If you like music, you might want to check out my second channel "Milan Recording Studios". Feel free to subscribe and hit the bell icon if you want to! kzread.info/dron/u1LrpmWwK1ztTvIayRar9w.html

Thank you very much, I learnt everything I needed to know about this keyboard. Perfect price range and great sound and touch for the money.

A great review! Definitely on the list of gear to own in future.

Your passion for keyboard instruments is just amazing.

Hi James, thanks for your review. Last month Yamaha came out with a software update to the CP88 that includes a bunch more Sub sounds - including a flute! ;)

@marvinkmooneyoz

4 жыл бұрын

did they add celeste? how anout harp?

many thanks for the great review!

Great review man!

Hi Janes! Always thank you for your nobles oblige checking and commenting on various keyboard instruments so the humbles like me won’t go wrong spending mega bucks for what it’s worth. But this time you’re running down the CP88 like you’re in rush for a date right after this filming that made me chuckle. I take your another comparative review of CP88 vs CFX more valuable to me yet I think I’ll buy this one or CP4 at $500 less just because of my preference to the key touch of Yamaha than Roland or Kawai. A shop manager lady in Tokyo that I called on just told me that she’d definitely buy CP4/CP88 keys on Roland RD2000 if such thing existed. But this time l almost made up my mind that I’ll go with Yamaha for the key touch.

Hello James great work as usual, I always enjoy your reviews. You mention early in the review that you like the sympathetic resonance that the piano sound has, but I thought this keyboard didn't have such a feature. I checked the Yamaha website and I couldn't find any mentions of sympathetic resonance for the CP88/73. It is available on the P515 which I think sounds a lot better, at least on videos. I will have to play these boards to compare but so far the CP88 seems to lack in the piano sound department.

I have purchased Yamaha CP88 several months ago. Professional and objective your review. Thank you... Mario, Italy

Lovely Erik Satie....always gives me goose bumps......your playing style is very expressive....and personal...i only wish I had your ability.....thanks...

@benjaminsmith2287

4 жыл бұрын

Yes, it surprisingly sounds lovely. But James's playing really brought out the best in this keyboard.

The DigiPiano is perhaps supposed to be the Grand Piano sample from older Yamaha’s rompler keyboards, perhaps an SY77 or even past it, when they had very tight memory limitation. Some of the perhaps older cats who played those older keyboards, in addition of course the Roland D50 and Korg M1, just love to reminisce that specific piano sound patch.

I love my CP88! So glad I returned my Nord Piano and bought this one instead! Love your reviews. Thank you!

@hlcotten6587

4 жыл бұрын

Bill, I'm considering the cp88. I must admit the piano samples on the Nord are simply beautiful. The Fender Rhodes samples on the cp88 are simply beautiful. Other than the dramatic cost difference between the Nord, and the layout. What made you choose the cp88, and save possibly over 2500?😂 Thanks so much for your counsel...

@manuelaguillon7564

4 жыл бұрын

Bill Fries, I’m stuck between this and a Nord stage 3, can you give me some insights as why the CP 88 is better, and how do the keys feel compared to the Nord, plz help me 🙏🏼

Thanks for your in-depth reviews. It would be nice to hear your opinion on keyboard amplifiers. Specifically - acoustic piano sounds on keyboard amplifiers.

Great in-depth reviews ! I’d love to to see how the CP88 compares to the Nord Grand.

That thing is awesome.

If one can sit down at it and immediately know how to use it... this is the instrument for me! Need no further information, thanks for (in depth) review!

The CP80 on the CP88 sound pretty great to me.

I think the C7 patch is a very late C7, like a C7 M that was moving in the direction of the C7X but not having the "bloom" quality and colors of the CX series yet. I think you can adjust the brightness with all of the pianos. Overall, though clearly still digital, the CP88 is a nice improvement over the CP4 in terms of piano sounds. I think the addition of sympathetic resonance is a big part of it as well as just more refinement in the samples. I think the S700 is the predecessor to the sublime S7X. I love the SU7, where one can find it, and U1s can be nice if voiced down. The CP88's SU7 is a nice sound, but of course, pails to the real one. I will say Yamaha needs to improve the Bose Imperial sample. Nice job as always, James.

