Got the Yamaha CP-80

Well I got the Yamaha CP-80 last night. It works, for the most part. That’s the important thing. I can plug it into an amplifier and get sound out of it. It is slightly out of tune. Some of the damper felts, and other felts, have come off. Some of the damper mechanisms need work (I’ve already fixed 3 of them). The tolex is in pretty rough shape. The case hardware is beat up. The volume and tremelo do not work. The inside is pretty dirty, and there is some evidence of mold in some areas. I replaced the wooden dowel with my Rhodes sustain rod, for much better results (the rhodes sustain rod works fine!). There is some duct tape on some damper arms. I’m not sure if this is to hold them together or not. The sustain pedal chain has a piece of electrical wire tied to one end for attaching it to the leg (in absence of the hook). The power light does not come on. There is a broken circuit board in the piano, but it seems that the electronics on it are ok. The Yamaha logo on the end of it has been covered with black paint. Any ways, here it is:

71 Responses to “Got the Yamaha CP-80”

  1. Mike says:

    Nice, I tried a cp-80 once and have been looking for one ever since. The reason is the action was absolutely beautiful and it was loud enough to play unamplified at home but not loud enough to disturb neighbors like an acoustic.

  2. Joe says:

    Mike,
    Yeah, this thing is great! The action is just like an acoustic piano. And I can practice at night because it is quiet enough. I’m already starting to restore the CP-80, and I’ll be posting on it soon. Thanks for checking in.

  3. matt says:

    hey – I have an old cp80 – allegedly it used to belong to spandau ballet… it really needs recovering and i’d be interested to know how your restoration goes.

    good luck…

  4. ANTHONY says:

    HELLO,

    I RECENTLY PURCHASED A CP 70 B AND IT NEEDS SOME RESTORATION AS WELL. I JUST FOUND 3 ORIGINAL SERVICE MANUALS FOR THE YAMAHA CP 70, 70B AND THE 80. IF YOU WOULD LIKE, I WILL SEND TO YOU FREE OF CHARGE THE MANAUL FOR YOUR CP 80. LET ME KNOW.

    ANTHONY

  5. Joe says:

    Anthony,
    WOW. That would be fantastic. Thank you for your generosity! I will send you an email soon regarding this. Maybe I can scan it in and post it on this site.
    Thanks.

  6. Joe says:

    Matt,
    yeah, I will keep every one posted on the work I do to the cp-80. I recently put new hardware (lift-off hinges, and latches) on the case lid for the string section because the original ones had fallen off. I’ll try to take some photos of that.

  7. Paul says:

    Hi Joe,

    Great site! I ran across an ad today for a CP70 and the price sounds reasonable. I spoke with the seller and he said that the legs are broken and it needs a sustain rod (he suggested a Rhodes.) There’s probably quite a bit of additional work to be done but I’d like to try restoring it (a novice but I’ve helped a buddy restore a couple of acoustics.) Taking a look at it on Thursday and was wondering if you could give me some basic tips as to what to look out for. (particularly, “do NOT buy if…”)

    Good luck with the CP80!

    Thanks,
    Paul

  8. Joe says:

    Paul,
    Well, first, you may want to check to see if it is a CP-70 r a CP-70B. My understanding is that the “B” was a later revision on the plain CP-70. It included balanced outputs, a different power adapter, and other changes.

    When looking at a used CP-70B and 80, I would recommend that you check to see if it comes with the sustain pedal, sustain rod, and the power adapter. I have heard that Yamaha sells a new-old-stock power adapter for about $200US. Also, newly manufactured sustain pedals and rods cost about $100US each.

    Also see if it comes with the case lids, which help protect the piano in transport.

    My CP-80 came with legs, sustain pedal, power adapter, and the lids. It was missing the sustain rod, the electronics don’t really work, the case is completely beat up, and some of the case hardware was missing.

    Most importantly, it plays fine. I can connect it to an amp and get a very nice sound.

    Good luck with your search!

  9. Matt says:

    Hey Joe,

    I was in touch with Yamaha UK the other day – they have a surprisingly large number of spare parts available – including complete circuit boards and panels. They were incredibly helpful.

