Take It To The Stage: Yamaha's CP Series Sets The Standard For Stage Pianos

Yamaha will introduce a completely redesigned lineup of CP Series Stage Pianos at Winter NAMM 2010, which let keyboard players fully express their passion for playing. Yamaha has a history of creating epoch-making stage pianos that have revolutionized the way professional keyboardists play, including the launch of the CP70 and CP80 in the 1970's, and the DX7 in the 1980's. With the new CP series, which includes the CP1, CP5 and CP50, Yamaha has again redefined the expectations of what the ultimate stage piano should be. "Our new Spectral Component Modeling process in the CP lineup reproduces the sound and expressiveness of acoustic and vintage electronic pianos better than any technology has ever done," said Athan Billias, Director of Marketing for Yamaha's Pro Audio and Combo Division. "For professional players on stage, the new CP series sets a new standard and we invite any one to compare these against any other stage piano on the market, regardless of price." Beneath the hood of the flagship CP1, which features new NW-STAGE weighted wooden keys, Spectral Component Modeling tone generation technology faithfully recreates the sounds and nuances of 17 Yamaha acoustic and vintage electronic pianos, including the CFIIIS, S6B, the CP80, Rd1, Rd II, Wr and the DX7. This new Spectrum Component Modeling system replicates the instrument's physical components for ultra-realistic tone generation, including the hardness of the hammers, resonance of the sound board and the striking position of the hammers. It also relies on granular parametric data that translates every nuance of the player's touch into an expressive tone. The new CP models also use Virtual Circuit Modeling to replicate the effect units, amplifiers, compressors, EQ and other equipment that were so essential in creating many of those legendary vintage sounds. The CP1 also includes enough effects to make a guitarist jealous, including VCM emulations of several historical pedals including phasers, flangers, wah wahs and choruses. The CP5 and CP50 feature high quality Yamaha reverbs along with many of the effect algorithms from the Motif XS line of workstations for added sound flexibility. The CP5 includes the core sounds of the Spectral Component Modeling technology, 12 acoustic and vintage electric piano sounds and 305 additional sounds and effects. The model also comes with NW-STAGE weighted keys, a customize function, recording and playback options for MIDI and audio, 100 rhythm patterns and a convenient Master Keyboard function. The CP50 also offers the core sounds of the Spectrum Component Modeling feature and includes six acoustic and electric piano sounds. It is also equipped with 215 additional sounds and effects and the keyboard consists of Yamaha's Graded Hammer Action keys, along with a customize function, recording and playback options for MIDI and audio, 100 rhythm patterns and a convenient Master Keyboard function. All of the CP models feature rugged construction, 88 keys, great retro looks, 128-note polyphony and USB-to-Host and USB-to-Device connectivity. The CP1 (MSRP: $5,999) is expected to ship in January 2010. The CP5 (MSRP: $3,299) and CP50 (MSRP: $2,199) are expected to ship in April 2010.