That was really beautiful Belle. I've seen some good demonstrations of the CP88 by session musicians from the pop/rock world, but your video caps the lot! You really show the potential of the CP88 to create a vast array of sounds, for many musical genres. The fact that you actually own this CP88, it's not a loan instrument being demonstrated, says it all. Thank you Belle.
Recently purchased and sent my CP88 back. There was very noticeable keybed noise on every note while playing all piano samplings (even though the piano sounds were excellent). And the Ab above the octave plinked in stead of resonating. Musicians Friend took it back right away but, all in all a bad experience. Yamaha's has developed a slap together factory mentality and to save money really low balled the Keybed. Cheap aluminum frame as well. There are many great features on it but the above mentioned issue's were a deal breaker.
The build stands up pretty well to the competition overall. Granted I am on home turf with it and replacements are a dime a dozen; but it's certainly a regular gigging board and the ladies here give it a hammering and a half. It may not be a portable grand and may have the odd missing feature but the construction complaints I can dial on one hand (even from the TS forums!)
@@helvecioguimaraes yes, well I'm holding onto my Kurzweil SP88 I bought years ago. It plays great but only has midi in/outs. I want to get everything the Yamaha CP88 has but refuse to accept crappy craftsmanship. Cheers
OK, well that answered any questions I had about the responsiveness of this keybed inthe first 5 minutes. If I am struggling to get it to trigger properly then it is most likely down to me and not the keyboard. Thank you for a very comprehensive look into the CP. I've just ordered a YC88.
First off... Great playing!!! I find the CP 88 to have a much more staccato sound than an acoustic piano. It drove me nuts at first, but I adapted and truly love the cp88. For me, I find that both pianos need to be played slightly different from eachother.
Of course they will surpass acoustic, the master builders have said so themselves. Steinway have said the era of the Grand Piano is finished and I agree with them despite having a 95 D sat downstairs. You need to move with the times. Its been mere decades since we went from joke reproductions to the mp11se. Give it 20 more years and cost, materials, demographics and beyond will erase it from existence entirely. Keybeds have come miles and digital has potentially limitless sound potential given time.
Awesome review and incredible piano technique! Finally a review of a digital piano from a real pianist🤩. I guess in your hands every digital would sound good😁
Hi! Thanks for your comment. This was recorded straight in to an audio interface which is why I monitored on headphones, but sometimes I use a set of KRKs I have which are super handy. Many quality speaker brands are available ;)
Not sure which is more versatile - the CP88 or Belle! The CP88's tape delay feature really opens up some creative possibilities, and it takes someone like Belle (an athletic piano artist technician) to show off some of the CP88's potential. Thanks for the helpful and mesmerizing review, Belle!
Hey Belle, i dont know if you will see this comment but i'll try : have you got the occasion to try a Nord Piano 4 or 5? And if yes, how would you compare those to the CP88 regarding the key action and the sounds? Thanks in advance :)
Hello, please, I need your help, I just bought a yamaha cp88 and I like it a lot, but I have a big problem, I want to use it as a usb midi controller, in Cubase to play kontakt vsts, I am not selecting it as a usb output , because I have my monitors connected to another audio interface, I'm only interested in the cp88 keys, my problem is that when I play, the vsts sound very low in volume, I can't play loud. try changing the keyboard sensitivity to the other options but no change please i have until tomorrow to return the cp88 to the store where i bought it my question is cant change the key sensitivity if i am using the cp88 as usb host midi controller, without selecting it as audio? Please, if you can help me and can you tell me if it is possible to do it, how do I do it? or if you can confirm that it is not possible, I return it to the store tomorrow. I do not want to lose my money. please. thank you very much in every way.
Hello and thanks for your comment. I use a different DAW to Cubase, so I don't quite know the issue you are having, sorry and I hope you find the solution! Maybe is worth asking the forum at yamahasynth.com?
Wonderful review, Belle! What headphones do you recommend? And do you modify them in any way as far as how you connect them to your keyboard (i.e., do you plug them straight in? or connect via another source?). Thank you!
🙏 Leslie! I have a few 🫢 different headphones so the pair I find to be the most suitable depends on the exact situation a little bit. Reviews on RUclips are great to find what will best suit your needs 😎 CP88 is good to connect straight in! Have fun 🎹
Thanks Fabian. CP88 is very powerful and opens up so many sonic possibilities. 1 pedal fine for me so far. But I am not playing too many pieces that call for sostenuto at the moment. Best
What a great series of explorations. What model is your upright? It sounds very good. Is it a YUS? Also, you sound super posh. Did you go to an exclusive girls’ school in Australia or is this an accent that has come about since you moved to England. I’m in awe of your ability!
