Yamaha CP4 Stage 88-note Wooden Key Stage Piano Demo - Sweetwater Sound

[@stratiastratiev]

Guys, I am a classical pianist and i am so very impressed of this piano even though i would be happier if the keys were a bit heavier. They are also kinda flat in order you to be able to play fast easier. Anyway it's amazing and I am really satisfied with it. I bought it just a week ago after a long long research and testing so may different pianos. In terms of dynamic and response this piano is simply amazing. Using headphones i can't believe this sound is not coming from a grand piano. Tone is rich and beautiful. Another very good thing about it - it's that's only 17kg. The reason i went for CP4!? For last 2 months i bought two Roland pianos (FP90 and Juno 88) and both of them had manufacturer defects so i had to return them. Anyway I still wanted to give a chance to Roland as I really love the sound and touch and was ready to get a 3th one. I went to a store, they opened the box of a brand new one in front of me. I started testing key by key and guess what..... a key in the low register was responding 3 times louder (no joke) than others doesn't matter how lightly you press it. So I fed up with Roland. I also tried RD2000 and was amazed of the sound. It's impressive how a digital piano can sound so brilliant just like a grand piano. Also very rich tone and sensitive response. Somehow i was not happy with the touch even though many pianists share great opinions about that. Ok, i know i am too picky when it comes to pianos. Then i bought Nord Stage 3 as i red good reviews. Also considering the price i was expecting something good. My mistake was i ordered it without never tried it. This piano is a joke, it's like a toy as the only and most important thing to me is the feel and response. The sound is flat and it's not possible to get a good voicing and fine dynamical phrasing. It just doesn't perform your musical intentions. Forget about Chopin, Liszt, Rachmaninov etc. playing on this piano. Classical pianists know what I mean. Also it was out of tune in the lowest register which is unacceptable. Sorry Nord lovers! I had it for 2 weeks and I sold it. Then i red good reviews about Korg Grandstage 88. I was like i will not order it before i try it:) So i did. The touch to me was just bad. In terms of dynamic - lacking sensitiveness. Another very annoying thing - you can see between keys those metal parts under them LOL After all this experience I decided to try CP4. I cannot believe i found a piano which satisfies me in what i was looking for. You can just paint your musical thoughts on this piano playing Chopin for example. And if you have a good loudspeakers it's dope! It deserves every single penny. That's my experience and personal opinion. Cheers:)

[@seulgi4655]

StratiaOfficial in 10 years this comment will have 100k likes rn its at 16

[@fmurtadho]

Thankyou very much for sharing

[@stratiastratiev]

Faishal Murtadho cheers :)

[@jamesyoungmusic]

@StratiaOfficial Did you try the CP88?

[@stratiastratiev]

@@jamesyoungmusic No, i didn't. CP88 came out 2019 and my moment with choosing a model was in 2018:)

[@tallbrun]

This guy is golden.

[@Lugo815]

Funny you said that because that's exactly the word I thought of to describe this gentleman. He is an exceptional musician with an evident vast knowledge of the yamaha instruments. He is a diamond for yamaha and I hope they know that too. I am not certain but I think I may have met him back in the early 1990's at Sam Ash Music store NYC. keep up the good work Sir.

[@smcdds215]

Say what you want about "plastic sounds." Say what you want about the string resonance of the Roland RD 800. Unless you have physically played this instrument, through proper stereo amplification, you cannot judge it. The speed and response of the keys, the performance-friendly interface, the exceptional sounds... the CP4 is an amazing stage piano. I have gigged with a variety of stage pianos over the years, most recently with the Korg SV-1. The CP-4 is by far the my favorite. There are so many great instruments out there... Yamaha, Nord, Alesis, Korg, Roland, Kurzweil, Casio, etc... but the CP4's fair price, combined with its light weight, intuitive interface, exceptional sounds and amazingly fast, graded hammer action make it a winner.

[@JuzzlinOSS]

I agree. The CP4 is really an awesome instrument. The things that matters to me are great hammer action, light weight, intuitive UI and great sounds (also other than just piano).

[@c.s.christopher5801]

I played this along with Roland RD-700NX and RD-800 (and a few others) at a local shop, and I have to say the Rolands beat it handily both in terms sound, build quality and touch (Granted, I only focused on acoustic piano sound). The only plus for the CP4 I could find is if you're on the go a lot and need something light to carry around.