    On a second issue – when I first got my CP-80 it had no audio output at all. We couldn’t work this out as the electronics all seemed to be functioning. The fault (if you can call it that) turned out to be one of the pickups was shorting across the string at the end of the harp section. As soon as we bent the pickup wire away from the string it worked fine. It would be worth checking for that in any model.

    Cheers

    Matt

    P.S – looking forward to an update on your piano!

  10. David says:

    Hi Joe-
    Good find on the CP80. I was looking but could only find a cp70b. The piano is mint but it’s missing a power supply- does anyone have any suggestions on where to find a power supply? It has this weird two-pin connector and finding that part has been a real problem. Thanks for any help. I’ll keep checking in to see how the restoration goes Joe- good luck.

    Dave

  11. Joe says:

    David,
    The best resource I’ve found is this page:

    http://www.oceanbeach.com/ches/daves_gear/cp70ps.html

    I recently saw the 2 pin connectors for sale on ebay.

    Good luck, and I’ll be posting more soon about the work I’m doing on my CP-80.

    Thanks for all the interest. Maybe we should start a website for CP-70/80 owners?? 😉

    Joe

  12. Denise says:

    I have a Yamaha CP70B Electric Grand Piano for sale!! It needs a power supply and 3 strings/hammers. I have the sustain rod and pedal and cases and all legs. I’m asking $900. I have pictures available upon request. IF ANYONE IS INTERESTED PLEASE CONTACT ME AT totallycountry@aol.com

  13. niclas Lykkegård says:

    Good idea to make a CP site like the Rhodes have a super site, CP owner should also have one

  14. I also saw that you had replaced the latches, I’d love to know the procedure for that as I have to replace the ones on my CP70B. Great site!

    Thanks,
    Mike

  15. simon says:

    Hi…I have a CP80 for sale if any one is intereseted – in good working order – fully flight cased – get back to me if you want to know more.

    [Editors note] Poster’s email is: simon@wod.co.uk

  16. Rob says:

    Any one feal free to contact me if the know of a cp70b, cp80, or and most importantly a cp6o. My e-mail is redpianomusic@yahoo.com. thanks-Rob

  17. James says:

    I bought an old cp70 off ebay one month ago for a great price.I’d lusted after one ever since playing one in a show as a teenager – I hadn’t really seen one since and subsequently become accustomed to plastic keys and lightweight instruments – specially when you lug them week in and week out.

    We’ve bought it not just for its legendary sound but also for it’s funky styling – it screams of japanese design from the era – a great look for our new living room. Ans I have to say I’ve fallen in love with playing the piano all over again. I can recommend the trip back to mechanical-land for any synth heads out there – it’s great. You may want to brush up your finger strength again though – get out the Hanon or scales and arpeggios books. You lose the condition you need to push 44g of lead over time!

    While it’s obviously done a lot of work – this one’s getting a cushy retirement – used only for house parties and a bit of practice from my daughters and me.

    The insides are great and it sounds fantastic. However a (guesses) substance induced mural decorated the tolex covering. Thus the vinyl had to go. I have all the tolex off now and am considering just rubbing back the wood and staining it black and re enameling the steel.

    An interesting note is that the glue under the tolex is water based – thus you can rub it back with a damp cloth – no strippers or chemicals required.

    I am struggling with the task of replacing the original decals – the stencilled YAMAHA badge on the front of the lyre section and the gold YAMAHA lettering on the steel plate above the keyboard – any ideas?

    I intend to chemically strip the steel corners and replace them in new brushed metal condition over the black stained wood.
    Will post a photo when finished….james

  18. Justin Sharbono says:

    Hello.

    I just won a CP70B on eBay. I can’t wait to get it. I seemed to be in near pristine condition. I am curious as to how I would get in touch with Yamaha UK on the off chance that I need a/some part/parts???

    Any info would be greatly appreciated.

    Thanks,

    Justin

  19. niclas Lykkegård says:

    i’m searching for a Yamaha CP-70B in mint or excellent condition. It is best if you live in Europe, but i can of course pay for shipping anywhere.