@@ErraticFaith .... The Kawai does have very good action , but I prefer the sounds of Yamaha .... I actually have the P515 and I’m pretty happy with it .... But I realize that the Kawai does have better actions ... But the Yamaha 515 sounds are more to my liking & much lighter to take out on a Performace than the Kawaii .. But the Kawaii’s action is actually a real piano hammer action put in a digital keyboard .Must be why it’s so much heavier than any of the other digital /stage pianos ) But certainly , for home purposes the Kawai woulld certainly be very practical as an Most ideal for a truly grand piano like Action to play, practice & trigger various piano sound sources … The kawai digital pianos & it’s controller (with no sounds) are certainly the best action I am aware of that way under the price of those ‘hybrid’ pianos like Yamaha GranTouch, Avant Grand … etc…. (Which those so called ‘hybrid’ digital pianos cost as much as an actual real acoustic grand piano … etc …) Certainly a Kawai MP series &/or their ‘no built in sound’ 88 keys Controller are rally are the realistic grand piano action in town in a digital / stage piano (that doesn’t cost as high as an actual acoustic grand piano , like those ‘hydrids’). But I never liked Kawai sounds … Everybody else has the way better sounds … like Yamaha (my personal preference ) , Roland … and even Korg….. They all have the way better sounds than Kawai , in my awareness … But one superb things that has happens is the joint venture of NORD having the Kawai action on one of their stage/digital paino model … I mean … NORD certainly has the best sounds … and with Kawai action in that particular model … now that’s the absolute best of both worlds right there , I think . The company with the best sounds (in a an actual hardware Keyboard ) teamed up with the company that releases the Best grand piano action in an electronic keyboard …. Etc .. But still …. The thing to consider with me is that with the price of just one NORD one can buy 2 brand new MacBook Pro’s And with this superb plugins that are designed to play live even (and not just for recording ) one could get way superior piano & synth sounds triggering plugins using a Kawai … etc…. A NORD is convenient … as a hardware keyboard with greet sounds …. But just way so much money. And until they did this joint venture with Kawai with that one model they released , their hard ware have always been so flimsy and weak …. The features & functions are wonderful & DOPE .. (especially for live tweaking adjustments .. etc ) But way too flimsy and weak for me … to justify being so HIGHLY EXPENSIVE And before their venture with Kawai I always HATED their 88 keyboard actions …. The worst actually .. How the best sounding keyboards had the very worst actions …. And so EXPENSIVE …. NORD would often make me FROWN at the very mention of their name It just could not be justifiable that such a so HIGHLY EXPENSIVE keyboard could have the absolute WORST ACTION … cheap … flimsy hardware …. that would get me so upset Their sounds where great … but never enticing enough for me to ever even think twice to spend what they cost on them .., just because of their FLIMSINESS IT’s almost an INSULT For sure anyone who buys NORD gets superior sounds & functionalities … etc. But with such WEAK built … they REPELS me from them . Just like that sounds of a Kawai repels me from them .. But they surely did something very interesting in combining forces … Best Action + Best Sounds ….. that’s VERY INTERESTING 🧐 to me 🙏🏽 But …. I still don’t feel justified to pay so much .. SPECTRASONIC’s KEYSCAPE & OMISPHERE triggered by any various decent feeling action keyboards just still get me the more interested … Or I rather just get me a good conditioned previously owned & used actual acoustic grand piano with midi triggers put it … and just call it a day And that’s what I actually did I got me an old Yamaha Disklavier acoustic grand Paino … the best of both worlds A really decent acoustic grand piano .. with midi capabilities … plus actual play back of the actual acoustic grand piano … (one can experiment with various mic’s and sound effects … etc … ) I mean … if you wanna get a best grand piano action … you likely would be able to leave your home with that keyboards so easily …. So for home usage … why not just get an actual acoustic grand piano , or baby grand … if you may be able to have the space ..? Or just go KEYSCAPE instead or something … why pay all this money for superb hardware piano action and not have an actual acoustic grand piano (And you may even be able to find some decent acoustic grand or baby grand pianos floating around for less than what you would spend on a NORD …. Or maybe even if you took the action from an actual acrostic grand piano & out in midi action on it … just triggered whatever sound sources right at home Even the best action of a best grand Paino would take so much space if yiu just took the action off and placed it somewhere in your small apartment even Even an old grand piano you found for free or was being thrown out could have way better Gramd piano action than anything selling in the electronic world … and just add midi strip on just any actual grand piano action .zzz and call it a day (But just get the actin well regulated … the use it to trigger whatever sound sources …. Etc …) (Check out , for example , Mr. Robert Estrin of LIVING PIANOS using his own protocol type grand Paino action triggering the sound source that he uses … etc …) I bet you couldn’t get any better action than an actual grand piano action … that could fit in any small apartment even … and have midi strip &/or triggers put on it … etc … 🙏🏽🎹🙏🏽
Hi DeAnna! Thanks for watching. CP-88 has so many settings to experiment with but I have a lot of fun trying too! I'll try do another video soon looking closer at some finer details. ✨
Hi Mariano! In my opinion, CP88 action is really good. I can't speak regarding Roland & Kawai, as I haven't played on them extensively. CP88 ranks highly on finger to sound connection, I'm quite sensitive to this as I'm used to performing on concert grand pianos. Hope this is helpful!
Hi Florin Peter! I'm classically trained so quite sensitive to the feel of the keyboard, the CP88 action is great for me. But everybody is different of course ☺️
Hi Belle ... do you ever experiment in triggering the Cp88 from your Yamaha Grand with Silent Piano feature , and compare with the feel and response triggering the same sounds from an actual acoustic grand piano ? 🤗🙏🏽
Hi Clyde. Thanks for your question! I've not tried this, and I no longer have that Yamaha Silent Upright with me :( but I can imagine it would be a great experiment. I'd like to try it one day! 🎹🎹
That's a nice review, would be good to get some of your opinions at the end of each section though. I found the decay on the cp88 really short would be more apparent if you played a slow piece vs the acoustic. Btw, what acoustic piano is that?
