Yamaha CP73 VS Korg SV2 - 73 Stage piano Comparison

Justin Takes a look at the differences between the Yamaha CP73 Stage Piano and the Korg SV2-73 Stage Piano. We are looking at the sound, functionality, Versatility and overall quality.
Which one do you think is better? Let us know in the comments.
All audio was recorded at the same volume with no effects or volume boosts added in post production, what you are hearing is a direct line from the pianos.
Yamaha CP73 Portable Stage Piano - £1299
www.achamilton.co.uk/Yamaha/P...
Korg SV-2S 73 Stage Piano - White With Speakers - £1499
www.achamilton.co.uk/Korg/Pia...

[@ricseehu]

The winner is the Korg for me.

[@ricochetblankenship7009]

Having used Korg and Yamaha keyboards live ( both excellent brands ) I generally get more compliments on Korg plus I think it actually has more “ presence “ meaning the ability to provide sonic distinction and separation. On the other hand I like the Yamaha action better.

[@stevec.1802]

I find the CP73 to be just a bit thin in the eq section but not too much compared to SV2. It appears Yamaha leans toward just a thinner eq in some patch’s. Possibly the eq section in the SV2 could also be adjusted similar to the CP73 if desired. Both boards sound great. I’d favor the SV2 having played the SV1 years ago. Nice demo and presentation.

[@SLHkeyboards]

While it's true that you have to use the editor to create splits and layers on the SV2 instead of being able to do it from the front panel as on the Yamaha, the flip side of that is the Yamaha only lets you choose from a library of about 100 sounds (whether alone or split/layered), while the Korg lets you choose from a library of about 400 sounds once you connect the editor. So rather than giving either a clear advantage, I think it's more that there are different trade-offs in their approaches.

[@adsodemelk26]

Hi Justin, thank you for this video. I love your music demo choice like "Piano Man" ;-) (remember Madonna too on your Nord Electro 6HP demo video). For now between those 2 stage piano, I prefer the Korg SV-2 (Seen from south of France).

[@Fruitbat-tb3lg]

I think that the Yamaha has been designed more towards the stage piano market for players in bands. The Korg may appear more ‘full’ sounding, yet those sounds will conflict in a mix with other sounds, where as the Yamaha sounds are all aimed at ‘cutting’ through the mix. It’s difficult when us home music makers buy such tools, as we often fall into the more ‘full’ sounding trap. Now for the home pianist, there may be better options than both of these. For the home ‘music maker’, a more rounded ‘workstation’, such as the Fantom may be better. I think the Korg come into its own for those that want a super desirable home keyboard with the wonderful looking S for speaker model!

[@duketranslucent3rd]

Definitely props to Korg for giving us speakers (though it has some rather annoying shortcomings e.g. inability to control layers/splits direct from the instrument). Fantom is amazing but it's the best part of £4,000 so probably not a fair comparison or a viable alternative if you're looking at one of these.

[@metalplatedfacejob]

The Korg can do the tacky forward sound it just starts from a more vibey mellow place. The korg is not a problem in the mix with other instrument , it is a slight amount of distortion combined with eq and compression that it. No big secret. The Yamaha on the other hand sets this up already for the user which is great if you don't know how to get those sounds on your own. It is pain to get rid of that sound though when you dont need it. It is better to start from the less processed sound that the other way around.

[@delvallo9652]

Any of this can be solved with proper EQ. The Korg sounds warmer and fuller, whereas the Yamaha IMO sounds a bit thin as others have mentioned. You can cut some of the low Frequencies on the Korg and it will be perfectly fine in a band setting, plus it sounds amazing by itself with no EQ

[@Magmarmusic]

Very helpful! Thanks :-)

[@sandscribbler]

Great, honest review of two really nice keyboards! Thank you!

[@stefansegi2540]

Korg definitely has more presence and better sound overall. BUT! For stage use the Pitch and Mod Wheel can be very important. That plus less weight and flat top made me choose Yamaha.

[@pasjazz]

nice video! i've a question for you: the equalizer is of on both or only in the cp 73? thanks!

[@DanielGutierrezMix]

If the Korg's EQ is the one in the left it looks like there is *Boost in Low End, Mid Frec, and Center in the High Frec, right? while Yamaha is OFF.

[@DanielGutierrezMix]

if the Korg's EQ is the one in the left it looks like there is *Boost in Low End, Mid Frec, and Center in the High Frec, right? while Yamaha is OFF. ** I tested the same EQ setting in my Yamaha with the 1st piano preset and sound as big and warm as the Korg, and I will say a pretty good keybed (but I tested the CP88 Keys).

[@stefanogreco6356]

Hello, tankk you for the test. May you say something about the action, the keybed of both ?

[@achamilton]

The key touch is a very personal thing. Both are excellent key actions with the CP73 using the balanced hammer action taken direct from the Montage 8 and the Korg SV uses the Japanese designed RH3 derived from the flagship KRONOS. Everyone has their own individual preference so you are best trying them to figure out whats best for you.

[@yentlbigband1047]

I doubt the audio output settings on the CP73 are correct in this video. I love Yamaha because of the piano sounds but that doesn’t show in this vid, hard to believe what I hear…

[@DanielGutierrezMix]

f the Korg's EQ is the one in the left it looks like there is *Boost in Low End, Mid Frec, and Center in the High Frec, right? while Yamaha is OFF.

