yamaha cp-70 question...

[rockkeys]

If a cp-70 has XLR outs, does that make it a cp-70b? I know the cp-70b had improved signal to noise ratio, but I'm not sure how to tell if a cp-70 is a b model or not.

[Losendoskeys]

There were three models in the product's lifetime... the original CP70 (73-note keyboard) which was superceded by the CP70B (with balanced outputs) and the CP80 (a full 88-note keyboard version).

There was also the CP70M and 80M which had MIDI.

[Bill W]

IIRC, the CP70B and CP80 have an AC adapter input and power switch together on the side of the case...the 70B/80 power input looks like an XLR. The CP70 didn't have the switch there.

[Bill W]

This brochure shows the CP70B/80 power supply/switch panel:

 

http://www.joehungry.com/wp-images/page5_CP70.jpg

 

The "B" in CP70B is for "balanced" so this pic might also help:

 

http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb122/willshipworldwide/05-16-11/05-12201.jpg

 

 

[Delaware Dave]

and then there was the version in the NE2....

[Losendoskeys]

Here's mine............it's a B

 

http://i342.photobucket.com/albums/o430/alanjpearson/CP70B/CP701.jpg

[Bill W]

Hey Alan -- I think your signature is out of date.

[Losendoskeys]

Yeah, you're right!

[rockkeys]

Fantastic. Thanks for the replies!

[kanker.]

I thought the b just stood for "burns longer" when you finally realize the best way to treat one of those things.

[mate stubb]

Then there's the very rare "T" (trebuchet) model, with wings for maximum aerodynamic efficiency.

[Dana.]

I thought the b just stood for "burns longer" when you finally realize the best way to treat one of those things.

Doesn't explain why yours is still in the garage. What are you waiting for?

[kanker.]

I thought the b just stood for "burns longer" when you finally realize the best way to treat one of those things.

Doesn't explain why yours is still in the garage. What are you waiting for?

I live downtown, we have burn restrictions.

 

I gotta say, I am interested in having mine converted to a CP-70t. Any tips Moe?

[Joe Muscara]

I want to see whatever you do to it, and the long list of guys pleading you to give it to them first before you do.

[mate stubb]

You might want to consult with the experts on the Top Gear show. A few seasons back, they converted a Reliant Robin into a space shuttle and launched it using a rocket.

 

http://www.topgear.com/uk/assets/cms/b9f1cfb9-436e-4aa3-9916-717f671dbd75/Image.jpg

[JeffLearman]

There were two different versions of the CP-70B. I had the early version with balanced outputs (thus the B), but with internal power supply and standard 3-prong power cable. A friend of mine had the later model, with the external power supply that kept frying whenver left plugged in, and cost $100 (a lot of money back in 1980.)

 

The reason for the external PS was allegedly to reduce hum.

 

[16251]

I thought the b just stood for "burns longer" when you finally realize the best way to treat one of those things.

Doesn't explain why yours is still in the garage. What are you waiting for?

I live downtown, we have burn restrictions.

 

I gotta say, I am interested in having mine converted to a CP-70t. Any tips Moe?

Ask David Letterman.

[Doerfler]

There were two different versions of the CP-70B. I had the early version with balanced outputs (thus the B), but with internal power supply and standard 3-prong power cable.

 

 

that's the same version I had. There was no "B" on the serial faceplate on the bottom, but it had balanced outs. I sold it 2 years ago as it was evolving into a "T" and I needed to get something for it financially before the evolution was completed.

[Throbert]

it'll fit in a Buick

[OB Dave]

Did somebody say "piano" and "trebuchet" in the same thread?

 

[video:youtube]

[Losendoskeys]

I thought the b just stood for "burns longer" when you finally realize the best way to treat one of those things.

It sounds too nice to play the Blues on it...........

[JeffLearman]

There were two different versions of the CP-70B. I had the early version with balanced outputs (thus the B), but with internal power supply and standard 3-prong power cable.

 

 

that's the same version I had. There was no "B" on the serial faceplate on the bottom, but it had balanced outs. I sold it 2 years ago as it was evolving into a "T" and I needed to get something for it financially before the evolution was completed.

Good point! Mine didn't have a B anywhere. I'd always assumed it was the original CP70, but a Yamaha employee who was involved at the time cleared it up for me.

 

It was a great piano for me for two decades, but I admit I was glad to see the backside of it when I donated it to a church. I've no use for CP70 samples either, other than for a (mixed emotion) trip down memory lane.

 

But I did play it side by side with early digital pianos, and the difference in dynamic range was huge. It'd make the digitals sound like toys in comparison. That was until about 1997.

[zxcvbnm098]

I sure lusted for one of those around 1980. My recollection is they were almost $4K at the time. A crazy amount of money now, let alone in 1980.

 

I worked MI retail in the mid-80's in San Diego with a guy that worked for Guitar Center in the late 70's and early 80's in LA. He told me it was amazing how many of these they sold to keyboard players that often purchased a Prophet 5 at the same time. That's almost a $10K purchase, again, in 1980 dollars! Using the inflation calculator, that's a $27K purchase now. I can't imagine how people could afford it then...

[Losendoskeys]

Had mine 5 years - love it, cost £1000

[Throbert]

I wish I had bought the OBXa instead.

[DanS]

I gotta say, I am interested in having mine converted to a CP-70t. Any tips Moe?

 

Finally, you're going to plant some tomatoes...

[JeffLearman]

I sure lusted for one of those around 1980. My recollection is they were almost $4K at the time. A crazy amount of money now, let alone in 1980.

Yeah, -- half the price of a decent car. When I got mine, there was still a waiting list for new ones at $4K. I was recently out of school, with a great job paying about $16K/yr. No way I could afford 1/4 of my pre-tax income for an instrument!

 

But I was living cheap (still living like a student, driving a $350 beater, etc) and saving up money. One day I walked into Music Mart in Ann Arbor and saw a beat-to-hell one lying in pieces all over the floor. I immediately asked "Does it work?" They said "Yes". I said "How much?" Answer: $2500. I wrote a check. In retrospect, I probably could have talked them down $500, or required that they fix the broken cover screws & latches, but it really WAS sound inside: all felts good, action perfect, one broken string. But I didn't want the chance to get it slip away.

 

I've never spent that much on an instrument or piece of music gear since, but I don't think I've ever gotten as much for my money either. It was great to have a piano-ish instrument with a real grand action to play at home, and my playing improved dramatically in the next couple years.

 

The previous owner was in a top-40/rock band and had traded the CP70 for a Polymoog.

[rockkeys]

Anyone know of a source for cp-70b power supplies/sustain pedals?

[Losendoskeys]

Anyone know of a source for cp-70b power supplies/sustain pedals?

 

It's easy to build one - just replace the connector in the piano with a regular 3 pin DIN socket - buy a modern DC walwart, fit the DIN connector and away you go.

[Moonglow]

He told me it was amazing how many of these they sold to keyboard players that often purchased a Prophet 5 at the same time.

Best stand for a Prophet 5 ever made! I had a similar arrangement, with a CX-3 sandwiched in between them.

 

Sold my CP a few years ago. Liked it at the time, but can't say that I miss it....