CP88 has both xlr balanced + instrument outputs. For most of these videos I used a Focusrite interface via regular jack to jack cables (no DI). Hope that helps! 👍
Hey Belle, I just bought this piano 2 weeks ago, and I when I'm trying to record the USB audio to my computer, the sounds are coming out as muddy. Contrary to when when I am using the headphones to listen to myself play some notes they sound amazing, when I'm recording sound output from the keyboard, the recordings are just muddy for some reason, can you suggest how you wired your piano to record these wonderful sounds ? I really appreciate it... ♥
Hello Rami! I use XLR output from CP88 into an audio interface (usually Focusrite / zoom), which is then connected to my laptop via USB. This method gives me a clean audio capture & allows me to monitor the levels and ensure the sound doesn’t clip! Hope this helps!
Nice video Bell. A quick question with your delay section. How did you keep the delay for the earlier notes going for so long, while the later notes fade out relatively quickly? All of this is recorded raw without editing right?
Thank you! Yes, these are raw recordings. The delay FX on CP88 can be assigned individually to each instrument group (piano / electric piano / sub sections). The instruments are also able to be assigned to specific sections on the keyboard through the split option. This allows each instrument ‘layer’ to have a different Delay depth/setting assigned! (Extra note: the sustain pedal also has an impact on delay fx) Hope this information is interesting to you :)
Do u still use the cp88? What are your thoughts comparing the key action to your upright and grand pianos? Is it possible to switch between the two with not noticeable difference? Thanks...your shifting time piece is wildin :)
Hello! Yes, I still use the CP88 :) I think key action between stage piano, upright & grand pianos will always feel different, and I personally don't think it is possible to switch between the two and not notice the difference. Having said that, I do feel the action on CP88 has been one of the best ones on stage pianos that I've tried. Its responsiveness allows for classical passages to be played on its keys (like repeated notes etc.) :)
Hi @Fer De Armas - I must admit that my answer may be biased as I own a CP88 and haven't spend much time on P515, but if it may be of any help... For me, I chose the CP88 because I found that it has very good key action response (compared to some of others that I've tried before), the quality of sounds built in the instrument were great and very diverse (they felt 'real'), has midi in/out that I can use in addition, and also the tactile nature of the controls made it easy to perform on. Ultimately, I guess it is down to what you wish to use the instruments for!
@@BelleChenMusic Hi lady, thanks a lot for reply!, i´m looking in first place the best key action available in a portable format, for that reason my options are: Roland RD2000/FP90, Kawai MP7SE/ES920 and Yamaha CP88/P515. Then the best sound engine and finger to sound connection, and finally reliability, versatility and easy operation. Are you tried all these options?. Which are your impressions about key actio and finger to sound connection?.
@@ferdearmas8732 From my opinion, the CP88 has very good key action. I can't speak regarding Roland & Kawai, as I haven't played on them extensively. But the CP88 definitely rank highly in my mind also on finger to sound connection (I'm quite picky about this & key action because I'm used to performing on concert grand pianos), reliability, versatility & easy operation. Hope this is helpful and hope you find a suitable instrument for yourself!
Lol Mp11se is so far beyond the Yamaha action I almost feel embarrassed for them. Try one, or you can scoot over to another 'pianist' style review by @ThePianoforever / Shawcross. He compares it there to his 95 Steinway D. There is nothing better currently than the Kawai Grand Feel. It's used by piano teachers and composers all over the place here (east) for good reason. You can hear how awful the CP is when she transitions here to acoustic. Compare that to his, with regard to the Kawai. Its reproduction is lightyears ahead.
Fantastic playing Belle !!! How do you rate the CP 88, Belle ? Do you really like the Piano-Sounds or are they just ok ? What about the Keys are they too heavy to play for a longer time ? I am really looking for a great E-Piano with fantastic Sounds, but i don`t want to waste much money for a product that is not worth the price. I played the CP 88 in some stores but i found the keys quite heavy to be honest, i am afraid of getting pain in my hands after a longer time of playing, what is your opinion ? Can you recommend this Piano for playing classical stuff or Jazz piano ? Do you own this keyboard or is it just for the Videos ? Thank you Bell for your playing and the nice Video you made !!! I am waiting for your honest answer !!! Greetings from Germany !!! Oliver🙏
Thanks for the comment @Oliver! To answer: - I like the CP88 a lot, it is very tactile, and offers a great balance between quality of piano sound, keyboard response, and also access and versatility to e-piano, pads & fx, which allows me to make music beyond the classical sound. - I personally found the keys to be fine to play. For context, I come from classical music background, and can play up to 8-hours a day. So for me, I didn't have any issues with the keys being heavy. But I think this will differ from person to person - Regarding the keys feeling heavy - next time that you're in store, see if you can ask the store specialist to show you the Touch Sensitivity options - it may be possible to set to a different option so you'll be able to get a response without playing too hard! - I would recommend this piano for jazz / fusion style of music. In my opinion, classical music on acoustic instrument will always be better. I think the strength of this instrument is in its versatility (the different piano, e-piano & pad sounds are really fantastic, so it'd be a shame to not use them), and also how tactile the controls are. - Yes, I own this instrument!! Hope this helps and warm wishes from London :)
