What is the Yamaha CP-70 keyboard?
In the mid-1970s, a need arose for a touring instrument that could capture the sound and feel of a grand piano with added portable capabilities. The Yamaha CP-70 was built in 1976 as a solution to this problem.
Though it followed in the footsteps of a few other electric pianos, this Yamaha electric piano still pioneered a sound as it aimed to retain some of the timbres of a traditional piano. Unlike traditional pianos though, the CP-70 lacks a soundboard and uses shorter strings with pickups similar to a guitar’s. It also has its own built-in pre-amp.
As the instrument was designed for touring musicians, the CP-70 features detachable legs and a split design – meaning it can be broken down quickly while on the road. The build of the CP-70 gives the instrument a unique sound of a bell-like tone and a slightly metallic sustain.
The piano’s portability and built-in pickup system that could be plugged directly into a sound rig made it a trendy choice among popular musicians at the time, but its iconic sound has also been immortalized in many legendary studio recordings.
Who has used the Yamaha CP-70 keyboard?
Since its release in 1976, the CP-70 has been a favorite electric keyboard of artists from across the genre spectrum. A few of these musicians include Alicia Keys, Peter Gabriel, Toto, and Phil Collins, who, among many others, all use the keyboard’s signature sound in their songwriting. Listing all the users of the CP-70 is a mammoth task, as the keyboard’s distinctive sound has graced countless albums.
The use of the Yamaha CP-70 sound in so many recordings is what makes the keyboard an all-time classic electronic instrument, standing amongst legendary synthesizers like the Minimoog and drum machines like the Roland TR-909.
10 best songs featuring the Yamaha CP-70 Keyboard
With our historical context and understanding of the instrument out of the way, let’s take a look at some of the best songs of all time that feature the iconic and distinctive Yamaha CP-70 sound. It’s always difficult to narrow down a list like this, but here is our pick for the 10 best songs featuring the Yamaha CP-70.
1. “Girl On Fire” by Alicia Keys
It’s only natural that Alicia Keys would be first on this list. In “Girl On Fire,” she uses the Yamaha CP-70 to craft a powerful, emotive backdrop to her intense vocal performance. The piano’s unique tone enriches her modern R&B vibe, perfectly complementing Keys’ belting vocals. The Yamaha CP-70 sound adds depth and warmth to create a well-rounded production.
