Let's Compare | Fender Rhodes and Yamaha CP-70

We're excited to compare the 1973 Fender Rhodes Stage Piano and Yamaha CP-70 suitcase electric grand piano! We demo the amazing sound of the Fender Rhodes Mark I Stage 73 piano. We also see the Yamaha CP-70 and it's amazing and unique electric piano sounds acoustically and plugged in. We have amazing digital and acoustic piano options at Alamo Music Center. Come by to test out in person and we'll help find the best instrument for you or a loved one!
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[@FlyBoyGrounded]

I read the title of this video and thought, "No, let's not!" They're two totally different instruments and they each have their place. I'd happily write and record two songs, one on each and wouldn't want to compare and judge them based on the choice of instrument.

[@PezDeNeon]

Charly García (argenitinian rock legend) is known for using the CP, making it an essential part of his sound during the late 70s and the early 80s. Check out "No bombardeen Buenos Aires" and "La grasa de las capitales"

[@jp_0118]

Por la música de Charly y Fito se me metió el impulso de querer un CP70/80

[@dean1105]

@@jp_0118 hay uno en una tienda d capital (caba creo), pero los q vivimos en el interior nos jodemos jaja

[@maria-lena5919]

I own both (still), purchased new. Love them both. 💕

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

The CP-70 (and it's full 88 Key Brother the CP-80) actually sounds more like a true Amplified Piano cause it has a Standard Grand Piano action

[@ryanedwardmusic]

Well sure but also because it has hammered strings instead of tines

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

@@ryanedwardmusic Yes it has Strings like a Standard Piano so it sounds more like the real thing.

[@technoroom5]

Currently own a Rhodes Mk II Stage 73 and a Wurlitzer 203W (same basic Wurlitzer action and sound, but sits on a cabinet speaker that rolls around on casters). Would love to have a CP series to round out the trio. Each has its own unique sound that can be exploited for different situations. Thanks for the video!

[@EphemeralProductions]

Two of my fave keyboards of all time! ❤❤❤

[@Shred_The_Weapon]

Having owned one Rhodes Suitcase Piano and one Yamaha CP70, I will say that I miss the CP70 more. If the Suitcase Piano had been a Stage Piano like the one played here, I would still have it today. A different Yamaha instrument, the S90XS synthesizer, is the centerpiece of my present.arsenal which is all synthesizers (if you don’t count one Hohner Melodica and one Wurlitzer accordion). I’ve got to say that the only reason not to like the CP and Rhodes tones on this monster, that it’s digital instead of mechanical, is no reason at all. I have occasionally shut my eyes while playing each and been convinced I was playing the real McCoy. The grand and upright tones on the S90XS are exquisite, but I have used the electric sounds way more often. On another aforementioned keyboard instrument of mine, the Roland VR-09, I have toyed with the layered piano sound. Not only have I approximated the layered grand-Rhodes tone referred to here on that model; I’ve also toyed with its simulated electric grand tone layered with the DX-style Rhodes tone.

[@truthmanifestingtruth]

They both sound better in different contexts. It Is simply a matter of getting them in where they fit in. Both sound great. At the moment, I’m more inclined to enjoy playing a creamy fender Rhodes, but practicing chops with the authentic feel of a CP-80.

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

Yeah the CP80 also feels and plays like a Normal Piano cause it has the same action which makes it essentially an Electrified Baby Grand Piano. It even alludes to that in their catalogues of the time.

[@mastertung7]

Excellent video,and channel,..thank you Alamo music,..the Rhodes rules ,for coolness , and warmth,the cp70 always sounds too harsh,.and glassy...but Brian McKnight made it cry in his big hit song “ one last cry.” ..that was perfect on that song,..the cp70 was !!!!

[@bobbycastaneda9091]

I have both and the CP-70 has beautiful action. I did the “bump” mod on my Rhodes and it feels a lot better! Thank you for this! BTW, I bypassed the electronics on my Yamaha and it made a huge difference ! It doesn’t sound sound so tinny or midrangey. I dig the Rhodes more though.

[@pietrosmusi6612]

would really love to get my hands on both of them... recently found a music shop which happens to sell them... hope I can afford at least one...

[@ARTUROSIERRALOPEZ]

As a part of a band rhodes

[@lundsweden]

I think these two are not even similar. The Rhodes is it's own thing, I love that sound. The Yamaha CP sound is much closer to an acoustic piano IMO, it IS an acoustic piano with electrostatic pickups and no soundboard. There might be some other small differences too, like fewer strings on some notes. I believe this is why those bass notes are so distinctive, kinda hollow sounding. The Rhodes uses tines and resonating bars, uses wound, individual magnetic pickups and a much simplified piano action.