    Email me at oea@pc.dk

  20. Matt says:

    To Justin:

    Just go to Yamahas website and call the UK customer service line. They have a whole list of parts they can supply over the phone – they will even fax the parts list sheets to you so you can choose the appropriate parts yourself.

    To Joe:

    Whats happening with the piano?! Any restoration work done on it?

  21. Joe says:

    Matt,
    Aside from some new hardware, tuning, and cleaning of the pots, I haven’t done any restoration work yet. The big things will be the tolex.

  22. james says:

    Hey, does anyone know how to track the history of the instrument from the serial number? Mine has a very low serial number – can I tell the year it was built from the number – is there a reference site like the owners manual repository? Appreciate any help.

  23. Brian Judah says:

    Do you still have a Yamaha CP80 for sale?

  24. Ken says:

    Joe,

    Hi, I am challenging to restore CP80 now. but I don’t have Yamaha’s service manual. If you can, could you send me service manual by email ?

  25. PianoMan says:

    Hey to all!

    I am SO glad to see the CP80/CP70 legacy “alive and kicking” out there in “whatever”-land. I am a 45 year old veteran pro music man…offered by Atlantic Records. I own two CP80s, two Fender Rhodes, Moog Taurus II Bass Pedals, Yamaha DX-7, Korg DW8000, Kawai K-3, 1977 Vintage Blonde Fender TeleCaster Custom Deluxe (beautiful…and a workhorse), 50th anniversary Gibson Les Paul, etc., etc. Can you tell I’m from the “old school” 😉 ! I remember when old Phil baby (Phil Collins) was still sitting on his throne behind Genesis. Can you say Don Kirshner’s Rock Concert(s) and The MidNight Special featuring WolfMan Jack? You younger guys keep rockin’ on and always remember: learn your instrument well and practice, practice, practice. Before you learn that synth, learn your piano and learn your rudiments. A musician is NOT about fame and fortune…he is about art. The rest is all, in the end, bullshit…believe me. Good luck to all, rock on, and Deo Gratias.

  26. niclas Lykkegård says:

    To Matt

    I have seen you post with the parts from Yamaha UK, and you say that you shall call the UK customer service line, but i can’t find the number or E-mail adress anywhere. Can you please give me a link to the informations?

  27. Bard Meier says:

    Hey to anyone–

    I’ve got a Cp-70B in GREAT shape that I’m lookin’ to sell. All the electronics have been gone through and stays in tune unbvelievably well.
    Send me an email at bard@bardmeier.com and I can give you all the specs and send off some photos.

  28. Joe says:

    All,
    I am fortunate to have folks following my restoration process of the CP-80! However, recently I bought a /mint/ condition CP-80 with the original optional amplified speaker cabinet. The two items, literally, are in showroom condition.

    The beaten-up CP-80 described in this article has been broken down and is not sitting in my office. I do want to sell it to someone, but it has been tough finding a buyer.

    If you, or someone you know is interested in this Yamaha CP-80 for sale, please post a reply.

    Thanks,
    Joe

  29. arin says:

    joe, i may be interested in your cp-80. if you could let me know what kind of shape its in what youve done with it in the last year since you got it. i have a guy that tunes/restores pianos and i’d love to restore this beast. it would be my honor to be the owner. let me know details and price if you can. emailing me might be best.

    arin

  30. Andrew says:

    Hi there,

    please let me know if you have still have your cp70 or 80 for sale.
    Thanks
    Andrew
    thomsonandy@hotmail.com

  31. Geoff says:

    I have a CP70 – the original with the built in power supply. It’s got a standard AC plug. It’s also got a really bad ground hum issue.
    Sound comes out all the outputs. The hum is present in all of them, including the effects loop out. I’m led to believe Yamaha went to the wall wort because of hum issues. Does any one know how to tap directly in to the preamp to check if the problem is the power supply? Any other ideas?
    Any help at all would be great.

