these still portrayed a degree of gravitas, unlike seeing someone like, say Joe Jackson sat at a modern digital piano, when you're used to see them sitting behind an acoustic grand piano.

@AutisticYui 2 months ago

Such a gorgeous sound. Wish we got a demo section that included a Chorus pedal! That's so essential to the sound, for me.

@frankenjstein9371 2 months ago

I really want one of these. A staple of 80's bands.

@JLincW 2 months ago

Its physical presence is so beautiful, but I'm sure glad CP 1979 on my Yamaha MOXF can get it done.

@_fig.8 2 months ago

absolute legend. even better with a boss CE-1

@shawnhiltibidal 2 months ago

My dad and I owned one of the very first CP80M pianos. It was midi cabable! What a great instrument! I sold it in 2007 and have regretted it ever since! What was I thinking! We had a DX7, a TX7 module and a Juno 106 all connected together. It was a beast to carry though!

@DeanEvangelista-p8f 2 months ago

When this piano first came out, the keyboardist in my band bought one, and we thought it was the most amazing thing. It was somewhat portable, and sounded great. Of course, when sampling became the standard, this behemoth became obsolete. One can now transport an 88 key machine with great action, in the back of their Toyota.

@robertmariano 2 months ago

I really appreciate this video. I’ve always played around with the CP-80 emulated patches on keyboards, but didn’t realize that it was an actual stringed keyboard. Now, I think that I want one

@adam872 2 months ago

Love the CP series of stage pianos. So many great recordings with that iconic sound.

@jimchik 2 months ago

I used to have one, until I moved. Man do I miss it.

@MontrelWingateMusic 2 months ago

I bought a CP70 last week! It was a challenge to move upstairs but it sounds great!

@muchorelaxo5580 2 months ago (edited)

The Edge used it for New Year’s Day and October on the Unforgettable fire tour in 1985.

@curmudgeonextraordinaire1884 2 months ago

The CP 70 was actually the more ubiquitous stage piano to tour with.

@SoundWaveSea 2 months ago

Great demo!

@badass.bob1 2 months ago

I love the CP sound, it's realy unique, perfect for rock. My fanton 0 has a sound called Rocker Piano which is so close to the CP. Perfect for Cold Chisel (aussie 80s rock band) covers.❤

@MaccWebber 2 months ago

Richard Tee played one on "Bridge Over Troubled Water" at Simon & Garfunkel's Concert In Central Park. Such a distinctive sound.

@Denvermorgan2000 2 months ago

Awesome instrument and playing.😊

@georgelincoln5041 2 months ago

I bought my cp-80 brand new and still have it set up for playing and recording. As mentioned you do need a good pa system to get it sounding loud and clear. At the time, I had the Forte midi system installed and like to layer it sometimes with the Kurzweil micro piano module. This yamaha cuts through the mix very well which is why it was such a great keyboard for touring musicians. I still really prefer recording rock and pop music with it over the numerous software pianos I have. Never took it out for live gigs due to the weight. I have a Roland RD 2000 EX for that. It has great piano action and the depth of the bass and midrange resonates beautifully with a subtle brightness in the harmonics. Definitely one of the finest keyboards ever made.