@billfries7269

4 жыл бұрын

Benjamin Smith I agree with you regarding the Bosendorfer patch. Wonder if they just want the CFX patch to always sound better than the others.

The compact organ is sampled from the Farfisa Compact organ. The original Farfisa organs, made in Italy, somehow never made it to the United States so they’re relatively unheard of over here. However, you’ve probably heard a Farfisa Compact if you’ve ever heard “Crocodile Rock” by Sir Elton John.

Great in depth review about the sounds. I’m so glad I returned the CP88 to buy the Kawai MP 11SE which has excellent sounds.

@hlcotten6587

4 жыл бұрын

Robin, did you consider a Nord. It's piano samples are amazing. I am considering the cp88, the Nord, and your selection also. Any counsel would be appreciated...😎

@musikone1780

4 жыл бұрын

You also get the superior key action on the Kawai.

James. What are your thoughts about CP88 NH-W vs P515 NWX action ?

The Digi Piano is from the Korg M1 Piano sound from the 90's.

Hi James. Thanks a lot for the review. So in your experience, which e-pianos have the quietest, least noisy keybeds?

Love your videos man! Really would love to hear your opinion on the new Korg SV2. How do you think it compares to this instrument?

@alanmarshall8850

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you James..! Excellent analysis of the CP 88. Totally an excellent review of this instrument.

which is the most realistic sounding stage piano in this price bracket, in your opinion? Great reviews thanks!

I love the sound of the Yamaha CP88 stage piano. The sounds are very seductive to the ears.

@libertylizard_

2 жыл бұрын

I've always enjoyed it, although it allows for a great amount of adjustment to suit your tastes as well. The keybed is a highlight, one of the best they've ever released.

I've been owning a CP73 for 6 months. It's a solid performer, no issues so far. The user interface is intuitive to use. Great build quality. (I'm not affiliated with Yamaha or any music stores).

@edunabie

4 жыл бұрын

Hey rio, how do you find the cp73 keybed? I'm after something quite light feeling (for eps mostly) but still quality feeling. Im finding the TP80 keybed in my nord electro a bit spongey and synth like for ep's (terrible for acoustic piano, great for clavs and bass sounds etc). I can't find a cp73 anywhere to try out.

also the Hohner Clavinet’s middle C is by default an octave lower, like a guitar. Clavinet was advertised for keyboardists who wanted to have guitar sound but couldn’t play guitar. I don’t why either or whether that was the connection.

Satie was very very good!!

Hi James. Thank you for your great reviews, that are so helpful and fun to watch. I am debating between the CP4 and CP88 from a touch point of view. Which touch you find better for classical music? Are you planning to do a comparison between those two?? It would awesome!! I haven’t tried them yet, and would love to have your opinion. Thank you.

@ThePianoforever

4 жыл бұрын

I have yet to see the model CP4, but if I see I will try to remember to review it.

@ChurchWorshipandvideo

4 жыл бұрын

This is their best action except for their top line hybrid pianos so I assume this. I’ve heard many reviews praise the response and connection of this action. It is at leas partially wood and has three sensors so the key does not have to completely lift to reset. This is a feature not present in the CP4. Fast repeats/trills will benefit from this action.

satie+cp88 great sound

Hi James Have you reard the Dexibell piano Vivo S7 yet? Wow

Really nice keyboard. I’m looking for a harpsichord mainly because I play an acoustic piano that I love but don’t want to pay $20,000 for a harpsichord. I’ve been looking for about 2 months on line and this and the cp4 are nice and I really like some of the other Grand tones that are brighter than my Mason@Hamlin. With my pandemic lifestyle I need more ways to entertain myself and my 2 toddler granddaughters. The 2 yo loves Mozart, Magic Flute, Tchaikovsky and likes to listen to me playing Debussy. Random but the toddler brain is really open to everything if they aren’t cranky. I’m escaping NYC in a few weeks to veg in Vermont with them so added a little Yamaha pssA50 for the girls and may try to find one of these somewhere. The pssa50 is really a fun little keyboard and sounds great for $100. It has little keys so will be good to teach little fingers some easy/fun songs. It’s hard to play any serious music which needs to be arranged on the fly. Of it had 2 more octaves it would be great to teach or carry around some. Yamaha has slowed manuf somewhat so places like B&H have everything back ordered. I generally like his reviews - which are fairly thorough. He also is a good pianist so I appreciate his skill. Thanks for spending a bit of time on the harpsichord.