[@Zoco101]

The Korg's action is graded. Does it matter? Yes, for me it does. Both instruments sound great on gigs. I would not get the speakers on the Korg. They add a little weight and a lot more price. Without speakers the Korg is cheaper than the Yamaha. The Yamaha build looks very good to me, and the Yamaha is less bulky.

[@markcook5044]

Korg sounds awesome 👌🏽

[@user-qj8cg1bf5u]

Korg is always my favourite but I love Yamaha ❤....

[@Fahmbo]

Its not even close. Wow.

[@Elazarko]

Is there a difference in the action between the SV2 73 and 88? I know the Yamaha CP does and the 88 has a much better weighted action.

[@jonasandersson2609]

No, both uses the same Korg RH3 action.

[@VidarW]

I have a SV2 and honestly,I cannot find MY accoustic pianosound,even when I browse the editor with loads of sounds. Im a sucker for a crispy,punchy and tacky «Elton John sound» and its not here,even if you can layer 3 pianos and add fx on it. But the Rhodes and wurlitzers,organs and strings are awesome. The majestic church organs are awesome but when you play fast passages,the sound clips and cannot follow. Even the classic guitar here are really good. But Im going for a yamaha next time. But awesome instrument indeed

[@christoph8605]

Exactly the same for me. Piano sounds are not very good for me. I have the Korg SV2. I've heard the Nashville piano in the CP73 and I think it's great piano for many uses. I would love to have the equivalent on the Korg. I often have problems with the sound of the piano (Japanese is the best imho) especially when I use the speakers because the sound is too short... Like a noise gate is acting. Rhodes and Wurli are better than piano. It's a shame that pianos are not as good. The action on the Korg is quite good.

[@DanielGutierrezMix]

if the Korg's EQ is the one in the left it looks like there is *Boost in Low End, Mid Frec, and Center in the High Frec, right? while Yamaha is OFF.@@christoph8605

[@JosephCsikos]

Korg is the best!

[@domi1748]

KORG SV2

[@pawelsz95]

Imperial Grand in CP73 should be compared to Austrian Grand in SV-2S 73, not German.

[@DanielGutierrezMix]

if the Korg's EQ is the one in the left it looks like there is *Boost in Low End, Mid Frec, and Center in the High Frec, right? while Yamaha is OFF.

[@pawelsz95]

@@DanielGutierrezMix EQ settings are programmed in factory presets in Korg individually for each preset sound. I think in Yamaha it's kind of separate setting and set flat by default for all voices.

[@wibblewabblewoo6249]

I can’t afford a Fender Rhodes or a Nord… if I want that Rhodes sound, I guess the Korg is best?

[@metalplatedfacejob]

For the price yes, you guessed correct.

[@delvallo9652]

Nord is overrated

[@wibblewabblewoo6249]

I now have a refurbished Korg SV2S-88… love the Rhodes sounds it’s an awesome thing!

[@brandonlovestech454]

Korg

[@ryanrice]

First, thank you for making this video, I've been wondering what a side by side comparison of these two pianos would sound like. Second, having heard both of them, I think the Korg blows the CP73 out of the water, and it's not even close. Yes, the Korg is heavier but you get more realistic piano action. A common negative aspect I've seen about the CP73 is that it feels like Yamaha sort of threw the CP model together to compete with the other Stage Pianos out there, but the Korg sounds more full overall. Lastly, the organ patches/tone on the Yamaha are a JOKE. They sound awful compared to the Korg. Just my two cents.

[@DanielGutierrezMix]

if the Korg's EQ is the one in the left it looks like there is *Boost in Low End, Mid Frec, and Center in the High Frec, right? while Yamaha is OFF.

[@PedroSalesJrAP]

IMHO, Korg SV2 has warmer sounds than Yamaha YC

[@DanielGutierrezMix]

if the Korg's EQ is the one in the left it looks like there is *Boost in Low End, Mid Frec, and Center in the High Frec, right? while Yamaha is OFF.

[@jeffreyreid6981]

Remember he’s comparing what he thinks is the best piano sound the imperial is not the best piano sound the C7 has it been a piano sound the 700 Better piano sound

[@Cesarsound1]

The Yamaha cuts more.

[@heinznicemanaustria574]

Korg sounds great......

[@Delightmusicband]

Korg especially making sounds louder?? Yamaha sounds in mono effects ))))) That’s why Yamaha sounds likes plastic thing... That’s not real true It’s not correct video , to my mind! All the best

[@christoph8605]

I have exactly the same opinion despite the fact that I have the Korg SV2

[@DanielGutierrezMix]

if the Korg's EQ is the one in the left it looks like there is *Boost in Low End, Mid Frec, and Center in the High Frec, right? while Yamaha is OFF.

[@jeffreyreid6981]

Remember he’s comparing what he thinks is the best piano sound the imperials Not the best piano sound to C7 in ways that

[@mymymymy6]

Korg is much richer sounding than the yamaha

[@DanielGutierrezMix]

if the Korg's EQ is the one in the left it looks like there is *Boost in Low End, Mid Frec, and Center in the High Frec, right? while Yamaha is OFF.

[@Fahmbo]

Yamaha sounds lile midi

[@DanielGutierrezMix]

if the Korg's EQ is the one in the left it looks like there is *Boost in Low End, Mid Frec, and Center in the High Frec, right? while Yamaha is OFF.

[@powerloader7]

Korg is so much better. I'm shocked.

[@DanielGutierrezMix]

if the Korg's EQ is the one in the left it looks like there is *Boost in Low End, Mid Frec, and Center in the High Frec, right? while Yamaha is OFF.