The Stage Piano Of The 80's | The Yamaha CP-80

Today Roland and Ted dive in to the newest addition to the Alamo Music showroom, this vintage 1980's Yamaha CP-80 Electric Piano. This electric piano offers a unique blend of acoustic piano mechanics and electronic amplification that defined the sound of a generation. In this video, we explore its rich history, distinct tonal character, and why it remains a sought-after instrument for collectors and professional musicians alike. Join us as we put this classic piece of musical engineering to the test!

The Yamaha CP-80 Electric Piano

In this video we showcase a new addition to the showroom floor, a vintage 1980s Yamaha CP-80 Electric Piano.

The CP-80 allowed 1980s touring musicians (such as Peter Gabriel and Phil Collins) to recreate a authentic grand piano sound on stage without hauling a full acoustic grand piano.

The keyboard breaks down into two separate sections--the keybed and the frame-- making road transport manageable for bands and roadies. Still very heavy though.

The CP-80 has a full 88-key layout with longer strings than its 73-key predecessor, the CP-70. This extra length gives the CP-80 a richer, deeper tone compared to the mid-focused, punchier attack of the CP-70. The internal mechanics, its multi-ply pin block and that every key uses double strings rather than traditional acoustic triple-string configurations.

Roland, our in-house tech, refurbished the unit's onboard electronics and power supply.

CP pianos need a clean mixer or recording preamp because their built-in piezo pickup system puts out a relatively low audio signal. Ted notes this major missing feature from it's early construction: no built-in headphone jack, which would have allowed for quiet practice back in the day.

Yamaha CP-80 Electric Piano was first introduced by in 1976, the Yamaha CP-80 was engineered as an electro-acoustic grand piano to act as a hybrid bridging genuine acoustic action with electronic amplification. Unlike electronic synths or digital pianos, the CP-80 features real hammers, real wooden keys, and real strings. The string vibration is captured by piezoelectric pickups mounted beneath each note. The instrument intentionally omits an acoustic soundboard, relying strictly on output electronics. This dramatically reduces bulk and protects tuning stability from drastic climate shifts. Built-in controls feature a 3-band EQ (Bass, Middle, Treble) alongside a Brilliance level switch. Features rate (speed) and depth controls for its iconic stereo-panning tremolo effect. 

Original release of the CP-80 came with 3-band EQ knobs which was then upgraded to a 7-band graphic equalizer in the CP-80D. And later in the CP-80M, the MIDI output capabilities was added, enabling players to layer external synth modules with the electro-acoustic tone.

The sharp, bright, and percussive attack of the CP-80 became a staple sound across 1970s and 1980s rock, pop, and jazz fusion. It was heavily featured by artists like Peter Gabriel, Genesis, Billy Joel, Keane, Simple Minds, U2, and Stevie Wonder.

This one is available today at Alamo Music. It is in great condition and is ready to be yours today! Call now while we have it! (844)251-1922.