@@BelleChenMusic thank you very, very much belle for your honest and professional response, i really appreciate that. You are a fantastic musician and a very, very lovely Lady. I hope to hear and see more of you and your playing. I am honest, i tried the CP 88 today for a while in Germany in the Store, but i must confess i only liked the Bösendorfer piano-sound, the others were a bit too harsh and polished.The character and intimacy is missing in the other sounds. Am i too picky ??? The response of the keys is fine without any doubt. And the functionality is nearly perfect. I played it through headphones, do you use headphones with the CP 88 ??? If you like a really , really nice, warm and intimate piano-sound, then try out the Ravenscroft 275 with your I pad. It is wonder, wonder, wonderful. So clear and detailed and such a nice dynamic range.For an i -pad -Piano almost unbelievable. But connect the I-Pad to an external Audio-interface, to improve the sound, thats very important and play it with good headphones.If you like Native Instruments then buy the "Noire" -Piano, quite expensive for 145 euro, but you get the best Piano- VST in my ears with the best playability and dynamic range. Marvelous !!! For an Upright VST-Sound i highly recommend "Session -Keys" - Upright. It is sooooo nice when you tweak it a bit to your liking. Belle, one more thing, do you have some good tipps for me for improvising ??? I really love to improvise more than anything else, but i am selftaught and i don`t have someone to look after me. So i am pretty bad at it i guess.I don´t have a plan, thats my biggest issue.Maybe you can help me, would be very nice. Thank you Belle, if you like to comment my review i would be really happy !!! Oliver from Germany !!!🙏
Hi @@oliver8666! That's wonderful to hear! To answer: - yes, I usually play with headphones with CP88 - for improv, I'm self-taught too :) I think a lot of listening to your fav artists and transcribing helps! Thank you for your kind words! I'll have a look into the Ravenscroft
@@BelleChenMusic Thank you very much Belle for your nice words and yes try out the Ravenscroft 275...it is a must....and you have to try out the app "Smart-Pianist" from Yamaha, completely free and such a fantastic App for improvising to your favorite songs.My favorite App so far. But you have to connect the I-Pad with the camera-connection-kit to an external Audio-Interface to get the best sound out of it, that was my mistake in the past, because i just used the headphone output from the i-Pad.Not that good. But the CP 88 has an inbuilt sound-card, so you can use it instead, but i don`know much about it`s quality !!! When you checked it out, just leave me a comment, would be very nice !!! Thank you Belle and hear from you soon !!! Oliver from Germany
Thats EXACTLY what is missing on the CP88!!! The alternatives (MODX or Roland RD88) have too much resonance and sounds muddy. Personally, I prefer the cp88 to the sample on the MODX or Roland. Its more definitive. I have found you can smooth things out on the CP88 with some layering, effects and EQ adjustments. While not perfect, it works.
Omg you're amazing, no joke. As a classical pianist I'm very impressed.
Wow... the best demo of this keyboard...
incredible demo! the split keyboard section really knocked my sox off. and what you did with delay later on. very, very cool
This is such a great informative video on exploring the Yamaha CP88. I wish there were more videos like this for different pianos. Awesome job Belle!
That was really beautiful Belle. I've seen some good demonstrations of the CP88 by session musicians from the pop/rock world, but your video caps the lot! You really show the potential of the CP88 to create a vast array of sounds, for many musical genres. The fact that you actually own this CP88, it's not a loan instrument being demonstrated, says it all. Thank you Belle.
Thank you Steve!
Recently purchased and sent my CP88 back. There was very noticeable keybed noise on every note while playing all piano samplings (even though the piano sounds were excellent). And the Ab above the octave plinked in stead of resonating. Musicians Friend took it back right away but, all in all a bad experience. Yamaha's has developed a slap together factory mentality and to save money really low balled the Keybed. Cheap aluminum frame as well. There are many great features on it but the above mentioned issue's were a deal breaker.
The build stands up pretty well to the competition overall. Granted I am on home turf with it and replacements are a dime a dozen; but it's certainly a regular gigging board and the ladies here give it a hammering and a half. It may not be a portable grand and may have the odd missing feature but the construction complaints I can dial on one hand (even from the TS forums!)
@@davidmiller3652 hey, David which keyboard did you end up with?
@@helvecioguimaraes yes, well I'm holding onto my Kurzweil SP88 I bought years ago. It plays great but only has midi in/outs.
I want to get everything the Yamaha CP88 has but refuse to accept crappy craftsmanship.
Cheers
I can listen to you all day. Wow!!!!!!
thankyou so so so so much!
Wow, Amazing Arists, Concept of Music... and Beautiful Instrument in Your Hands.🌷
OK, well that answered any questions I had about the responsiveness of this keybed inthe first 5 minutes. If I am struggling to get it to trigger properly then it is most likely down to me and not the keyboard. Thank you for a very comprehensive look into the CP. I've just ordered a YC88.
Really like that you gave us each sound comparison while continuing playing, high level player! 💛💛
Wow 😍 I know nothing of the keyboards, but I'm loving the playing!
Wow! 👏 love your sensitivity in improvisation. Absolutely beautiful music
finally a pianists point of view.
@@ErraticFaith chad
Super talented musician so glad i found your channel 🌷
Amazing demonstration
Well that's it, I've seen a number of videos and have been thinking of getting one of these and finally this great video has sold it to me - thanks :)
Thanks for watching, I'm glad it helped! 👍
17:22 . I love this section. It sounds like it could be from Gentlemen Take Polaroids by Japan. Beautiful. :)
❤️🙂
Wonderful playing👍🎹
Many thanks ☺️
First off... Great playing!!!