  32. jonny says:

    Hey i am looking for a cp-70 or 80 but i wanted to share this little tip with everyone. I played in a piano rock band with a guy who played one of these and the power supply borke on it. we could not find one for under 200 and being poor musicians we needed to do something else. this is what we did

    1) went to radio shack and purchased a power adapter that would correctly convert the power for the cp-70

    we also bought a plug thats just like the plug on a computer or guitar amp ( the three prong power cable plug)

    2) we cut a hole in the side of the cp-70 in the flatest part we could find that was just the right size for the plug that we bought.

    3) we then wired up the radio shack power adapter by cutting off the ends and splicing one side of the wire to the piano and the other side to the plug.

    4) we hot glued the power adapter inside of the piano and used two small screws to fix the plug into the hole that we had created.

    5) then we put the piano all back together and it worked like magic!

    we no longer had to pack up the power supply or worry about not messing it up. it was built right in to the piano and all we needed was a regular power cable from a computer or guitar amp and plug it in!

    we played huge stages in dallas and had no problems with um or anythng.

    try it and see for yourself

    Jonny

  33. wilburm says:

    hey, joe

    I am definitely looking for a CP-80… wouldn’t mind at all if it needed restoration. please let me know if it’s still available.

    thanks,

    wil M

  34. Carl B. says:

    Wow.. just happened to look up some info on this absolutely amazing instrument and found this site..

    I have a CP-80, original out of the crate, purchased in 1983. I have since installed a MIDI interface strip (from Forte Music in California – I think..).

    This beast has to be the ultimate expressive keyboard I’ve EVER played – hands down (pun intended)! Using a Proteus 2000 rack-mount module delivers 128-note poliphony, allowing the layering sustain similar to that of the CP-80’s natural open-string sustain.

    All-in-all, it stays in tune like a champ, but I prefer to only port it when it’s a high-profile gig – or 4 or more nights. Portable, but you need assistance – at both ends of the drive home.

    My @somepoint delemma I believe will be string replacement. I would suggest to anyone with a reasonable conditioned CP-70 or CP-80 to get it fixed and running, tuned and regulated, because I can boast about this Gem piano, it is SWEET!

    Oh, and thanks for the tip on the power supply ‘JONNY’ – interestingly enough, mine looks like it will too provide such a lunch-bag-let-down.

    Cheers!

  35. Jeedo says:

    Hi to all,

    I’m searching for the CP70/80 service manual in pdf format. Does everyone knows where I could find it? Thanks in advance for your answer

  36. Justin Sharbono says:

    FS: CP70b. Immaculate condition. Sustain Pedal, Chains, Sustain Rod, and Power Supply. All original. I am located in Minneapolis, MN. Thanks!

  37. Matt (another Matt) says:

    ANTHONY, d’ya think you could copy or scan that CP-70B Service Manual and email a copy to me…?

    Thanks a bunch in advance if you can…

    Matt

  38. Manny says:

    I just bought a CP-70b It looks to be in great shape, I haven’t played it yet I need the ac adaptor and would like to have the manuel for it can anyone assist me in this. thanks Manny

  39. Dan Houze says:

    Hey all — our church is looking for a CP70B or 80. We are in Santa Monica, CA. Anyone have anything for sale in western US? danhouze@stmonica.net

  40. Brotha Doug says:

    Hello,

    I just receive a gift of a CP-80 in excellent condition. I am however missing one leg. Can you provide info on how I acquire one or a set?

    Brotha Doug

  41. Joe says:

    Brotha Doug,
    Congratulations on getting your CP-80. I am hesitant to believe that Yamaha would still have any legs available for these pianos. It is worth a call to their parts department. If they do still have them, I would imagine that they are very expensive.

    A do-it-yourself approach might be cutting a length of pipe with a matching thread to approximately the size of one of the other legs. but then creating an assembly that would lock the brace into place at the bottom would be tricky.

    Then again, maybe you could find a set of legs on eBay.

    Let us know how it goes….and send us links to some pictures!

    Thanks,
    Joe

  42. Ron says:

    Can someone help me find a power cable for my CP-70?
    I have read all the posts but thought someone might have an extra or can direct me to the new old stock Yamaha ones.
    Thanks.

