What type of key action does the Yamaha CP73 use?

The CP73 features a 73-key balanced action. This design is specifically engineered to provide a consistent feel across the keyboard, making it ideal for players who perform both acoustic and electric piano parts.

How many sound sections are available on the CP73?

The instrument is divided into three dedicated sections: Piano, Electric Piano, and Sub. Each section can be controlled independently for layering or splitting sounds across the keyboard.

Is the Yamaha CP73 suitable for touring?

Yes, it is built with an aluminium chassis designed to be lightweight yet tough enough for regular gigging. The intuitive front panel allows for fast adjustments in a live environment without needing to navigate complex menus.

Can I apply effects to specific sounds on the CP73?

Yes, each of the three sound sections (Piano, Electric Piano, and Sub) has its own dedicated effects. This allows you to add specific processing to one layer without affecting the others.

What is the typical price range for the Yamaha CP73?

The typical price for this model is approximately £1,672. Pricing may vary slightly depending on the retailer and current promotions.

How does the CP73 differ from the Yamaha YC88?

While both are professional stage instruments, the YC88 includes physical drawbars for organ performance. The CP73 is more focused on traditional piano and electric piano control with a balanced action rather than the YC88's 88-key weighted action.

Does the CP73 support splitting and layering?

Yes, the intuitive front panel is designed specifically to make splitting and layering sounds fast and easy. Users can combine sounds from the different sections to create complex textures during a performance.

What sounds are included in the Sub section?

The Sub section generally includes non-piano sounds such as pads, strings, and brass. These are intended to be layered with the primary piano or electric piano voices for a fuller sound.

How does the CP73 compare to the Nord Stage 4 88?

The CP73 offers a more compact 73-key form factor compared to the 88-key Nord Stage 4. While both are professional stage pianos with dedicated controls, the CP73 is often chosen for its specific balanced action and portability.

Is the chassis made of plastic or metal?

The Yamaha CP73 features a high-quality aluminium chassis. This provides a professional look and feel while ensuring the internal components are protected during transport.

What is the primary target audience for the Yamaha CP73?

It is designed for serious performers who require quick sound control and a gig-ready build. Its 73-key layout makes it particularly appealing to gigging musicians who need a compact yet professional instrument.

How does the CP73's interface work?

It uses a 'one-to-one' interface approach where almost every parameter has a dedicated button or knob. This eliminates the need for deep menu diving, making it very effective for real-time adjustments on stage.

Gear article

Yamaha CP73 Digital Stage Piano

The Yamaha CP73 is a professional digital stage piano featuring a 73-key balanced action and an intuitive one-to-one interface designed for live performance. Housed in a durable aluminium chassis, it integrates high-fidelity acoustic and electric piano samples with dedicated effects sections for real-time sound manipulation.

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Overview

The Yamaha CP73 is designed for the touring professional, offering a middle ground between portability and playability. Unlike full 88-key weighted keyboards, the CP73 utilises a 73-key 'E-to-E' layout with a balanced action. This specific keybed design is intended to feel familiar to players who frequently switch between acoustic pianos and vintage electric pianos. The instrument is built around a 'one-to-one' interface philosophy, ensuring that every primary function is accessible via dedicated physical controls rather than deep menu diving.

Construction and Design

To meet the demands of regular gigging, Yamaha has constructed the CP73 with a robust aluminium chassis. This choice of material provides structural rigidity while keeping the overall weight manageable for transport. The front panel is organised into three distinct sections: Piano, Electric Piano, and Sub. This layout allows for rapid splitting and layering of sounds, which is essential for complex live arrangements where a performer may need to transition between a grand piano and a synth pad instantly.

Sound Engine and Control

The CP73 includes a comprehensive library of premium acoustic grand pianos and uprights, alongside classic electric piano emulations. Each of the three sound sections features its own dedicated effects processing, allowing for precise tonal shaping.

Piano Section: High-resolution samples of world-class concert grands.
Electric Piano Section: Vintage tine and reed simulations with period-correct effects.
Sub Section: Provides access to pads, strings, and other utility sounds to round out a performance.

Market Positioning

The CP73 occupies a specific niche in the stage piano market, appealing to those who find 88-key instruments too cumbersome but require more professional features than entry-level stage pianos like the Gear4music SDP-2 or Korg D1. It competes directly with mid-to-high-tier keyboards such as the Nord Stage 4 88 and the Kawai MP7SE. While instruments like the Yamaha YC88 offer drawbars for organ-focused players, the CP73 remains focused on the core piano and electric piano experience.

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Frequently asked questions

What type of key action does the Yamaha CP73 use?: The CP73 features a 73-key balanced action. This design is specifically engineered to provide a consistent feel across the keyboard, making it ideal for players who perform both acoustic and electric piano parts.
How many sound sections are available on the CP73?: The instrument is divided into three dedicated sections: Piano, Electric Piano, and Sub. Each section can be controlled independently for layering or splitting sounds across the keyboard.
Is the Yamaha CP73 suitable for touring?: Yes, it is built with an aluminium chassis designed to be lightweight yet tough enough for regular gigging. The intuitive front panel allows for fast adjustments in a live environment without needing to navigate complex menus.
Can I apply effects to specific sounds on the CP73?: Yes, each of the three sound sections (Piano, Electric Piano, and Sub) has its own dedicated effects. This allows you to add specific processing to one layer without affecting the others.
What is the typical price range for the Yamaha CP73?: The typical price for this model is approximately £1,672. Pricing may vary slightly depending on the retailer and current promotions.
How does the CP73 differ from the Yamaha YC88?: While both are professional stage instruments, the YC88 includes physical drawbars for organ performance. The CP73 is more focused on traditional piano and electric piano control with a balanced action rather than the YC88's 88-key weighted action.
Does the CP73 support splitting and layering?: Yes, the intuitive front panel is designed specifically to make splitting and layering sounds fast and easy. Users can combine sounds from the different sections to create complex textures during a performance.
What sounds are included in the Sub section?: The Sub section generally includes non-piano sounds such as pads, strings, and brass. These are intended to be layered with the primary piano or electric piano voices for a fuller sound.
How does the CP73 compare to the Nord Stage 4 88?: The CP73 offers a more compact 73-key form factor compared to the 88-key Nord Stage 4. While both are professional stage pianos with dedicated controls, the CP73 is often chosen for its specific balanced action and portability.
Is the chassis made of plastic or metal?: The Yamaha CP73 features a high-quality aluminium chassis. This provides a professional look and feel while ensuring the internal components are protected during transport.
What is the primary target audience for the Yamaha CP73?: It is designed for serious performers who require quick sound control and a gig-ready build. Its 73-key layout makes it particularly appealing to gigging musicians who need a compact yet professional instrument.
How does the CP73's interface work?: It uses a 'one-to-one' interface approach where almost every parameter has a dedicated button or knob. This eliminates the need for deep menu diving, making it very effective for real-time adjustments on stage.