I find the CP 88 to have a much more staccato sound than an acoustic piano. It drove me nuts at first, but I adapted and truly love the cp88. For me, I find that both pianos need to be played slightly different from eachother.
Great review, thanks!
👍👍❤️ thank you. Favourites are CFX, CFIIIS and C7. Wish they include a Yamaha U3 in the sample😊
Thanks for showing the beauty of this keyboard - I'm sure you could do so with many other boards.
😇
So Good
Omg 😱😱😱😱 you are a piano genius! Keep up the good work!
still a long way to go before a for a digital piano sounds like an acoustic ,still cp88 up there with the best available today.
I would say digital piano will NEVER match the accoustic one.
Of course they will surpass acoustic, the master builders have said so themselves. Steinway have said the era of the Grand Piano is finished and I agree with them despite having a 95 D sat downstairs. You need to move with the times. Its been mere decades since we went from joke reproductions to the mp11se. Give it 20 more years and cost, materials, demographics and beyond will erase it from existence entirely. Keybeds have come miles and digital has potentially limitless sound potential given time.
L❤️ve to hear Your Lovely Accent (sounds like a regal blend of British & Asian accent blend 🙏🏽🌹)
Mind blowing demo 🤯👏🏾🤯👏🏾🔥🔥
🙏
Ottimo strumento
Grazie per aver guardato 🙏
The best gift on righ hands!
Play so good .i so like this video
Awesome review and incredible piano technique! Finally a review of a digital piano from a real pianist🤩. I guess in your hands every digital would sound good😁
what kind model of speakers did you connect to the Yamaha CP88? Thanks
Hi! Thanks for your comment. This was recorded straight in to an audio interface which is why I monitored on headphones, but sometimes I use a set of KRKs I have which are super handy. Many quality speaker brands are available ;)
Not sure which is more versatile - the CP88 or Belle! The CP88's tape delay feature really opens up some creative possibilities, and it takes someone like Belle (an athletic piano artist technician) to show off some of the CP88's potential. Thanks for the helpful and mesmerizing review, Belle!
Thank you for your kind words & happy that you liked the video!
Exelente❤
7:33❤
Its so nice to watch the compilation of this. Now i think its the time for me to upgrade my cp5 to cp88 😋😋
Happy that you like it :)
Hi Belle, would you please do a similar review of the Yamaha YC 88 or 73?
I'd have to get one first 😊 YC is on the wish list! 👍
@@BelleChenMusic Thank you for responding Belle.
Hey Belle, i dont know if you will see this comment but i'll try : have you got the occasion to try a Nord Piano 4 or 5? And if yes, how would you compare those to the CP88 regarding the key action and the sounds?
Thanks in advance :)
Hello, please, I need your help, I just bought a yamaha cp88 and I like it a lot, but I have a big problem, I want to use it as a usb midi controller, in Cubase to play kontakt vsts, I am not selecting it as a usb output , because I have my monitors connected to another audio interface, I'm only interested in the cp88 keys, my problem is that when I play, the vsts sound very low in volume, I can't play loud. try changing the keyboard sensitivity to the other options but no change please i have until tomorrow to return the cp88 to the store where i bought it my question is cant change the key sensitivity if i am using the cp88 as usb host midi controller, without selecting it as audio? Please, if you can help me and can you tell me if it is possible to do it, how do I do it? or if you can confirm that it is not possible, I return it to the store tomorrow. I do not want to lose my money. please. thank you very much in every way.
Hello and thanks for your comment. I use a different DAW to Cubase, so I don't quite know the issue you are having, sorry and I hope you find the solution! Maybe is worth asking the forum at yamahasynth.com?
The new haircut
✨🙂 thanks! It’s nice and versatile ✨
Wonderful review, Belle! What headphones do you recommend? And do you modify them in any way as far as how you connect them to your keyboard (i.e., do you plug them straight in? or connect via another source?). Thank you!
🙏 Leslie! I have a few 🫢 different headphones so the pair I find to be the most suitable depends on the exact situation a little bit. Reviews on RUclips are great to find what will best suit your needs 😎 CP88 is good to connect straight in! Have fun 🎹
Alborada del Gracioso
Thanks Fabian. CP88 is very powerful and opens up so many sonic possibilities. 1 pedal fine for me so far. But I am not playing too many pieces that call for sostenuto at the moment. Best
What a great series of explorations. What model is your upright? It sounds very good. Is it a YUS? Also, you sound super posh. Did you go to an exclusive girls’ school in Australia or is this an accent that has come about since you moved to England. I’m in awe of your ability!
cool!!
Have you ever made a comparison with piano Action & sounds of a Yamaha CP88 & a Yamaha P515 (with 256 note polyphony) ?