[@markfowlermusic]

string resonance is something you wont even notice so why include it anyway...most of time you use sustain pedal and then you have sustain damper resonance which overrides string resonance anyway, string resonance is a pointless attribute in a DP, it is only put into a piano sample because it sounds good on the marketing side of things, its an added aspect to the overall piano sample.

[@tonytouchzz]

+C. S. Christopher eh,.. Some people say they prefer grocery store wines to big vinery house wines too...

[@chordcaster]

I really didn't feel like logging in to KZbin, but I just had to, in order to give a like to this gentleman's excellent presentation. The keyboard is great, and he showed it in the best light.

[@fUjiMaNia]

Wow this is one of the best Stage Piano's i've heard. I've played both the CP1 and CP5 but this thing is a beast.

[@Rajivrocks-Ltd.]

Man I really like this dude, he is very knowledgeable and passionate.

[@PianoManChuck]

Very impressive piano + wooden keys! This guy does a great presentation too!

[@daveferris2709]

Still sounds great 8 years later. CP/YC 88 are very nice but not as warm or organic sounding a CFX sample. Yes time marches on but it is a statement on music in general and how everything is brighter, more aggressive and in your face sounding.

[@jmonk1590]

Love the piano sounds, especially the S6.

[@skrie]

I had never heard of this piano till I played it today in a shop. I went home € 2000,- lighter. Such a fantastic instrument.

[@MsrAlaindeFerrier]

hi everyone After endless searching and many many disappointments I have finally found the piano sound and feel of the most superb kerbed action in the Yamaha Cp4 Obviously one has to play on it to fully appreciate it's dynamic stunning spellbinding tone and truly exceptional action I'm concert level and was sick of the lack of this and that and all the hype of various bigged up stage and digital pianos This however is the complete package Top tip spend as much as you can on nearfield monitors to get the best out of the Cp4 The CFX is the king for me and everything Rachmanninov sounds phenomenal with the tone and absolutely easy as pie action of the Cp4 10/10 Yamaha you've nailed it at last

[@LearnColorPiano]

Great sound. Phil really makes it sound even better.

[@MotownRockinroller]

Arguably the best "stage piano" out there, especially at $1800 USD which you can find for a B-stock, shipped. As long as your expectations are limited to having the best "real" piano re-creation--tone and touch--for stage or studio and you are not much into creating zones, getting "inside" the keyboard to tweak sounds, effects, touch, etc,, and are agile enough to consider nearly 40 lbs of weight to haul around, this might be your best option at this time. This model would also make for the ideal insertion into a real grand piano shell--to add the aesthetics of having a real grand piano on stage without the negative issues associated with acoustic pianos.

[@thebrokenvinyl]

Hi, anybody knows if CP4 has overdub recording? like looping, or recording a melodic line over another melodic line previously recorded on it by playing along?

[@FlashRedGo]

This is a great history lesson as well as a great video!

[@vinceturner3940]

I just watch the video of Phil clendeninn and I was oppressed what I saw and this cp4 stage piano. But I really appreciated watching this video of the cp4 stage piano. And I really appreciated buying this cp4 stage piano.

[@JohnBarrylizard]

Sounds amazing. Wish I could afford one.

[@jamesmctier1891]

Our church just ordered this to replace our old yamaha keyboard. The touch sensor on the old one is messed up but the Yamaha cp4 sound amazing and i know wont have that issue

[@markgabriel5797]

I have no idea how I even would up at this video....im sure it was some sort of Steve Porcaro/David Paich connection.....but I digress, this guy is crazy smooth! What a great video.

[@fastlanephil2]

This looks and sounds like a great upgrade from my Yamaha P-140. I've been looking at the Kawai stage pianos also. A nice thing about the Yamaha is the availablility of local sales a service.But it really comes down to the feel of the keyboard and the piano sound and the hardware features. You can always get that "special sound" with a hard or soft synth.

[@ernietempest6740]

This board is amazing and the player is aswell.

