Roland V-Piano

Thanks Silverbeast for that! It seems that Yamaha really wants to compete with the V-piano by coming up with: 1. Modeling piano, 2. Wooden ivory-feel keys (short of escapement that's in the V-piano). However, sadly, as usual, Yamaha didn't think hard enough.

1. To be a "stage piano", one would need the bread-and-butter sounds. That means strings and pads, organs, and layering possibilities. The CP1 only has piano sounds it seems (SCM bank). V-piano has GM2 sound bank - so can play the full GM palette.

2. Why on earth would one want a pitch bend wheel on a keyboard with only piano and e-piano sounds??? The answer is that it's probably going to be used as a controller. If that's the case, why didn't they add the mod wheel as well like the CP300? Or do what Roland does - pitch bend/mod combined stick? But as it is, Yamaha doesn't do sticks usually anyway. So...they want it to be a "controller" but it functions as a half controller (I'm not sure if they can separate zones).

In other words, the CP1, like the V-piano, would best fit at home rather than the stage. But now that Yamaha had decided to take out the built-in speakers, it doesn't do well at home either without monitor speakers. We are again left with a keyboard hybrid that fits somewhere in between.

However, Yamaha being always known for the excellent touch, I would be really interested to try out the touch of the CP1. I'm sure it will be nothing less than revolutionary. The piano sounds - it remains to be tested to see what SCM does. The other exciting thing about it: they boast of a set of original DX sounds! Yummmm!

Quick! Somebody test it and write a proper review on another thread. Is it out in Singapore yet?
 
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A few minutes after I wrote that, I realised that the flagship is not CP1 but CP5. The CP5 has SCM and AWM2 sound banks - making it the true contender for the V-piano. 6 part multi-timbral with individual part volume control.

The problem - controls are all knobs and not faders. And it's still a pitch-bend wheel, although I'm sure they have smaller knobs for controlling the leslie rotation on their B3s. But those knobs look awfully small...

CP5_enlarged.jpg




MRSP for the CP5 is about $2600 USD. Not too bad.
 
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Sorry. I just had a look at their online brochure. It seems that the CP1, CP5 and the other new comer CP50 are targeting different users.

CP1 is focused on piano sounds. It has more pianos and the only model with the legendary DX7 sounds. It's seemed to be aimed at pianists and those focusing mainly on mechanical/electric pianos.

CP5 has less piano sounds but has AWM2. So it's more all rounded.

CP50 is like CP5 without the fancy wooden keys. For those who don't care too much about "wood" and "ivory" (ie not a purist), I believe this model may be the best model. I think the CP50 will sell pretty well.
 
Cheez, I think you can bear the title of RADM...Research And Development plus Marketing consultant :D

I somehow have a feeling the key touch would feel like the Clavinovas with wooden keys. They should've done away with the pitch bend for the CP1. It would've really looked hi-tech and classy, especially with the embossed logo and name (a first for any keyboard, I think)...resembles a Jaguar. On the other hand, it resembles the body style of the DGX-630 :D!...and the screen resembles that of the EX5 with colour concept looking like the Kawai K5000 series.

Anyway, I think many are looking forward to what surprises SCM technology brings. Let's wait...
 
I agree, the pitch bend wheel is totally redundant. It's no surprise with new keyboards coming up with modeling technology. Korg will follow suit if they want to stay in the race. With keyboard's limited RAM, the only way is to use modeling to compensate. However, I wonder why RAM is so limited. It's not expensive, so it must be something in the technology that's limiting the RAM usage. Anybody got any ideas? Why can't we upgrade keyboards RAM like how we upgrade a PC? The only problem I see is that if we rely on RAM, that means loading time which is not efficient for a keyboard when you want to switch sounds instantaneously. But with today's technology, why is it so difficult?
 
Yamaha CP1

Hi Guys

Seems that the CP-1 is the Flagshp model of the three CP series namely the CP-5 & CP-50.

Based on internet MSRP of US$5,999 for the CP-1, it is the most expensive of the three KB.

Yupp, the DX sounds delicious, check out youtube to listen for it. The S6 ballad sound is good too.

I would incline to go for the CP-5 for the added factory sounds, recordable and drum kits too.

I wonder if which model will be made in Japan??? Anyone knows or guess it?

I think the local singapore yamaha will introduce the CP-1 first shortly the rest of the two KB.

Im awaiting to try them too!
 
it's great to see many interesting posts,
yet to catch up with the new happenings lately.
 
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if anyone's got a V-Piano for rent or any other high end 88-key digital piano do drop me a PM. i'm looking to rent one for 5 days in March, will be used strictly for studio recording only.

if anyone has any other recommendations for a good digital piano for jazz/rnb recording do help me out and chime in as well...cheers!

cedric
 
For recording, go for softsamplers. You get the best results. E.g. Garritan Steinway is a very good piano sample.
 
i'm aware of the softsampler option but the project is a one-off live recording with an overseas client flying in for a short period. he's specifically requested the V-Piano.
 
Specifically requested for the V-piano??? I'm surprised he didn't request a real grand piano instead. Well, personal preferences I guess. Not sure who has got it. Not sure if Swee Lee will lend you one for a price - maybe a very high price...
 
Yamaha CP1

Ian, this is the lucious DX EP that I'd drool upon :D!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TzJu6holn-g&feature=player_embedded

Hey, I tried on the CP1 for two hrs and my conclusion is that the engine plateform is basically a motif back. The DX EP and Concert Pianos are great samplers, very strong sound and very realistic! I played mostly eastern & western ballads using the concert CF111s layered with DX7 and the much talk about S6 grand, the sounds were superb!

So at almost S$8K, I will not recommend anyone buy it just cos it is the best yamaha "Concert Piano" to date. I await to play the CP5 to confirm that the CP5 is a better compromise and better buy?
 
I'm actually a little disappointed with the DX7 sounds. Being a ROMpler, we can really edit the FM patch like we can on a synth or an actual DX7. And I'm particular about DX7 e-piano sounds. There's a certain tweak that I need to do to give me that "perfect tine piano" sound. We can't do that on the CP.

The piano is definitely the best from Yamaha to date. No doubt about that. That irritating "tinkling" sound in the higher registers (typical Yamaha piano sounds) are finally gone.
 
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