Hi Clyde! I haven’t gotten to spend time with P515 yet, so unfortunately cannot compare the 2 just now! 🥲😣
@@ErraticFaith .... The Kawai does have very good action , but I prefer the sounds of Yamaha .... I actually have the P515 and I’m pretty happy with it .... But I realize that the Kawai does have better actions ... But the Yamaha 515 sounds are more to my liking & much lighter to take out on a Performace than the Kawaii .. But the Kawaii’s action is actually a real piano hammer action put in a digital keyboard .Must be why it’s so much heavier than any of the other digital /stage pianos )
But certainly , for home purposes the Kawai woulld certainly be very practical as an Most ideal for a truly grand piano like
Action to play, practice & trigger various piano sound sources …
The kawai digital pianos & it’s controller (with no sounds) are certainly the best action I am aware of that way under the price of those ‘hybrid’ pianos like Yamaha GranTouch, Avant Grand … etc…. (Which those so called ‘hybrid’ digital pianos cost as much as an actual real acoustic grand piano … etc …)
Certainly a Kawai MP series &/or their ‘no built in sound’ 88 keys Controller are rally are the realistic grand piano action in town in a digital / stage piano (that doesn’t cost as high as an actual acoustic grand piano , like those ‘hydrids’).
But I never liked Kawai sounds … Everybody else has the way better sounds … like Yamaha (my personal preference ) , Roland … and even Korg….. They all have the way better sounds than Kawai , in my awareness …
But one superb things that has happens is the joint venture of NORD having the Kawai action on one of their stage/digital paino model …
I mean … NORD certainly has the best sounds … and with Kawai action in that particular model … now that’s the absolute best of both worlds right there , I think .
The company with the best sounds (in a an actual hardware Keyboard ) teamed up with the company that releases the Best grand piano action in an electronic keyboard …. Etc ..
But still …. The thing to consider with me is that with the price of just one NORD one can buy 2 brand new MacBook Pro’s
And with this superb plugins that are designed to play live even (and not just for recording ) one could get way superior piano & synth sounds triggering plugins using a Kawai … etc….
A NORD is convenient … as a hardware keyboard with greet sounds …. But just way so much money. And until they did this joint venture with Kawai with that one model they released , their hard ware have always been so flimsy and weak …. The features & functions are wonderful & DOPE .. (especially for live tweaking adjustments .. etc )
But way too flimsy and weak for me … to justify being so HIGHLY EXPENSIVE
And before their venture with Kawai I always HATED their 88 keyboard actions …. The worst actually .. How the best sounding keyboards had the very worst actions …. And so EXPENSIVE …. NORD would often make me FROWN at the very mention of their name
It just could not be justifiable that such a so HIGHLY EXPENSIVE keyboard could have the absolute WORST ACTION … cheap … flimsy hardware …. that would get me so upset
Their sounds where great … but never enticing enough for me to ever even think twice to spend what they cost on them .., just because of their FLIMSINESS
IT’s almost an INSULT
For sure anyone who buys NORD gets superior sounds & functionalities … etc. But with such WEAK built … they REPELS me from them .
Just like that sounds of a Kawai repels me from them ..
But they surely did something very interesting in combining forces … Best Action + Best Sounds ….. that’s VERY INTERESTING 🧐 to me 🙏🏽
But …. I still don’t feel justified to pay so much ..
SPECTRASONIC’s KEYSCAPE & OMISPHERE triggered by any various decent feeling action keyboards just still get me the more interested …
Or I rather just get me a good conditioned previously owned & used actual acoustic grand piano with midi triggers put it … and just call it a day
And that’s what I actually did
I got me an old Yamaha Disklavier acoustic grand Paino … the best of both worlds
A really decent acoustic grand piano .. with midi capabilities … plus actual play back of the actual acoustic grand piano … (one can experiment with various mic’s and sound effects … etc … )
I mean … if you wanna get a best grand piano action … you likely would be able to leave your home with that keyboards so easily …. So for home usage … why not just get an actual acoustic grand piano , or baby grand … if you may be able to have the space ..?
Or just go KEYSCAPE instead or something … why pay all this money for superb hardware piano action and not have an actual acoustic grand piano
(And you may even be able to find some decent acoustic grand or baby grand pianos floating around for less than what you would spend on a NORD …. Or maybe even if you took the action from an actual acrostic grand piano & out in midi action on it … just triggered whatever sound sources right at home
Even the best action of a best grand Paino would take so much space if yiu just took the action off and placed it somewhere in your small apartment even
Even an old grand piano you found for free or was being thrown out could have way better Gramd piano action than anything selling in the electronic world … and just add midi strip on just any actual grand piano action .zzz and call it a day
(But just get the actin well regulated … the use it to trigger whatever sound sources …. Etc …)
(Check out , for example , Mr. Robert Estrin of LIVING PIANOS using his own protocol type grand Paino action triggering the sound source that he uses … etc …)
I bet you couldn’t get any better action than an actual grand piano action … that could fit in any small apartment even … and have midi strip &/or triggers put on it … etc …
🙏🏽🎹🙏🏽
I have a CP-88 and the sound is NOTHING like you are playing--just beautiful....can you advise reverb off Damper on...bass is WAY TOOO
Heavy and loud
Hi DeAnna! Thanks for watching. CP-88 has so many settings to experiment with but I have a lot of fun trying too! I'll try do another video soon looking closer at some finer details. ✨
I've heard that the action is on the heavy side, is this true? I'm used to a kawai gl40, roland pha50 action, and motif xs8.
Hi Mariano! In my opinion, CP88 action is really good. I can't speak regarding Roland & Kawai, as I haven't played on them extensively. CP88 ranks highly on finger to sound connection, I'm quite sensitive to this as I'm used to performing on concert grand pianos. Hope this is helpful!
super!
I really appreciate your review. What amplifier/speaker you're using when normally rehearsing? or you use only your headphones.