[@garychap8384]

I bought this over the Roland FP80 that I had _thought_ I wanted. Just five minutes on both convinced me that I actually didn't want the FP80 that I'd been lusting after for half a year., The FP80 looks better, but the CP4 stands head and shoulders above the roland for sound... just so much richer and more complex. Both actions are incredible, but the CP4 just kept beating the roland on voice after voice. For the tiny price difference it was a no-brainer. Both great stage pianos but I strongly suggest comparing both in-store before you commit and let your ears do the buying : )

[@tedcapellos3676]

i couldn't be happier with my CP4 . Paired up with two Yahama HS7s .. perfection .

[@chrisna7418]

ted capellos, Some say the CP4's weighted keys play too heavy. What's your say on this?

[@j.p.retnugh3924]

Wow, what a fantastic demo this has been. Thank you and I hope that you will do more presentations cause you do it really well.

[@JudeJaded15]

I don't work for Yamaha, I just know logically that the manufacturer who gets BOTH the most ridiculous &unfair critiques online and has good sales, is generally the best, and that is Yamaha. You have to play and live w/this instrument a while to know its better than Roland's RD800. Forget the spec sheet comparisons and looking for something 'new', because they are largely gimmicks. I'd give Kawai a try as an alternative, if you don't like the 'Yamaha sound'. Korg &Kurzweil still don't know how to build pianos structurally (neither does Roland), and while Casio does have a fine sub-$1000 niche, it doesn't compare w/this board (obviously). Nords are built like a tank and sound gr8 and are a good alternative too, but still have less than realistic piano action. Just tired of disingenuous or generally misinformed folks bashing quality instruments from Yamaha.

[@richardstevens8839]

I think the Roland V Piano is an impressive piece of work, expensive though. I think in the sub 2000 category this has everyone beat, not sure if the Piano sounds are better than Kawai's but EP's and strings and synthesis Yamaha does better

[@pauldominic2150]

Excellent overall review of this keyboard. Thanks.

[@MartinCliffe]

This sounds really good. I'm not even much of a pianist, but I want one of these!

[@flywright1063]

Pretty sure I'm going to buy this piano. I was leaning towards the Nord Piano 2 and the Roland 800 but this instrument with it's wood key action and authentic Yamaha grands tells me that this piano is meant for serious players. I like the fact that it does more with less and that the interface is incredibly simplistic--i don't need gimmicks I just need a keyboard that plays and sounds like a grand. I used to be into the string resonance, pedal sounds, and harmonics of the Nord, but an audience won't be listening for it, in a performance you won't be thinking about it, and if it means that much for you in a recording--you should be recording with a real piano anyway.

[@therealborischang]

Good on you man. I need gimmicks. Wish I was a Rachmaninov but I’m not. Speaking of what audiences want: for a classical recital you wouldn’t dare not use a real concert grand. On the other hand, if you’re playing rock/blues/jazz/whatever in a combo at an establishment where alcohol flows freely, the audience probably cares more about being wowed not only by virtuosity playing, but also by a wall of exciting sonic textures that blows their socks off. To each, his own. Peace.

[@thehoodedclaw60]

Cracking demo! I'm going to buy one.

[@giquo]

5:50 "begin to talk about pianos is like to talk about wines" you got me there

[@lucieniimoolenaar6476]

A fantastic instrument! An equally fantastic presentation. Great narrative matched by good photo of the instrument. Beyond my $$, but good to look at! Thanks

[@youtrend]

Good Demo Man! i've buyed it after watch your demo, thanks! Bruno

[@Nayansinghmusic]

Price ??

[@DarylWiseJr]

Phil is back!!

[@grahamcmusic]

Great piano . . . must be one of the best if not the best

[@alviszhao]

What is the music he played in the beginning of this video? Really beautiful!

[@girlmusician24]

Alvis Zhao it’s jazz.

[@ausmac]

Thanks for a great overview!

[@kaufmann6988]

Nice, but how long does the nice texture on the keys last ? It took me 3 months to wear off the texture on my Yamaha CP5. Same on the Roland and Korg pianos I had before. Why doesn't Yamaha use the same keys as on the C3 grand pianos ?

[@letzfetz1052]

Hey is it possible to play mp3 files.? Im learning jazz and i want to play the backing tracks from the aebersold series. It always say illegal format. I converted it from mp3 wav too but still the same

[@LeandroSnm]

Liked all your videos.

[@JCox964]

This is a favorite. Gotta have it.

