1975 Yamaha CP-70 Electric Grand Piano
In the mid-1970s, touring musicians faced an impossible choice: leave the grand piano at home or rent trucks and fork-lifts to haul one on the road. Yamaha solved this with the CP-70 Electric Grand Piano, a genuinely inventive instrument that split a real upright harp and action into a portable package that could be transported in cases, set up in under an hour, and plugged directly into a PA. The 1975 original models are now prized as one of the most distinctive vintage keyboards a collector can own.
The Engineering Problem Yamaha Solved
The CP-70 debuted at the 1976 NAMM show (prototypes appeared in 1975), and it was unlike anything the keyboard world had seen. Unlike the Rhodes or Wurlitzer, which used tines or reeds, the CP-70 used real steel strings over a genuine grand piano harp. The sound was produced acoustically, then amplified by piezo pickups attached to the string bridge. This gave it a tone that was undeniably piano-like, with natural string resonance, sympathetic vibration, and a sustain character that no electric piano could fully replicate.
The CP-70 split into two halves, connected by a hinged mechanism. The assembled unit weighed approximately 165 pounds total, with each half around 80-85 pounds. By electric grand standards, this was genuinely portable. The companion CP-80 used an 88-key full-size harp and weighed considerably more.
The 73-key CP-70 covered the range F1 to E7, covering virtually all of the piano literature that mattered for pop and rock performance. Integrated legs folded under the cabinet, and a sustain pedal jack completed the setup.
The Sound That Defined an Era
The CP-70's tonal character is distinctive and unmistakable once you know it. The piezo pickup system captured the string vibration with a slightly steely, percussive quality in the upper register and a warm, resonant depth in the bass. When run through effects (delay, chorus, reverb), the CP-70 became one of the defining sounds of late-1970s and early-1980s progressive rock and pop.
Perhaps no artist is more associated with the CP-70 than Phil Collins and Tony Banks of Genesis. The instrument appeared prominently on Wind and Wuthering (1976), ...And Then There Were Three... (1978), and subsequent Genesis recordings. Peter Gabriel also used it extensively in his solo career. Toto, Yes (with Rick Wakeman's replacement Tony Kaye), and countless session musicians of the era made the CP-70 the working professional's concert piano choice.
The Beatles connection is indirect but notable: John Lennon's famous "Imagine" video is not a CP-70 (that's a Steinway), but the instrument filled a similar visual and tonal role in the documentary concert film era.
1975 vs. Later Production
The earliest CP-70 units (1975-1977) have several characteristics that differentiate them from the more common mid-production models:
Earlier examples often have subtly different cabinet finishing and hardware details
The pickup systems evolved across production years; early units may have vintage pickup characteristics
Early production examples command a modest collector premium due to their originality
Sustain character on original pickups differs from service-replaced units
Identifying a genuine early production unit requires examining the serial number (cross-referenced against Yamaha production records), the internal components, and the cabinet markings. Original pickups that haven't been replaced are highly valued by collectors who want the authentic vintage tone.
Condition Grades and Values
| Condition | Description | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| Excellent/Mint | All original, working, minimal cosmetic wear | $1,800 - $3,500 |
| Very Good | Plays well, minor cosmetic issues, original components | $1,000 - $1,800 |
| Good | Functional with some service needed, some replaced parts | $500 - $1,000 |
| Project/Parts | Non-functional or significant work needed | $200 - $500 |
A fully original 1975 CP-70 with its original case halves, original hardware, and unmodified pickup system sits at the top of the value range. Many examples in circulation have had service work, pickup replacements, or cosmetic refinishing that affects value.
Common Issues and Maintenance
The CP-70's string-based design means it's subject to the same maintenance needs as any acoustic piano, compounded by the stresses of touring life that many examples endured.
String breakage is common in older units. Replacement strings are available through specialty suppliers, but period-correct strings are increasingly difficult to source.
Pickup degradation affects many vintage examples. The original piezo pickups can fail, resulting in dead notes or buzzing. Replacement with modern piezo equivalents works but changes the original character.
Harp cracks are a serious issue. Because the instrument was designed to be portable, the harp was made lighter than a standard upright piano harp, and some examples show cracking from years of transport stress. A cracked harp is a significant repair challenge.
Action issues accumulate with age. The action uses standard piano key mechanisms, and worn felt, broken hammer shanks, and stiff damper mechanisms are common in untreated examples.
The Collector Market Today
The CP-70 has experienced a genuine collector renaissance since roughly 2015, driven by the resurgence of interest in vintage keyboards generally and the instrument's prominent use by modern artists who've embraced its sound. Jacob Collier, various lo-fi and neo-soul producers, and contemporary prog-influenced acts have all brought fresh attention to the instrument.
Prices on Reverb and eBay for working examples in good condition have risen steadily. A rough project unit that needs work might sell for $300-500, while a fully serviced, excellent example with original cases can fetch $2,000-3,500 from the right buyer.
The CP-80 (the larger 88-key version) commands even higher prices due to its greater string length and deeper bass response, often selling in the $3,000-6,000 range for excellent examples.
Where to Find Parts and Service
The vintage keyboard restoration community has developed solid resources for CP-70 maintenance. Dedicated technicians who specialize in the instrument can be found through the Vintage Synth Explorer forums and Gearslutz/Gearspace communities. Key parts sources include Piano Traders, specialty piano supply houses, and some vintage keyboard dealers who maintain parts inventory.
The CP-70 is not a casual acquisition. It requires space (the assembled instrument is 52 inches wide), tuning (at least twice yearly, more if climate varies), and periodic action service. But for the collector who wants a genuine piece of rock history that still plays and performs, few vintage keyboards deliver as completely.
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