Yamaha CP88 Digital Stage Piano
Yamaha CP88 Stage Piano
The Yamaha CP-88 Stage Piano has become one of the most respected stage pianos available today, offering exceptional piano sounds, intuitive hands-on control and a superb playing experience in a lightweight, gig-ready instrument. Designed specifically for professional musicians, the CP88 combines Yamaha's world-renowned acoustic piano heritage with modern performance features that make it equally at home on stage, in the studio or at church.
Featuring Yamaha's superb 88-note Natural Wood Graded Hammer (NW-GH3) keyboard, premium concert grand piano samples including the Yamaha CFX, Bösendorfer Imperial, and Yamaha C7, plus an extensive collection of electric pianos, organs, synths and orchestral sounds, the CP88 delivers everything a performing keyboard player could need.
At Rimmers Music, we've supplied Yamaha instruments for decades, and the CP88 continues to impress players looking for a stage piano that prioritises outstanding sound quality, reliability and ease of use rather than unnecessary complexity.
Why Choose the Yamaha CP88?
Unlike many stage pianos that bury essential controls inside menus, the CP88 puts everything exactly where you need it. Dedicated controls for Piano, Electric Piano and Sub sounds allow you to build layers and splits instantly without interrupting your performance.
Whether you're playing solo piano, covering multiple keyboard parts in a function band, performing in a theatre pit or recording in the studio, the CP88 makes changing sounds fast, smooth and effortless.
The elegant aluminium chassis keeps weight down to just 18.6kg, making transport surprisingly manageable for a professional 88-note instrument.
Premium Yamaha Acoustic Piano Sounds
At the heart of the CP88 are Yamaha's flagship piano samples.
You'll have instant access to:
- Yamaha CFX Concert Grand
- Bösendorfer Imperial Concert Grand
- Yamaha C7 Grand Piano
- Yamaha U1 Upright Piano
- Yamaha SU7 Upright Piano
Each piano has been meticulously sampled to capture its own unique personality, allowing you to choose the perfect instrument for every performance.
The Natural Wood Graded Hammer action complements these sounds beautifully, providing realistic weight, response and dynamic control.
Authentic Wooden Keyboard Action
The CP88 features Yamaha's premium NW-GH3 Natural Wood Graded Hammer keyboard.
Highlights include:
- Natural wooden white keys
- Triple sensor technology
- Graded hammer weighting
- Synthetic ebony and ivory keytops
- Excellent repetition speed
- Superb dynamic response
The slightly textured key surfaces provide additional grip during long performances while maintaining the feel of a premium acoustic grand piano.
For pianists moving between acoustic and digital instruments, this is one of the CP88's biggest strengths.
Legendary Electric Piano Collection
Electric piano players are particularly well served.
The CP88 includes a superb collection of vintage-style sounds including:
- CP80 Electric Grand
- 75 RD
- 76 RD
- Vintage tine electric pianos
- Reed electric pianos
- FM electric pianos
These sounds are enhanced using Yamaha's acclaimed VCM (Virtual Circuitry Modelling) effects, recreating the character of classic vintage amplifiers, stompboxes and studio processors.
Layer, Split & Perform with Ease
The CP88 is organised into three dedicated sound sections:
Each section has its own:
- On/Off button
- Volume control
- Effects
- Octave settings
- Layer and Split functions
You can quickly combine acoustic piano with strings, layer electric piano with pads or create left-hand bass splits without diving through complicated menus.
Live Sets for Instant Recall
Create your perfect performance setup and store everything using Yamaha's Live Set function.
Features include:
- 20 Live Set banks
- 8 registrations per page
- Instant sound recall
- Smooth Sound Switching (SSS)
- MIDI recall capability
- Footswitch control
Changing between songs becomes completely seamless, with effects naturally carrying over without awkward audio cut-offs.
Professional Effects
Every sound section has dedicated insert effects allowing detailed sound shaping without slowing down your workflow.
Piano Effects
- Damper Resonance
- Compressor
- Drive
- Distortion
- Chorus
Electric Piano Effects
- Drive
- Tremolo
- Auto Pan
- Ring Modulator
- Touch Wah
- Pedal Wah
- Chorus
- Flanger
- Phaser
Sub Section Effects
- Rotary Speaker
- Chorus
- Flanger
- Tremolo
- Distortion
Global Delay, Reverb and Master EQ complete the signal chain for polished live performances.