[@rodolfolarrea8493]

Great review

[@benjaminsmith2287]

Another fine presentation by Phil. Is the only difference between NW-GH and NWX is the latter has escapement? Does the CP4 have string resonance as an effect? Can a soft pedal or 3 pedals be utilized? Does the CP4 and the Clavinova 635 share the same type of CFX engine, or is it different? I understand the Clav has Binaural sampling and other Clavinova features and the Bosendorfer sound, but does it the same beyond that? About the sound, I'm not sure how much the CP4 uses SCM in the acoustic sound vs. samples. It sounds like it may use both? Does the Clav have more dynamics than the CP4, or is it the same? Dynamics are crucial for the avant-garde music I play. Is the CP4 much more adjustable than the Clav in their hidden adjustments and piano room? I like the adjustability of piano sounds of the CP4, the light weight, that it has the CFX, CFIII and the s-grand piano. But, I would only move it to do workshops, for now I use a P70 and can hook that up to software and a laptop if need be. I like many features of the Clav but it is not portable and more like a traditional spinet. I like the VRM, stereophonic effects, escapement, the idea of the Bosendorfer sample (although the actual sample could be better), but it seems less adjustable in customizing piano sounds. And to get VRM, it's the CLP635 and up, which is $700 more than the CP4 (although the CP4 needs speakers, so that adds to its cost a few hundred dollars depending on the quality of speakers desired/needed).

[@ernietempest6740]

Beautiful sound same as Yamaha s70/90 sx piano.

[@jimi18032]

Great demo. I want one! :-)

[@arnobertogna4718]

What speakers or amplifier are you using for this demo?

[@paulanderson79]

I think you'll find the piano is straight into the desk.

[@Darrin.Crawford]

CP4 owners, I am curious if anyone notices any noise or buzzing sound coming from that plastic portion above (or behind) LCD screen and main switches when you hit the piano keys?? I remember when I had this while waiting for my Nord 4 to arrive and it drove me up the wall.....was just wondering if it was a fluke with the one I had or it happens to anyone else? Thanks in advance.

[@JCox964]

Gotta have a CP4

[@trailrunnerxy]

Nice Video... I like this guy!! Awesome!!

[@Karolek2509]

Tell me guys, what speakers buy to this piano ? I desire clear and bright sound

[@sweetwater]

Hi Karol Martyński! Here are some great options: www.sweetwater.com/c525--Keyboard_Amplifiers. Let us know if you have any questions!

[@jhobart2008]

SweetwaterSound Karol, I bought a Center Point Stereo Spacestation V.3 for my Hammond Sk1. It's a true stereo amp and I get nothing but complements about it. John

[@ScareMouth]

What do you think about using Mackie SRM450 or Thump 15?

[@jhobart2008]

Haven't given any thought to them.

[@ScareMouth]

Sorry John, the question was meant to Sweetwater. My fault!

[@kenshintakahashi]

So does the CP4 or the CP40 come with built in speakers? Or do you have to buy separate speakers for them?

[@MrPianodueler1]

I have two CP 300s. I have played them for 5 years. I ordered a CP 4, and put both instruments through my KRK monitors and my Yamaha AWG 16 in my home studio. I gave it 3 days of comparison. I was bitterly disappointed in both the action and the sound of the CP 4. I am 65 years of age, so a stage piano that was at least as good as my CP 300 but 40% of the weight would have been a welcome addition. I packaged up the CP 4 and returned it. As far as I am concerned, this is an epic fail. Yamaha does not do this very often, but in this case, I am glad I did not sell my CP 300s before I investigated the CP 4 completely. Sorry, but this instrument just is not up to snuff.

[@synthartist69]

I agree with what you just said! I had a CP300, P250 and P155. I was very disappointed in the CP4... the piano sounds like it is over sampled or something.... and I am not talking effects, even with the effects off. It is very hard to find a sweet spot when using the EQ. Yes, through headphones it sounds pretty good but when you run it through anything else, no matter what the system it sounds blah. I sold mine after a few months. I should have kept the cp300 except for the fact that it's too big to haul around....

[@synthartist69]

Oh, and I did not like the feel of the keys at all compared to the P155, Cp300. To me they are way too springy...