Thanks! I use KRKs that stays in my studio & often use headphones when writing :)
@@BelleChenMusic Thank you so much for your answer :)
'Shifting Time' by Belle Chen. \o/ Uau!
🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳
Hello! Do you recommend this digital piano for practicing at home?
Hi Florin Peter! I'm classically trained so quite sensitive to the feel of the keyboard, the CP88 action is great for me. But everybody is different of course ☺️
@@BelleChenMusic Thank you for your answer.
What keyboard does this use ghs3?
Hi! CP88 has GH3. Natural Wood under synthetic ebony / synthetic ivory tops. It feels good 👍
Hi Belle ... do you ever experiment in triggering the Cp88 from your Yamaha Grand with Silent Piano feature , and compare with the feel and response triggering the same sounds from an actual acoustic grand piano ? 🤗🙏🏽
Hi Clyde. Thanks for your question! I've not tried this, and I no longer have that Yamaha Silent Upright with me :( but I can imagine it would be a great experiment. I'd like to try it one day! 🎹🎹
@@BelleChenMusic … maybe with the Grand C3X (or was it the Cx3?) Silent Grand ? 🤗🙏🏽🌹
That's a nice review, would be good to get some of your opinions at the end of each section though. I found the decay on the cp88 really short would be more apparent if you played a slow piece vs the acoustic. Btw, what acoustic piano is that?
Thanks Eugene, a great point & will keep this in mind for the next cycle I do.
The acoustic piano is Yamaha B2 Silent!
Does it require an audio interface to record the CP88 sound?
CP88 has both xlr balanced + instrument outputs. For most of these videos I used a Focusrite interface via regular jack to jack cables (no DI). Hope that helps! 👍
Hey Belle, I just bought this piano 2 weeks ago, and I when I'm trying to record the USB audio to my computer, the sounds are coming out as muddy. Contrary to when when I am using the headphones to listen to myself play some notes they sound amazing, when I'm recording sound output from the keyboard, the recordings are just muddy for some reason, can you suggest how you wired your piano to record these wonderful sounds ? I really appreciate it... ♥
Hello Rami! I use XLR output from CP88 into an audio interface (usually Focusrite / zoom), which is then connected to my laptop via USB. This method gives me a clean audio capture & allows me to monitor the levels and ensure the sound doesn’t clip!
Hope this helps!
@@BelleChenMusic Much much much appreciated ! Thank you so much ! ^^
6:40 badass
Nice video Bell. A quick question with your delay section. How did you keep the delay for the earlier notes going for so long, while the later notes fade out relatively quickly? All of this is recorded raw without editing right?
Thank you! Yes, these are raw recordings. The delay FX on CP88 can be assigned individually to each instrument group (piano / electric piano / sub sections). The instruments are also able to be assigned to specific sections on the keyboard through the split option. This allows each instrument ‘layer’ to have a different Delay depth/setting assigned! (Extra note: the sustain pedal also has an impact on delay fx)
Hope this information is interesting to you :)
Do u still use the cp88? What are your thoughts comparing the key action to your upright and grand pianos? Is it possible to switch between the two with not noticeable difference? Thanks...your shifting time piece is wildin :)
Hello! Yes, I still use the CP88 :)
I think key action between stage piano, upright & grand pianos will always feel different, and I personally don't think it is possible to switch between the two and not notice the difference.
Having said that, I do feel the action on CP88 has been one of the best ones on stage pianos that I've tried. Its responsiveness allows for classical passages to be played on its keys (like repeated notes etc.) :)
@@BelleChenMusic Hi, which is better for you in complex sound engine, key action and finger to sound connection between P515 and CP88?. Thanks!.
Hi @Fer De Armas - I must admit that my answer may be biased as I own a CP88 and haven't spend much time on P515, but if it may be of any help...
For me, I chose the CP88 because I found that it has very good key action response (compared to some of others that I've tried before), the quality of sounds built in the instrument were great and very diverse (they felt 'real'), has midi in/out that I can use in addition, and also the tactile nature of the controls made it easy to perform on. Ultimately, I guess it is down to what you wish to use the instruments for!
@@BelleChenMusic Hi lady, thanks a lot for reply!, i´m looking in first place the best key action available in a portable format, for that reason my options are: Roland RD2000/FP90, Kawai MP7SE/ES920 and Yamaha CP88/P515. Then the best sound engine and finger to sound connection, and finally reliability, versatility and easy operation. Are you tried all these options?. Which are your impressions about key actio and finger to sound connection?.
@@ferdearmas8732 From my opinion, the CP88 has very good key action. I can't speak regarding Roland & Kawai, as I haven't played on them extensively. But the CP88 definitely rank highly in my mind also on finger to sound connection (I'm quite picky about this & key action because I'm used to performing on concert grand pianos), reliability, versatility & easy operation. Hope this is helpful and hope you find a suitable instrument for yourself!
This or kawai mp11se. I’m soooo torn lol
Lol Mp11se is so far beyond the Yamaha action I almost feel embarrassed for them. Try one, or you can scoot over to another 'pianist' style review by @ThePianoforever / Shawcross. He compares it there to his 95 Steinway D.
There is nothing better currently than the Kawai Grand Feel. It's used by piano teachers and composers all over the place here (east) for good reason. You can hear how awful the CP is when she transitions here to acoustic. Compare that to his, with regard to the Kawai. Its reproduction is lightyears ahead.
