Searching for the ideal mix of classic and modern synth key sounds? Your hunt is over! The Yamaha CP88 & CP73 are the answer. Both keyboards are equipped with strong sound engines and user-friendly controls. Perfect for musicians of all abilities. Get ready for a fantastic musical adventure!
Design
The Yamaha CP series stage pianos have a classic design for today’s stage. The matte black finish gives them the look and feel of a traditional upright piano. Contemporary controls and buttons make sound selection fast and easy.
The top panel has sliders for volume, brilliance, tone, and effects, plus a pitch bend wheel, controller knobs, and LED display indicators. Three jack outputs include MIDI for connecting to digital audio workstations.
The low-profile design makes it perfect for carrying on stage. Plus, the keys have a smooth texture that’s comfortable for playing for extended periods of time. An important factor when selecting your next keyboard or grand piano.
| Image | Product | Feature | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
Top Pick
| 1. Yamaha CP88 | Yamaha CP88 and CP73 digital pianos provide a unique musical experience. They blend classic and modern instruments for you to find the perfect sound. | Check On Amazon |
 | 2. Yamaha P-125 | The Yamaha P-125 is a highly-rated digital piano that is popular among both beginner and advanced pianists. | Check On Amazon |
 | 3. Yamaha P45 | This high-quality stage piano has been designed with input from some of today’s top touring artists and boasts a wide range of sounds, including electric pianos plus strings and organs sampled from Yamaha’s famed CFX concert grand. | Check On Amazon |
 | 4. Casio PX-870 | This slim and stylish digital piano features Casio’s AiR Sound Source for realistic acoustic piano sound, along with hundreds of additional sounds and effects. | Check On Amazon |
 | 5. Casio PX-770 | The Casio Privia PX-770 is an affordable digital piano that offers a realistic piano sound and feel. | Check On Amazon |
Keyboard
The Yamaha CP88 and CP73 digital pianos mix classic and modern performance features. The 88-key version (CP88) has a full-sized semi-weighted action, similar to an acoustic piano. The 73-key version (CP73) has a synth-action keyboard with a lighter feel.
The keys are graded hammer action, providing a great feel and accurate dynamic expression. They also have velocity sensitivity curves and aftertouch features.
These keyboards offer hundreds of voices, from classic instruments such as grand pianos to modern synths. AWM2 technology provides realistic digital reproductions of acoustic instruments with polyphony for multiple layers. Comprehensive editing allows for customizing each sound.
[CP88] Natural Wood-Graded Hammer (NW-GH) Action
The Yamaha CP88 & CP73 use the Natural Wood Graded Hammer (NW-GH) action. It’s the perfect mix of classic and modern keyboards. The NW-GH system feels authentic, with 4 velocity zones and a balance of lighter and heavier dynamics. There are 3 sensitivity levels to fit different playing styles.
The real wood keys have a natural ivory feel, so our fingers glide over them for a more immersive experience. The NW-GH action gives you greater dynamic control. You can easily transition between soft and loud sounds or use punchy riffs with heavy articulations.
The Yamaha CP88 & CP73 NW-GH action lets you get that classic piano sound without sacrificing playability or expressivity.
[CP73] Balanced Hammer Standard (BHS) Action
Yamaha’s AWM sampling engine brings a vast selection of voices to the game. From grand pianos to synths, its true-to-life experience is top-notch. The Balanced Hammer Standard (BHS) action gives smooth playability and adjustable sensitivity.
You can customize your playing style with different settings. Slow blues? Lower settings. High-octane rock? Higher settings. With BHS, you get excellent control over both velocity and aftertouch. It adds expression to your performance and makes it easier to switch between notes. And there’s minimal mechanical noise, so you get maximum tone expression with minimal disruptive sound.
Sound
Yamaha CP88 and CP73 digital pianos provide a unique musical experience. They blend classic and modern instruments for you to find the perfect sound. From Concert grand to honky tonk, electric piano to harpsichord – this series offers all kinds of signature sounds.
Yamaha’s advanced tech creates realistic sound. Waveform samples and physical modeling techniques give crisp and vibrant tones. Use Yamaha Voices to add custom touches or create new ones.
These keyboards feature the GrandTouch Piano Feel System. It offers improved agility, expression, and natural touch response. Subtle changes to your performance are more accessible than ever!
Piano Section
The Yamaha CP88 & CP73 offer a unique experience for modern keyboard players. Yamaha has a special place in the world of acoustic piano sounds, and these keyboards continue that tradition. Weighted hammer-action and Yamaha’s GH3X (Graded Hammer 3X) keybed technology give you excellent control over dynamics and expression.
885 ultra-realistic instrument voices, including grand pianos, organs, synths, and strings, are available. Onboard sampling and Effects/Revo drums allow you to create complex layers of sound.
The piano section uses Yamaha’s revolutionary hybrid sound engine for amazing realism. It offers thirty different types of piano voices with rich textures and tones. No matter the style of music, these keyboards provide a realistically lush soundscape like no other digital instrument can.
Features
The Yamaha CP88 and CP73 digital piano models offer a mix of classic piano craftsmanship and modern technology. They are perfect for beginner and expert players alike and can bring any piano performance to life.
Their keyboard action features real wooden keys, providing a natural response. The GHS-graded hammer system offers durability, feel, and touch sensitivity, plus a wide range of tones. The advanced sound engine reproduces the nuances of an acoustic grand piano, including note attacks, resonance controls, voicing options, and 4-band EQ settings.
The cutting-edge tech includes Bluetooth MIDI connectivity for wirelessly connecting to external musical devices. Plus, it has access to over 600 Voices & 39 Drum/SFX Kits, which you can save up to 128 Customized Voices.