[@tonytouchzz]

I been playing piano for 85 years and this cp4 is the best i ever tryed. Get rekt son

[@jonhwilker2137]

muito bom esse teclado

[@ScareMouth]

Sweetwater: What do you think about using Mackie SRM450 or Thump 15 on digital pianos?

[@keymusickey5754]

I have a question anyone know if you can get samples to the Yamaha cp4 stage

[@DaveMorgan]

Which powered studio monitors would you recommend to go with this keyboard?

[@rcarrillo7]

+Dave Morgan Yamaha HS5

[@DaveMorgan]

***** Thanks. What about the HS8?

[@rcarrillo7]

I have those too. They're much better because they give you a clearer sound with more bass, however they are huge and impractical to lug around with you. Plus, the HS5s have enough frequency range to cover your piano sounds. The 8s will be overkill, even though they're amazing.

[@marike1100]

What is the name of the song at 2:18? Phil always plays it in these demos and it sure is pretty.

[@EzraBufford]

Nice!

[@roberthurless4615]

It would very very helpful if Phil, or whoever is demonstrating, would play a few bars of some well known songs from the era the particular sound is taken from. For example, when he mentioned the Rhodes was on many songs from the 60's and 70's, why not play a bit of "Fifty Ways To Leave Your Lover", or the opening of "Minute By Minute". And why not just say Rhodes instead of time. We all know they are called Rhodes pianos, not tine. Still a good demo. Phil always does excellent demos.

[@ThiagoSecundo]

The first improvisation reminds me a reign of kindo song

[@KosmasLapatas]

studio logic numa concert nails it anytime

[@fredmanteghian5913]

"When they call the song in Q flat" LOL!!

[@NURREDIN]

The question you people should be asking is can your audience tell the difference in a live performance? Can the people you play for tell the difference between this and a Fazioli? I know the drunks in Vegas can't.You guys are overthinking this.f you actually gig for a living,light weight is a Godsend.

[@TheReagorBrothers]

NURREDIN I think most of know that the drunks dont know the difference, but I for one will lug the heaviest drum set there is if it sounds the best. Musicians buy good gear for themselves because of the feel and sound. Not for the drunks. That’s my thought on it.

[@wiggygfe]

Are these sounds mostly taken from the Motif ? Or are they new

[@johncutright222]

MyBrother, you just sold me one!

[@ElektronicCricket]

For me ... the pianosound works great in a band ensemble ! ... Even a P95 sounds better vs KORG Sv1. It is about quality of the samples and soundoutput. For piano= Yamaha .... Rhodes= Korg Sv1 ( not bad on Cp4 ... But i have to feel it, play a Cp4 first)

[@musicman34170]

what are the best monitors for the cp4 piano?thanks!

[@musicman34170]

thank you very much!!

[@alviszhao]

I wonder what is this music he played? and what is this type of music called? I have only practiced classical music but I am really eager to try this type of music.

[@lorenzot7274]

Alvis Zhao mostly jazz and swing

[@seymour5575]

can you hook up a ipod and play along with the songs.

[@AndreiGavrilMH]

what`s the name of the first song "?

[@brianclemensmusic]

Does anyone know if it has seamless sound switching?

[@sweetwater]

Hello! The Yamaha CP4 is now discontinued, but its replacement, the CP88 and CP76, both feature seamless sound switching. If you'd like to go into more detail, please call my number below. Thanks for your interest! Nick LaMendola, Sweetwater Sales Engineer, [phone] ext. 1660, [e-mail]

[@nezkeys79]

What is tye best way to stereo amplify this then? As the guy says sound is key so whats the best speakers so everytime i turn it on im not disappointed

[@sweetwater]

Hello, nezkeys79! If you're playing at home, studio monitors are actually a really nice choice to have for full range. I find a 6.5" monitor to be about perfect for digital pianos. Thanks for the interest! Aaron Swaidner, Sweetwater Sales Engineer, [phone] ext. 1632, [e-mail]

[@nezkeys79]

@@sweetwater i want stereo sound do i need two monitors at ear height on either side of me?