  43. Nick Noble says:

    Justin Please email me regarding your piano if it’s not already sold!

    nick@the-gentlemen.co.uk

    thanks

  44. Gordon says:

    Im desperatly looking for a CP70 or CP80, anyone who is selling please email me back at feedmeblock@hotmail.com!

  45. tim verellen says:

    i have an excellent cp80 for sale please call me 989 635 7950 feel free to tell any one about me i am in michigan i want $750

  46. Tami Williams says:

    I have an immaculate CP70B for sale. I have owned it for 22 years and has sat in my living room. Never been on the road. Has all parts and accessories as well as case. Vancouver BC

  47. Wilfried says:

    Looking for a Yamaha CP 70b. I am in chicago.

    (979) 739-1987 – give me a call.

  48. Ron says:

    I am touring in Europe next week. Does anyone know where I can rent or buy a CP 70? Please contact me. Thanks loads.

  49. Jacob says:

    Hello – nice to see the CP-community thriving.

    I just bought a badly abused CP 70B at a nice price. The 2nd generation toolex is coming off and the casing is beat up… lots of small outer parts missing. But the harp is in good shape. I have a few problems though:

    1. The electronics are working fine except for two things:
    – Theres is a lot of noise on the right output.
    – There is almost no sound from the left output.

    Does anyone have some experience with similar problems – or ideas for a fix?

    2. The action is quite heavy and seem a bit ‘tired’. I need to really punch hard on some keys to get sound and therefore soft playing is sometimes dificult. Especially the small vertical dampers (in the bottom case) seem to grab the felt too much.

    – Is the the cp-action usually this heavy?
    – Can I make the action more smooth with an adjustment/part replacements?

    Any help will be deeply appreciated. And so would the service manual if anyone managed to find/create an electronic copy.

    I will keep you updated on my restoring efforts. PS. What happened to the idea of CP-website?

    All the best
    Jacob (Copenhagen, Denmark)

  50. Joe says:

    Thanks to everyone for contributing to this post. I am still entertaining the idea of a CP-70/80 fan website. Any thoughts as to what a good domain name would be? And one that would be generic enough to avoid legal threats (keep the word “yamaha” out of the domain name)?

  51. MattV says:

    CP70/80 website? Well, having just got a cp70B and being in the IT business, I’m so taken with the thing I was almost going to do it myself! But seeing the knowledge here, I’m not going to tread on toes! (Also it would mean time in front of a PC when it could be time in front of the piano!!!) Let us know if you need any help of an IT nature.

  52. Arnold Layne says:

    did anyone happen to get the part list faxed to them that Joe was talking about? it should be added here. I’ll try.
    I think a CP-70/80 website is a great idea.
    I need the support rods and feet for the legs on my CP-80. I bought mine used in 1983 and it has some miles on it.
    I also need 2 strings (compliments of Jack Daniels resulting in some rock-hard funky corrosion) and 2 hammers (compliments of 2 ambitious, well-meaning ex-fellow musician friends…).

    Cool, lets keep this going.

    Arnold Layne

  53. Adam says:

    I am searching for a cp70 or any of the cp models. I would love any leads on finding one. I live in the Dallas, TX area, bud i don’t mind driving/picking one up or paying for shipping and re tuning it. Please let me know if anyone has one to sell, or knows someone who does. Best regards! lotusmusic@gmail.com is my email

  54. Daniel says:

    Hi am looking for a cp70 or cp80 in good condition. I live in FL and have not be able to find one. I am willing to do what ever it takes to get one.
    Please contact me if you have one or no some one or somewhere that does.
    danielluismusic@gmail.com

    Thanks :-)

  55. Amanda Williams says:

    Hi,

    I have a fully working CP80 (Wiltshire UK). The casing is slightly tatty (mainly missing a few screws and the outer covering material is slightly ripped on some of the edges) but I have the flight cases, sustain pedal, power cables, output cables etc. It is currently connected up to a Peavey amplifier (Keyboard and acoustic amp) KBA30 which I will happily sell with it. I have recorded the instrument in the past using the input/output plugs to great effect for piano demos etc.

    I am unsure of what to expect value wise and am interested to learn of a sensible price as well as offers.

    The piano is obviously very easy to transport as I have the flight cases but would require a transit type van and strong people!