The built-in recording capabilities let you capture your best performances. It also has TEMPO SLOW DOWN MODE and INSTANT RECALL SETTING, which allow you to record music from headphone use or internal playback sessions, even when no sound is produced from speakers.
The two independent headphone outputs provide balanced sound across the room. This is great for live performances or duo practices when using two instruments simultaneously.
Splitting and Layering
The Yamaha CP88 & CP73 can split and layer voices for maximum versatility. With two separate layers, four assignable parts, and up to 8 notes of polyphony, these instruments can create unique sounds not possible alone. The keyboard can be split in two and assigned to different MIDI channels for complex control. Switching between sounds is easy with a single button press. Crossfading and velocity switch functions are available for gentle transitions.
This range of features makes the CP88 & CP73 powerful stage pianos and digital keyboards for any genre. Giving players immense creativity and sonic landscapes.
Live Sets
The Yamaha CP88 & CP73 are ideal for live performance. The 73-note edition has precise control of the sound engine, with a range of pro sounds that’ll sound great in any venue. The 88-note version provides many expressive instruments, such as vintage pianos, synths, and modern basses. Its action is top-notch, providing a weighted response for feel and accuracy.
Plus, both models have user-interface elements like long-lasting LCD displays, and real-time knobs with LED program indicators. They also have excellent connectivity options, like USB/MIDI hosting, 5-pin MIDI, and audio out ports, working with almost any live setup or studio.
The Yamaha CP88 & CP73 offer musicians the perfect blend of classic tones and contemporary performance.
USB Audio Interface
The Yamaha CP88 & CP73 have a USB audio interface. Just plug it into your computer with a USB. Launch your recording program and make incredible recordings. The USB audio lets you record, and playback CDs, DVDs, or MP3s.
The USB audio interface gives pristine sound, up to 24-bit/192 kHz resolution. Plus, the two keyboards feature MIDI input/output central access. Connect external MIDI devices, like sound modules or drum machines.
Master Keyboard Mode
The Yamaha CP88 and CP73 offer an exciting new way of making music – the “Master Keyboard Mode”! This unique feature gives you sixteen different sounds to choose from across the keyboard, enabling complex, dynamic compositions. The Yamaha CP88’s panel gives you both classic piano sounds and modern techno, EDM, and other genres. Its sound engine makes it convenient to switch between classic and modern soundscapes without needing to move around setups. Plus, it eliminates the need for stacked keyboards, which can be heavy.
This mode is great for musicians who want to switch sounds without extra gear quickly. Both models have two midi outputs – so you can connect two separate keyboards or a controller keyboard. This feature adds fantastic flexibility to the Yamaha CP88 and CP73, making them perfect for home studios and live performances!
Advanced Mode
Yamaha’s CP88 & CP73 are two of their most powerful models. They have Advanced Mode for professional sound quality. This mode lets users make sounds for new music.
Advanced Mode has 12-stage multi-level processing. Each note can be set to get the perfect sound. Filters provide more sonic possibilities.
CP88 & CP73 have Yamaha’s triple-sensor keybed design and motorized faders. Controls let users make smooth adjustments quickly. Both offer connections for easy setup on stage.
USB Setting Recall
The Yamaha CP88 and CP73 have a super helpful USB setting recall feature. Plug in a USB drive, store your files, and voila! The settings are saved. When you want to access them again, plug in the same/different USB drive. Your settings will be automatically recalled.
This is great for live shows where time matters and for studio production where you need consistent sounds. Plus, you can easily share settings with other musicians. A very versatile instrument!
Connectivity
The Yamaha CP88 and CP73 are highly connected. They come with USB, MIDI, and audio connections, allowing you to connect to external sound modules or other devices.
The CP88 and CP73 have a Hi-Speed USB Type B audio/MIDI interface. This lets you record and play analog and digital audio in any DAW. With the standard 5-pin MIDI ports, you can connect to tower modules, sequencers, drum machines, and more.
For live performance, the CP88 and CP73 have:
- Stereo PHONES outputs (1/4” TRS).
- Stereo LINE OUTPUT jacks (balanced 1/4” TRS).
- Dual 1/4” Expression/Control pedal inputs give you control over parameters like volume swell.
Ready for studio or stage!
Summary
Yamaha CP88 & CP73 are a dream come true for those who want classic and modern sounds. Their sleek design, user-friendly controls, and advanced audio capabilities ensure professional-level quality. Traditional piano samples and modern effects mix together to create one versatile instrument with unparalleled expressiveness. Their weighted action keyboards provide the same feel as an acoustic piano – making them ideal for recording or live shows.
The Yamaha brand is famous for its features, durability, and quality, so you know that either of these two options will give you a reliable, long-lasting tool for performing and recording – a perfect blend of classic and contemporary!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What are the main features of the Yamaha CP88 & CP73?
A1: The Yamaha CP88 & CP73 feature a wide range of sounds, from classic acoustic piano to modern synthesizers. They also have a built-in 128-note polyphony, a multi-effects processor, and a wide range of performance controllers, including pitch and mod wheels, sliders, and knobs.
Q2: What type of keyboard action do the CP88 & CP73 have?
A2: The CP88 & CP73 feature Yamaha’s Natural Wood Graded Hammer Action, providing a realistic and responsive playing experience. The CP88 also has an optional 88-key version with a heavier touch for a more authentic feel.
Q3: What are the differences between CP88 & CP73?
A3: The main difference between CP88 & CP73 is the number of keys. The CP88 has 88 keys, while the CP73 has 73 keys. The CP88 also has a more extensive selection of sounds and effects and more performance controllers.