Please do a review on the Yamaha CP33 as well.

The S700 is based on a Yamaha 7’6” stage grand.

Thanks for the review. Can this instrument record my music, then play back the sounds I just recorded and I can play over the recording?

Vs the Korg Grandstage? Thoughts?

Hello James. I like your videos very much. Not only for your professional reviews but also for your energy! So, my question is , what speakers do you use when you are playing on those keyboards? Can you make 5 top speakers list to have a look and decide what to buy ? I have some good headphones for now to practice but I would like to buy some good speakers.. Thank you! Greetings and love from Greece :)

@ThePianoforever

4 жыл бұрын

We use Roland KC-350 amps here in the studio. They are a great amp for location work as well.

@pariskim530

4 жыл бұрын

@@ThePianoforever Oh ok! Thank you for your immediate response!

Hi James, would you mind commenting on the key action/weight, responsiveness, of the stage piano with Yamaha's cheap P-35? I'm getting frustrated with the P-35 key action, it's getting wobbly and hard to control.

Another great video. Thanks James. Now I'm really confused... P515 or CP88.

@Kougeru

4 жыл бұрын

P-515 if you ONLY play acoustic piano - it's slightly better (VRM and string resonance, escapement in the action). I think the bosendorfer sounds better on the CP88, though. But if you wanna use ANY of hte other features like the Rhodes and such, the CP88 is far superior. Also the U1 sample on the CP88 is top-tier. And for some reason they didn't include it in the new CLP-700 series!!!! WHY?!?!

Thank you..

Hi!!! Good video, the upright piano is not good in this model CP88????

Nice. Thank you. I noticed that the keys are quite sensitive. If you press a little bit harder the sound is louder as well. Didn’t notice earlier that others were that sensitive or am I wrong in that. I didn’t like all the sounds of it. The Rhodes sounds doesn’t sound like the real one to me. But the two harpsichord sounds ( the first one being digi something ) are nice. Like to see you fiddling about 😀

@ChurchWorshipandvideo

4 жыл бұрын

M Oldenburg you can change the response curves to be lighter or firmer. This feature is present on all modern stage pianos. I think this has 5 options. The normal is a balanced approach but may not be best for classical.

nice harpsichord demo

Thank you for your excellent (& enthusiastic!) review. Played one recently and the new cp does seem pretty awesome. As you mentioned the ergonomics (& weight) are excellent on the Yamaha, the electric pianos also seem especially outstanding ( although the clavinet issue is weird?)- if you do live work I think you’d be mad not to consider one of these. For me it’s between this and the mp7se ( as I don’t need it for live), so I’ve found your reviews extremely helpful!

@ChurchWorshipandvideo

4 жыл бұрын

Pizza Gogo I pulled the trigger on a CP88 for the simple layout but the MP7se was my other option. I’ll try to let you know how I feel about the CP.

@jazzvent

3 жыл бұрын

@@ChurchWorshipandvideo How do you like it now?

Yamaha is soo good. Their stereo equipment is also famous for getting the sound right.

I have a Yamaha C3 Conservatory Grand which is known for its warmer sound. I found the C7 patch on the CP sounds almost identical to my grand. While I haven’t played on a C7, I just assumed it too would have a warmer tone being in the same family. I have been told that these Yamahas (C3) are some of the most recorded pianos due to their warm characteristics and size (fitting nicely into recording studios).

@benjaminsmith2287

4 жыл бұрын

C7 is a very powerful instrument. However, its quality was changed from a mostly bright sound to warmer with the newer versions (though there are mellow earlier examples, depends on the voicing). Of course now, it's been replaced by the warm and colorful C7X. Recording studios like how Yamahas record and C3 and C7 seem to be the most popular models. U3s are also popular in studios.

@neilloughran4437

4 жыл бұрын

I have a C3X and I concur.. the C7 sound is really good. Also the action on the CP88 is absolutely amazing... really close to my C3X!!

Can you add or download other sounds to this keyboard? I would like more bass guitar choices.

Awesome video. What the price range of this amazing machine? And where can I get it cheaper? And yes,,, my 88 key Roland Fantom weighs like an actual Grand piano.