[@nezkeys79]

@@sweetwater i already have a roland kc350 keyboard amp and a big qtx monitor. Neither sound great

[@sweetwater]

​@@nezkeys79 Hello again! That's a great idea. Something like the JBL 306Ps at ear level would be perfect for you. Aaron Swaidner, Sweetwater Sales Engineer, [phone] ext. 1632, [e-mail]

[@nezkeys79]

@@sweetwater not the yamaha HS8 or HS80M studio monitors? Ive been doing some research and see these recommended a lot despite not really understanding the reasons people were using to justify these claims. Except one where someone said they played an orchestral piece on the HS7s and then on the HS8s (both with eyes closed) and in the latter example they claimed they felt they were in a concert hall 😂 How do those JBLs compare to the QTX and roland kc300 keyboard amp i have?

[@zip7806]

Does it have the Yamaha CP-70 voice option.

[@manticore101]

Yes, and on this board they sound great

[@royaryana6017]

Yamaha P 105 digital piano mantap ......

[@peterremke]

The electric pianos sounds sound strong

[@Vin4227]

Good review...does the weight of this the same 38 pounds?

[@sweetwater]

Thanks for watching - yes, the CP4 weighs in at about 38.5 lbs.

[@ThunderStudios007]

Video End at 0:50 seconds

[@brianbernstein3826]

am I the only person who prefers the P255 action? I know the CP4 has real wooden keys but they feel kind of flimsy to me... it's harder for me to control them with precision in classical pieces. thing is, I'd much rather buy a CP4 because the piano sound is better, and I love the electric pianos, synth leads, etc, and the P255 only has a few basic sounds. every pianist I've ever met in my life prefers the CP4 and I just don't get it... the P255 just feels so much nicer to my hands...

[@coderedex]

try the cp40 has the same keys as the p255.

[@TheReagorBrothers]

Q flat! That’s a tough key to play in.

[@ahngarvin5211]

"If it don't fit, you must aquit."

[@66guidos]

Can this guy come to my house and read me a bedtime story?

[@3MEGALOVE]

😍😍😍😍

[@zip7806]

PSYCHO ACOUSTIC ACTION??????????? Do the Keys Vibrate?

[@goognamgoognw6637]

If name of the game is sound then why does it sound like an audio receiver that is playing a recorded sound for each note ? If that is the best of what yamaha can do in AP, it's not impressive.

[@RobertoGiovanniVilla]

It's OK not! to be normal!

[@Strandbuggyschaukler]

U rock man !!!! But PLEASE repair your glasses !!! :-)

[@ICKFEARLESS]

it cost 2300 dollars ouch.

[@Coowallsky]

So? That's not much for a quality stage piano

[@nocoat294]

Get the Casio PX-5S. it's about 1,000.00 USD. Yamaha is going go bankrupt if they don't lower their prices

[@Coowallsky]

Yeah...right. They've only been in the business since 1887.

[@jptaylor]

Yamaha going bankrupt. That’s the funniest thing I’ve read all day today. Not a chance, Bub. Probably the most successful keyboard maker ever, electronic AND acoustic. Not to mention EVERYTHING ELSE Yamaha makes.

[@goognamgoognw6637]

Sounds very digitalized. No string sympathetic resonance. Stage pianos is about making a real instrument not an audio receiver that plays recorded piano sound in a loop without resonnance like a real piano. If you look at real pianos Steinway and Son is >>>> than Yamaha. Roland RD-800 sound is from Steinway and has string resonance. Enough said.

[@VS-wf6vq]

1. It is Steinway and Sons. 2. Steinway is just one manufacturer. There are plenty of other manufacturers that make GREAT pianos. I myself prefer the sound and feel of Bosendorfer over Steinway. I have also played the Yamaha CFX that is mentioned in this video. It is a GREAT piano, comparable to Steinways and Bosendorfers. 3. Please do not post stupid comments if you haven't played real pianos.

[@michaeltarver5680]

if you can't play. it don't matter what you play on. a pro can make a toy sound great.

[@instrumentalistjade8367]

Thats your taste and i respect that.. im a former rd-800 user and a nord stage 2 user.. sold them both. And got the cp4... the keybed is my primary reason, it connects to my fingers.. the rd series and nords has advantages.. but that will depend to a person.. nothing is better, we all have different taste, feelings... the important is we must have a good heart and love each other.. and love your neighbors and enemies... Peace to everyone

[@jacobbrown1690]

Yamaha CP1 destroys it.....this is not the best yamaha stage piano