You have a beautiful playing style. What is your accent? Sometimes it sounds partly South African or New Zealand.
Thank you! I probably have a mix of Australian, Taiwanese & British accents...!
Fantastic playing Belle !!!
How do you rate the CP 88, Belle ?
Do you really like the Piano-Sounds or are they just ok ?
What about the Keys are they too heavy to play for a longer time ?
I am really looking for a great E-Piano with fantastic Sounds, but i don`t want to waste
much money for a product that is not worth the price.
I played the CP 88 in some stores but i found the keys quite heavy to be honest, i am
afraid of getting pain in my hands after a longer time of playing, what is your opinion ?
Can you recommend this Piano for playing classical stuff or Jazz piano ?
Do you own this keyboard or is it just for the Videos ?
Thank you Bell for your playing and the nice Video you made !!!
I am waiting for your honest answer !!!
Greetings from Germany !!! Oliver🙏
Thanks for the comment @Oliver!
To answer:
- I like the CP88 a lot, it is very tactile, and offers a great balance between quality of piano sound, keyboard response, and also access and versatility to e-piano, pads & fx, which allows me to make music beyond the classical sound.
- I personally found the keys to be fine to play. For context, I come from classical music background, and can play up to 8-hours a day. So for me, I didn't have any issues with the keys being heavy. But I think this will differ from person to person
- Regarding the keys feeling heavy - next time that you're in store, see if you can ask the store specialist to show you the Touch Sensitivity options - it may be possible to set to a different option so you'll be able to get a response without playing too hard!
- I would recommend this piano for jazz / fusion style of music. In my opinion, classical music on acoustic instrument will always be better. I think the strength of this instrument is in its versatility (the different piano, e-piano & pad sounds are really fantastic, so it'd be a shame to not use them), and also how tactile the controls are.
- Yes, I own this instrument!!
Hope this helps and warm wishes from London :)
@@BelleChenMusic thank you very, very much
belle for your honest and professional
response, i really appreciate that.
You are a fantastic musician and a very,
very lovely Lady.
I hope to hear and see more of you and your playing.
I am honest, i tried the CP 88 today
for a while in Germany in the Store, but
i must confess i only liked the Bösendorfer piano-sound, the others were a bit too harsh and polished.The character and intimacy is missing in the other sounds.
Am i too picky ???
The response of the keys is fine without any doubt.
And the functionality is nearly perfect.
I played it through headphones, do you
use headphones with the CP 88 ???
If you like a really , really nice, warm and intimate piano-sound, then try out the
Ravenscroft 275 with your I pad.
It is wonder, wonder, wonderful.
So clear and detailed and such a nice dynamic range.For an i -pad -Piano almost unbelievable.
But connect the I-Pad to an external Audio-interface, to improve the sound, thats very important and play it with good headphones.If you like Native Instruments
then buy the "Noire" -Piano, quite expensive
for 145 euro, but you get the best Piano-
VST in my ears with the best playability
and dynamic range. Marvelous !!!
For an Upright VST-Sound i highly recommend "Session -Keys" - Upright.
It is sooooo nice when you tweak it a bit to
your liking.
Belle, one more thing, do you have some
good tipps for me for improvising ???
I really love to improvise more than anything else, but i am selftaught and
i don`t have someone to look after me.
So i am pretty bad at it i guess.I don´t have a plan, thats my biggest issue.Maybe you
can help me, would be very nice.
Thank you Belle, if you like to comment
my review i would be really happy !!!
Oliver from Germany !!!🙏
Hi @@oliver8666!
That's wonderful to hear! To answer:
- yes, I usually play with headphones with CP88
- for improv, I'm self-taught too :) I think a lot of listening to your fav artists and transcribing helps!
Thank you for your kind words! I'll have a look into the Ravenscroft
@@BelleChenMusic Thank you very much Belle for your nice words and
yes try out the Ravenscroft 275...it is a must....and you have to try out
the app "Smart-Pianist" from Yamaha, completely free and such a fantastic
App for improvising to your favorite songs.My favorite App so far.
But you have to connect the I-Pad with the camera-connection-kit to
an external Audio-Interface to get the best sound out of it, that was my mistake
in the past, because i just used the headphone output from the i-Pad.Not that good.
But the CP 88 has an inbuilt sound-card, so you can use it instead, but
i don`know much about it`s quality !!!
When you checked it out, just leave me a comment, would be very nice !!!
Thank you Belle and hear from you soon !!!
Oliver from Germany
Yamaha CP88 doesn't have Piano engine! (No string resonance).
Lame technology.
Thats EXACTLY what is missing on the CP88!!! The alternatives (MODX or Roland RD88) have too much resonance and sounds muddy. Personally, I prefer the cp88 to the sample on the MODX or Roland. Its more definitive.
I have found you can smooth things out on the CP88 with some layering, effects and EQ adjustments. While not perfect, it works.
So talented :”D
One person disliked the video. Maybe that person is a loyal C*SIO customer.
🙈 thank you!
🤗🙏🏽💥👍🏽❤️🌹
The lack of sympathetic string resonance is obvious when compared to the acoustic.
I wonder if the new update with the c7 model fixed this
♥️🎹🎶
Mine sounds like a digital toy Does NOT like a concert grand
I’ll be Greatful if I have a girlfriend have the same talented in Music