@joelynnminton8586

4 жыл бұрын

Thousands

Do a video comparing the CP88 vs RD2000 vs MP11.

@ChazSeamus28

4 жыл бұрын

That would be interesting

Excellentm as ysyak, /as U dib;t know anything about electric keybprds is what we're hearing from internal speakers or extenal? Thanks again for all your work.

@musikone1780

4 жыл бұрын

The CP88 has no speakers at all.

I just test played the CP88 in a music store and I'd probably have bought it, BUT I found the headphone volume MUCH too low (tried several headphones). In comparison I tried a CLP-645, which is so loud, you can easily overdrive it. Can you confirm the low sound level over headphones? Does it improve with the software update? I wouldn't want to have to buy an extra amp... Also I'd prefer the NWX keyboard of the 645 over the NW-GH keyboard of the CP88. I know it's a stupid comparison...

@lorenzotosarelli

3 жыл бұрын

I've just bought it, and i find it extremely low. Same as you, I've tried different speakers and headphones. Do you know if there's a way to change it in the setting? other ideas??

Can I use guitar effects on this?

pls compare cp88 cfx vs p515 cfx sample

P-515 Bosendorfer vs CP88 Best any piano - why best??? What about P-515 Bosendorfer vs Grand Piano?

What do you recommend for the warmer studio work? Great video, as always.

@ChazSeamus28

4 жыл бұрын

I would like to hear this answer as well.. looking for a stage piano I can also use in the studio

@ThePianoforever

4 жыл бұрын

If you are looking for a piano keyboard for a studio I own a Kawai MP11se that works very nice, but you would find it heavy for the road.

Does anyone know whether the Wurli tones on this are the same as on the reface cp?

I just put a deposit down for this keyboard, was wondering if you can split within the piano, electric, or sub/strings sections

I like to doodle in F too!

Hey James, you seemed to really like the P-515, but seem to be a bit indifferent to the CP-88 (i might have misinterpreted your tone however). Could you highlight some of your observations on the differences/pros/cons of each. I thought they had more or less the same keybed and a lot of the same samples, obviously aimed at different markets, but I'm just a bit confused about what you' found so good about the p515. Thanks

@ThePianoforever

4 жыл бұрын

The CP-88 is around $2,500, and for that price you have to hold it to higher standards than the P515 which is a thousand dollars less. The P515 is an outstanding piano in it's price range. The CP-88 is very good as well but when you're paying that much, the MP11SE becomes a viable option, and the CP-88 simply isn't on its level in my opinion. I think Yamaha may have tweaked this action since i played the CP-88, it felt heavier then and didn't feel as nice as the P515 does now.

@edunabie

4 жыл бұрын

@@ThePianoforever Thanks man.. Very true re: the price - I wasn't really factoring that in (though in the UK the p515 is £1300, the cp88 is £1600, so not too much in it, but the p515 has a sound system, saving more money potentially. I would love to try an mp11se, but Kawais are hard to find round my area. Thanks again

@dogswithoutahome2903

3 жыл бұрын

@@ThePianoforever I had no idea that they did that post production, but why not. I wonder if there’s a way to contact the company to see if they’ve made the action lighter. I’m only going on reviews as well as it’s hard to find these instruments anywhere.

I have a CP88, I’m wondering if when speaker volume is low or off if it’s typical for some keys to sound more audible when pressed and released than others. I’m not talking about the keybed “thud” sound, I mean the keys themselves. I had a Roland F20 before this and the same kind of thing was the case with that one. Is this just a process of the keys “breaking in” at different rates or in different ways?

jim I see a lot of nice affordable pianos on internet but cant travel over the USA. would you ever buy one by viewing and listening on the internet. How do you know if company is reputable. Do you know names of some companies that are worth looking into and do a nice job. Thanks

@ThePianoforever

4 жыл бұрын

It's always best to play a piano in person.

Do you keep your mix identical throughout your videos?

@ThePianoforever

4 жыл бұрын

For the benefit of consistent results all of my videos are raw without any post production enhancements as it is the only honest way to review any musical instrument.

I would really like to know if the electric piano sounds are better and more "tweakable" on the CP88 or Kawai MP11se?.....