[@musiqsoundsproductions]

Love the video. Vangelis used both (although he used the 88 version and cp80). I just bought a CP-60M (full upright, with midi) and would love to add a Rhodes too. Would be fun to compare the 60 And a Rhodes too.

[@tenonakin9237]

They are both the best, but CP70 is bester. Obviously.

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

It even sounds more like a True Amplified Piano

[@sonnyolsen33]

I have both a Yamaha CP80 and and a Mark II 73, both in perfect conditions, both with Stereo Tremolo (the Rhodes has a special Preamp by Retro-Flyer, a very good unit). In my opinion, there is no comparison between these instruments, as they sound completely different , are used for different types of music and must be played in different ways. Using one or another - for me - is a matter of choice according to the type of music I will be playing Live or Studio. The CP is VERY difficult to carry around, the Rhodes is difficult too but a little lighter. Both Pianos require some Owner's hands-on knowledge and a GOOD tech close by. (for instance, I have to touch up the tuning on the CP myself, the Rhodes is more stable, but have to touch-up the voicing, now and then). Finally, on digital pianos: I also have a VERY good digital piano (a Nord ), which imitates the sound of both pianos (and the Hammond sound) but, believe me, in reality, it only comes close. And not '"that close"...

[@RoomAtTheTopStudio]

The Rhodes is my favorite, but I love the Yamaha as well. Rhodes is the winner for me though as I am biased as an owner, lol. The Yamaha has the more traditional piano sound. I would love to have it in my selection, that's for sure

[@christhedemocrat]

It's the Rhodes for me. A few years back, there was a Yamaha CP 70B for $100 on Facebook Marketplace here in Texas. I passed on it as I obsessed over the Rhodes. Not fully knowing or appreciating the history of the CP. At the time I had a few arranger boards. I felt like people would think I'm strange for have like 4 keyboards. Well I now have 18 synths and 5 drum machines. 😂 Although id much rather the Rhodes sound an versatility; I'm mad at myself for not buying the CP I did however, buy a Wurlitzer 200A for $50 tho. Pretty stoked about that

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

Also the Bass Strings on the CP-80 are shorter so they do have those weird overtones.

[@cooltrades7469]

Nor Piano is a great alternative to the acoustic. And now with Piano 5 out that has the huge great sounding Nord Library plus you can use 2 piano sounds at the same time the timbral possibilities are great . But of course these 2 instruments are icons .

[@matiasrubiola1042]

that panning in 14:00 kills. Kills ears

[@jjinnyc75]

Rhodes FTW

[@jaggass]

I prefer the Rhodes 73 as it sounds more heavenly and works on anything. The CP-70 is alright but an acoustic piano will always sound better.

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

The Rhodes is really an Electric Dulcitone

[@EphemeralProductions]

He was right about both disappearing from pop music in the mid 80s. I grew up in that period and I can think of literally NO songs after 1985 that really used either (not with the chorus effect that was popular up to that time). With exception of Almost Hear you Sigh by the Stones from 1989

[@marcoscuervo2002]

Got replaced by dx7 electric piano1

[@EphemeralProductions]

@@marcoscuervo2002 yup

[@FlyBoyGrounded]

And everything by Keane.

[@EphemeralProductions]

@@FlyBoyGrounded well I mainly was referring to the fender Rhodes, especially with lush chorus effect.

[@JoseMiranda-rh9fp]

Yamaha CP70 the best

[@DojoOfCool]

Rhodes is the king of electric piano and Wurlitzer the queen. I think what made the Rhodes more acceptable to people is it was just it's own sound, it wasn't marketed as sounding like a piano, same with the Wurlitzer. Then electric pianos like the CP70 came along saying we sound like a AP and people were no you don't, you have an interesting sound but you don't sound like an AP. Took awhile for people to understand you don't want a real AP sound for playing live or even in the studio you want a sound that cuts through in a band setting. Then people started opening up to digital piano sounds. Then the synth piano like the DX7 piano-ish sound became popular. Now you have big name artist playing concerts with the shell of AP piano with a digital piano inside so they can get all the various AP sounds they had on different records, but still have that AP look on stage. Plus taking an AP on the road is a PIA to keep in tune and digital pianos stay in tune. Today people are understanding there is no one AP sound each brand has it's sound.

[@RayyMusik]

It should be mentioned that the CP-80 had more low end and thus sounded more similar to an acoustic piano than the CP-70 due to its sheer volume. Transport was a nightmare though.

[@ARTUROSIERRALOPEZ]

For a singer solo act yamaha

[@nedludd3641]

Both of them have a fabulous sound. The Rhodes is the sound of the Seventies (1970s). The Doors used the Rhodes famously for, 'Riders of the Storm' - one of best tracks ever, no question. It hasn't aged. Trying to think what music was made with the Yamaha.