    Any advice/offers?

    Many thanks,

    Amanda

    milliecatkins@hotmail.com

  56. scotty says:

    i have just bought a Cp70 the electronics and pickups and general hardware is in excellent working order the tolex is not bad for its age a couple of tears thats it i resprayed the vinyl because it had faded and cleaned up the pots and harp,strings etc however these strings are approx 20 to 30 years of age so heavy playing could snap them the logo on the faceplate is badly scratched on the M And H of the lettering and the faceplate could do with a respray as the original paintwork is beginning 2 crack these instruments are priceless they have a beautiful sustain and the sound is instantly recognised from previous artists who used them (Genesis, Simple Minds,Joe Jackson,Abba,U2 Billy Joel,Peter Gabriel) to name a few Keane use them now and U2 Still use the Cps too these pianos are getting rare now so getting one in an excellent condition could be hard work and theyre bleeding heavy the harp is 60kg and the action is approx 50kg so it needs two people to cart it about its a shame they dont make them anymore i would imagine if they did they,d be very expensive

  57. zac says:

    Hey everyone, good site to find. I am trying to get my CP 70B up and running and Im missing one leg (large) and two of the support brackets that connect the leg to the piano. Has anyone

    a.) found somewhere to make them a leg
    b.) found somewhere to purchase legs
    c.) made legs or a stand themselves for this beast

    Also, mine is missing the sustain pedal. Is it true that yamaha UK will sell you one for a hundred dollars? I found some website in portugal off of ebay that sells a sustain pedal and rod but it comes to around 400 something dolars. Any help on any of this would be great.

    Thanks,
    Zac Traeger
    zactraeger@hotmail.com

  58. mark brown says:

    I have a CP 80 and 70 for sale Dallas area. Also and old RMI and a RMI dual head 360 amp. Also have 2 Boss CE-300 Super Chorus rack mount effects.

    mark

  59. Ettore says:

    Ciao a tutti ! Ho visto per caso questo forum. Ho un bellisimo CP 80, pagato 1400 euro ed è andato sempre benissimo.

    Ieri, però, improvvisamente, è rimasto MUTO! Sigh sigh e sigh!

    Se scollego i pick Up e collego a IN un microfono , Ampli, tremolo, volume ecc tutto Ok, ma se ricollego i pick up nulla….. MUTO!

    Cosa può essere? un pick UP in cortocircuito? E come faccio a trovare qual’é ?? E dove ne trovo un altro?

    AIUTATEMI! HELP !!!
    Ettore – Florence – Italy

  60. David Johansson says:

    Hi,

    Looking for a working yamaha cp 70b or cp 80… i’ve got the new yamaha cp 300 which i love but i need some vintage as well. Live in Minnesota.

    Joha0203@umn.edu

  61. Dan says:

    I can buy a CP80, but it has no power adapter. Does anyone know where I can buy one?

  62. Jaywise says:

    Hey guys, I need a push rod for the cp,70b, hear the Rhodes push rod could be the way to go. Are there different versions of push rods that I need to aviod or do all Rhodes use the same type?

    Cheers,

    J

  63. Dave says:

    Great Site! I wanted to know from Carl B how hard was it to put the midi interface in the cp80 and how well does it work? You can email me at David_Walker_Donaldson@yahoo.com. Thank you,

  64. Jessica says:

    Where, o where did you find it?!!

  65. Sherry Burgell says:

    I got my yamaha Cp70 with the flight cases from my dad. what amplifier should I use? It is just sitting in my house not being played because I’m not sure about amp. I am trying to sell it for $900…..any interest?

  66. Tom Coulthard says:

    Hey, I have one of those elusive AC-Power supplies with the 2-Pin Canon connector on the end. Model GA-50063. Input: 120V 60Hz 5W. Output: 12V DC 200mA. 9ft9inch cord.
    I’m going to list on kijiji for $50. thought I would post here in case someone is looking for one. email if you are. I can send pics.
    I sell out of town all the time, so no worries there. I can direct you to add also, and you can deal with me there if you like that better. Shipping extra of course. Cheers!

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