@ThePianoforever

4 жыл бұрын

I would say that they are, there are a lot of effects you can play with on the Kawai, and the piano is a bit warmer.

@regencyantiquebooks6058

4 жыл бұрын

@@ThePianoforever Thank you so much for taking the time to answer my question. It seems that both boards serve different purposes. The string resonance on the Kawai makes it sound much more authentic. I essentially want the best possible piano keybed and sound on the bottom and then I will buy a synth for the top tier. I do not play much classical but want to but also love the funky electric pianos so I want the best of both worlds!

who are its competition, as far as action?

Did you ever use/have the CP4? If so, I’m wondering how you would compare the two. I have a CP4 and am considering upgrading.

@ThePianoforever

4 жыл бұрын

Never had or played a CP4

@20gravedigger11

4 жыл бұрын

ThePianoforever no worries... appreciate the reply!

What is the stand you’re using, for the key board on the top - behind you? (Your back left, our back right)

@TheSparkMinistries

2 жыл бұрын

It’s high, and Tilted. Exactly what I’m looking for

Which is heavier between action on CP88 and P515?

Cp 88 vs YC 88 which is better ?

What has a better piano sound this or the p515

@PakBudiTarigan

3 жыл бұрын

P515 better for solo piano

Has anyone compared this to the SV-1? Well aware this has more sounds and better pianos. Just wondering about specific comparisons between Rhodes and Wurlitzer sounds, and the keybed feel.

@ThePianoforever

4 жыл бұрын

The SV1-88 has an excellent Wurlitzer sound, and a lighter touch than the CP-88. The Rhodes sounds might be pretty close on both instruments, to me the CP-88 is not extremely similar to the real Rhodes, but neither is the SV1.

I like it How does this compare to CP1. Guys?

@randysookyumkim

4 жыл бұрын

not even comparable...CP1 is so much better!

@Psztyk236

4 жыл бұрын

​@@randysookyumkim Why? Because it's more expensive? CP1 is 10yrs old

Can you compare the Yamaha CP88 vs Yamaha P515

@ThePianoforever

4 жыл бұрын

Maybe sometime in the future !

@christygafford9574

3 жыл бұрын

@@ThePianoforever I have spent the whole day watching your channel. got sucked in all the way lol. thanks for all of the info. I am looking as well at the P515 vs the CP88

At the end of the game would you get a Yamaha CP88 or a Roland RD-2000 ?

@ThePianoforever

4 жыл бұрын

Both are good, but in the end it would depend on the music you would like to play. You might also want to consider the Kawai MP-11 se.

I was told by a manager of a piano shop here in the UK that Japan have a particular love for their concert grand pianos when brand spanking new. When they reach 4 or 5 yrs old they consider them to be not sounding beautiful. To us they are just developing their gorgeous tone.

I'd frickin' love to buy this keyboard... Too bad it's from the stage keyboards section so it is very expensive

Are there any keyboards that have built in loopers? I'd like to do some of what Peter Bence does except I was wondering if i could get away with it not adding the extra hardware

@Dustykeybkards

3 жыл бұрын

Get a motif or a montage... you can record and loop tracks you play

I'm confused -- pedal grips going the opposite way of the way your foot is pushing should help keep it in the same spot. Chop. This keyboard is amazing though.

@Real_LiamOBryan

3 жыл бұрын

My guess is that the rubber grips lean forward such that the bottom of the grip is more rearward and the top more forward. While this would, theoretically, allow the pedal to slide forward more than backward, so long as the rubber prevents forward slide sufficiently, it would also serve to minimize lurching forward. Rubber that is straight or leaning rearward, if sliding forward despite friction, tends to produce a lurch or jitter. Perhaps minute sliding is preferable to such lurching. I don't know. That's my best guess.

Idk if it’s just me but I’m pretty sure that’s not the CFX

Yamaha’s version of the Nord Stage

Which is the best keyboard for classical music?

@ThePianoforever

2 жыл бұрын

Kawai MP11se

@sifielbergalarga7015

2 жыл бұрын

@@ThePianoforever Thank you

Thanks for your detailed review, James! I've been considering this (along with the Korg Grandstage, Nord Grand, Kawai MP11 SE, and Roland RD2000). I know you've reviewed the Kawai MP11 SE and the Roland RD2000. Any chance you could get your hands on the Korg Grandstage and/or the Nord Grand? Also, I saw that Yamaha recently released OS v1.2 for the CP88/73. Their website says, "This update contains 30 new String/Brass/Pad/Bass/Lead and Woodwind Voices along with new Live Set." I'd be interested in hearing your thoughts on those new sounds.