[@tedbarsalou833]

Billy Joel’s My Life, What A Fool Believes Doobie Bros, against all odds, Phil Collins … CP70.

[@nedludd3641]

@@tedbarsalou833 'Against All Odds' played on the Yamaha by Phil Collins? I always assumed it was a piano. The other great Rhodes player was Stevie Wonder, 'Living for the City' - Stunning toon.

[@Music73777]

Prince famously featured the CP70 in Purple Rain.

[@simonhodgetts6530]

A lot of Peter Gabriel’s 80s material used a CP80, Billy Joel used one extensively on the Glasshouses album, U2 used one in their early days, Joe Jackson and Tori Amos toured with them in the 80s, Watching The Wheels by John Lennon features a CP, and it was featured heavily in Keene’s music. I love the sound personally, although having played one, they are a bit different to a Rhodes, which I used to own.

[@simonhodgetts6530]

A lot of Peter Gabriel’s 80s material used a CP80, Billy Joel used one extensively on the Glasshouses album, U2 used one in their early days, Joe Jackson and Tori Amos toured with them in the 80s, Watching The Wheels by John Lennon features a CP, and it was featured heavily in Keene’s music. I love the sound personally, although having played one, they are a bit different to a Rhodes, which I used to own.

[@tobybaker5187]

like comparing an apple to an orange. What's the point?

[@edsknife]

The Rhodes is just so dark, and tines make it sound like a toy piano. The CP having strings makes it sound so adult. I only imagine ever using the Rhodes for kids' music.

[@studioespinoza]

CHARLY DESCUBRE EL CP 70 "Descubrí que el piano Fender no me tiene paciencia. Aparte no es un instrumento que particularmente me guste mucho, porque no puedo tocar fuerte. Es diferente tocar el piano fender y el común, porque en el piano común los acordes siempre son más claros, o sea podés tocar más fuerte con más dedos; en el Fender tenés que hacer otras inversiones, otros modos...porque si no sale un sonido que no se entiende nada. Es problemático que entre, por ejemplo un acorde con cinco dedos abajo...además nunca suena como en los discos, es un instrumento muy dificil para amplificar, necesita muchos ecualizadores, por lo menos para conseguir un sonido que a mi me guste. No me gusta un sonido "piano- Fender-de-acompañamiento", que haga la armonía y nada más, el bajo, la base, la guitarra la melodia, y la bateria el ritmo. No tiene polenta. Es una onda más sensual. ¿Cómo solucionaste este problema? Comprándome un Yamaha CP 70, que es el instrumento que más me gustó de todo lo que vi. ¿Es acústico, en realidad, no? -Claro, tiene el arpa de un piano. Lo podés usar en vivo, en grabaciones, le ponés un delay y suena casi igual que un piano común. Lo que ocurre es que tiene dos cuerdas por nota en lugar de tres como el piano común, pero de todos modos es impresionante. ¿Tiene algún problema aunque sea pequeño? -Bueno, si, por ejemplo en los graves no define bien la nota. Es muy dificil de afinar, pero en compensación, lo podés utilizar en todos lados. ¿Cuándo lo compraste? Cuando dimos el primer concierto de Seru Girán. Yo sabía que Lito (MIA) tenía uno, y se lo quise alquilar, y él lo estaba pagando y no tenía seguro, entonces fue con algunos pagarés que me lo pude comprar. En aquella epoca estaba a unos 600 palos. -¿No tiene problema de amplificación?. -Ninguno. Lo podés enchufar en un grabador, en un PA, en una Spica. Además tiene salida para plus, para un equipo,... Yo lo uso con un grabador. De noche, me pongo a tocar, le coloco una fichita y sale como si fuera un piano en un grabador: ¡Perfecto! Para grabar, tiene una salida de baja balanceada, no hay zumbidos, nada. La parte eléctrica es bárbara." Revista "Expreso Imaginario" Nro 46 Mayo 1980

[@scottptolomey3498]

Ridiculous comparison two totally different instruments different engineering different sound entirely nothing symbolises the Rhodes with the CP-70 Closer comparison would be the Wurlitzer

[@TheOrganist007]

two totally different instruments. rhodes an instrument on its own, cp 70 trying to sound like a piano i own a rhodes from 75. mark 1.

[@tomas60]

Yamaha CP70 always sounded very bad,ugly for me. Fender Rhodes and Wurlitzer sound realy good.

[@goodman1127]

Rhodes for black music, CP70 for white music

[@robingoergner725]

???

[@FC-xc3zy]

.??

[@SturmanTich]

!! Wirtlutzer 200!!