Expand Your Sound Library
The CP88 supports downloadable Yamaha sound expansions via USB.
As Yamaha releases new operating system updates, users can enjoy additional professionally programmed sounds and improvements, helping keep the instrument fresh for years to come.
Yamaha CP88 Specifications
Keyboard
- 88 Keys
- Natural Wood Graded Hammer (NW-GH3)
- Triple Sensor Action
- Synthetic Ebony & Ivory Keytops
Tone Generation
- AWM2 Sound Engine
- 128 Note Polyphony
-
57 Built-in Voices 160 Live Set Memories
- 10 Piano
- 14 Electric Piano
- 33 Sub Voices
-
- 80 Factory Live Sets
Effects
- 23 Insert Effects
- Delay
- Reverb
- 3-Band Master EQ
- Yamaha VCM Technology
Display
Connectivity
- Stereo ¼" Jack Outputs
- Balanced XLR Outputs
- Stereo Audio Inputs
- Headphone Output
- MIDI In
- MIDI Out
- USB To Host
- USB To Device
- Foot Controller 1
- Foot Controller 2
- Sustain/Assignable Footswitch Input
- AC Power Input
Dimensions
- Width: 1,298 mm
- Depth: 364 mm
- Height: 141 mm
Weight
Why Buy Your Yamaha CP88 from Rimmers Music?
When you purchase from Rimmers Music, you're buying from one of the UK's longest-established Yamaha piano specialists.
We offer:
- Expert product advice from experienced musicians
- Competitive pricing
- Flexible finance options (subject to status)
- Part exchange available
- Friendly after-sales support
- Fast UK delivery
- Showroom demonstrations available
Whether you're upgrading from an older stage piano or investing in a professional instrument for the first time, we're always happy to help you choose the right model.
Our Thoughts
The Yamaha CP88 gets the balance right. Rather than trying to be a workstation with hundreds of hidden functions, it focuses on what working musicians actually need: exceptional piano sounds, an authentic keyboard action, intuitive controls and rock-solid reliability. The layout is refreshingly straightforward, meaning you can concentrate on your performance instead of scrolling through menus.
Personally, I think this is one of Yamaha's finest stage pianos. The keyboard action feels superb, the acoustic pianos are genuinely inspiring to play, and the dedicated front-panel controls make it incredibly easy to use during a live performance. If your priority is an instrument that simply sounds fantastic and lets you focus on the music, rather than navigating endless menus, the CP88 is hard to beat.
Graham Blackledge - Rimmers Music 'The Piano People'
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Yamaha CP88 suitable for professional live performance?
Yes. The CP88 was designed specifically for live musicians, with dedicated performance controls, balanced XLR outputs, Smooth Sound Switching (SSS) and instant Live Set recall.
Does the Yamaha CP88 have weighted wooden keys?
Yes. It features Yamaha's premium 88-note Natural Wood Graded Hammer (NW-GH3) keyboard with synthetic ebony and ivory keytops for an authentic acoustic piano feel.
Can I layer and split sounds?
Yes. The CP88 allows you to layer and split its Piano, Electric Piano and Sub sound sections quickly using dedicated front-panel controls.
Does the CP88 include organ and synth sounds?
Yes. Alongside its outstanding piano sounds, the CP88 includes strings, pads, brass, basses, synth leads, organs and many additional performance voices.
Can I add new sounds?
Yes. Yamaha periodically releases operating system updates which can include additional sounds and improvements that can be installed via USB.
Is the Yamaha CP88 suitable for studio recording?
Absolutely. Its premium sound engine, high-quality outputs and realistic keyboard action make it an excellent choice for recording as well as live performance.
Does the CP88 include built-in speakers?
No. Like most professional stage pianos, the CP88 is designed to be used with headphones, studio monitors, keyboard amplifiers or PA systems.
Can I try the Yamaha CP88 before buying?
Yes. We'd be delighted to demonstrate the Yamaha CP88 at Rimmers Music. Contact your nearest showroom to arrange a demonstration, compare it with other stage pianos and receive expert advice from our experienced team.