@ThePianoforever

4 жыл бұрын

I'll be doing a comparison between the MP11SE and RD2000 soon, along with a bunch of other keyboard videos and comparisons. I have not had the chance to review the Grandstage or the Nord Grand, although I did get to play the Korg a while back and it seems alright. Has some fun synth leads on it. The Nord Grand is incredibly expensive, and while it seems to have a nice piano sample it otherwise is pretty limited for the price you pay. I'll have some more videos of the Nord Stagr. As I got to know it better, I learned some interesting things about it that made me reconsider having it in the studio, like I initially wanted. Sorry for the long reply, stay tuned for more cool stuff!

@ThePianoforever

4 жыл бұрын

I had the chance today to play a new CP88 with the updated sounds, and they seem fun! I enjoyed the flutes, and the additional synths are pretty great too. I was a little disappointed to see that there still isn't a celesta sound, but the other new sounds are pretty nice. I also feel like they reworked the piano sounds, they seem warmer and more lush than before, I really enjoyed playing it even more than usual.

@sandscribbler

4 жыл бұрын

I appreciate the update. Thanks!

hello

Could somebody tell, what is the name of the piece he's playing on the harpsichord sound?

@maxvandesandebakhuyzen6627

4 жыл бұрын

Its the 4th Menuet from Magdalena Bach's little book written by J.S. Bach.

I would buy the CP73 if it started on C instead of E. Would rather not have a couple higher keys and have the lower C - D keys.

@jorgenekman4221

4 жыл бұрын

Roland0554 I guess it’s based on Rhodes key range, hence starts on E

CP88 or Korg SV-2?

@ThePianoforever

4 жыл бұрын

It would depend on the sounds you were interested in

Is it weird that I just want a full size Yamaha Reface CP?

@Psztyk236

4 жыл бұрын

Rich Newman I recently bought the Korg D1 just to control my reface CP. It’s a great keyboard and has standard MIDI DIN connections. Having 2 separate instruments is not a perfect solution but refaces are extremely good sound modules for the money and I think such combo offers the best bang for buck. I also added the reface YC to the mix, so for 1/2 of the CP88 price you can get top class EP and organ sounds with real drawbars, I don’t think there is a keyboard out there that would offer as much for the price

CP88 is a “stage piano” which do not come with music stands. It’s usually “home digital pianos” that with stands.

@ThePianoforever

4 жыл бұрын

The MP-11 comes with a very well built music stand along with every concert grand I have ever seen ( the ultimate stage piano).

@redmusichouse

4 жыл бұрын

ThePianoforever Yes, Kawai is an exception. Please note that Stage Piano or Slab Piano is an actual category of professional concert instruments (look it up) - not simply “something you can play on stage” - think roadies, world tours, etc. Of course there are exceptions but most models in this category - the Roland RDs, Yamaha P300/CP family, etc do not have music stands or speakers.

@redmusichouse

4 жыл бұрын

And btw, not saying grand pianos aren’t professional of course but I’m talking purely in the digital realm here.

Tell us what action key do you prefer. Give us the best advice

I thought this was going to be a retro-review of the CP-80, a real mechanical piano with pick-ups. This instrument is nice, but it just emulates the sound of more iconic and interesting keyboards; Clarinet, Rhodes, Yamaha Grand; albeit very well. It has no unique voice of its own and will be yesterday's news once the next generation of amazingly more lifelike digital boxes are produced. It does sound damn good today, though. Great Satie piece, btw

First!

@cpopefly

4 жыл бұрын

No one gaf

Great playing again, James! But to my ears, the default piano sound is just awful. The lower octaves sound very digital, and your fine playing (expert dynamic touch) exposes this flaw.

he looks like a young Rigoberto Uran, professional cyclist.

@diegozuliani3655

4 жыл бұрын

jajaja!

This is the reface of SX90 ES with new samples. Nothing interesting or new.

500 sound piano likely has 480 useless ones