Another post about the CP4

[Jazz+]

The inertia is less.

[Mike Warren]

The inertia is less.

On the CP4?

 

If I remember correctly, you have to be careful of what actions you use too, don't you?

[sMatt]

I've been trying to find a CP4 to play locally without any luck.

 

I did play an RD800 yesterday. How does the weight of the CP4 action compare to the RD800? And particularly, because of my poly-arthritis, how hard do the CP4 keys bottom out?

 

I can play for long periods on my PC3x, but couldn't play for more than about 10 minutes on the RD300SX before the pain set in. I only got about 20 minutes on the RD800 yesterday, but didn't have any problems.

 

 

i feel that the weight of the CP4 is heavier.

 

So, for example, if I play a fast Bach Prelude on the CP4 I feel more stress in my hands, while I can zip it off much more easily on the RD800.

[Mark Schmieder]

By weight, do you mean the actual weights attached beneath the keys, or the amount of pressure required based on a combination of factors, such as the pivot point?

[Mark Schmieder]

Hmm, we also have to remain aware that keyboard actions can take awhile to fully break in. Didn't we get some relevant feedback on the RD-700 vs. CP5 in that regard? Of course these are both new models, but maybe it'll play out the same way...

[sMatt]

By weight, do you mean the actual weights attached beneath the keys, or the amount of pressure required based on a combination of factors, such as the pivot point?

 

 

good point... by weight I mean pressure.

[Carl C.]

The RD800 feels a bit softer than the CP4 when it comes to bottoming out. Im not saying that it is better action than the CP4 just a bit softer. This latest PHA4 action seems softer as if they added more felt compared to the hard bottoming of the previous PHA3.

 

 

 

[Mike Warren]

Yes, I mean the force required to play. From the responses I'm definitely not going to risk it and order one from another city.

 

Hopefully one of the stores here will decide to get one in after my inquiries. Also, I might be able to find a Clavinova with the same action to give me an idea what it feels like.

 

Thanks for the replies.

 

[sMatt]

Yes, I mean the force required to play. From the responses I'm definitely not going to risk it and order one from another city.

 

Hopefully one of the stores here will decide to get one in after my inquiries. Also, I might be able to find a Clavinova with the same action to give me an idea what it feels like.

 

Thanks for the replies.

 

sounds sensible.

 

the jazz+ guy here loves his and disagrees with me about the action, but I would definitely try it out before you buy.

[Jazz+]

I do not own a CP4. But I tested it side by side with an RD-800 for numerous chorus of fast right hand blowing on "Giant Steps" . I have suffered from a life long affliction of tenosynovitis in both wrists. It is highly sensitive to action inertia. I found the CP4 to have lower inertia and thus less stressful to play fast. I had to work harder on the RD-800, it was offering more resistance . Describing the CP4 action as "gluey" (sticky) is false.

[Mark Schmieder]

Mike, I made a list of all the Clavinovas and their actions a few months ago and printed all the data sheets, hoping to find time to go to a piano specialist store (as GC doesn't carry them). Send me a PM if you'd like to benefit from my research. I'm pretty sure though that the action is not quite the same as the CP4, perhaps in a similar way to the longer pivot arm of the Kawai MP11 vs. VPC1.

[Mike Warren]

Thanks Mark. According to one dealer anything with the NW-GH action will be the same. To me, that makes sense, considering mass production, but all they have to do is change the density of the felts on the bottom of the key travel to affect the area that's of concern to me.

 

I think I'll play it safe and wait until someone decides to stock a CP4. It's not like I need a new keyboard. I was getting by quite nicely on the PC3x until all the hype over the CP4 caused me to develop a case of GAS.

 

 

[Reverend Rhythm]

I just got the DVD of the concert for Greg Allman, All My Friends. Chuck Levell is all over it, and the CP he is playing sounds awesome! I'm guessing it's the CP 4. They have a grand on stage and use it for some of the artists (Dr. John, Widespread Panic), but that CP holds it's own.

[Carl C.]

I just got the DVD of the concert for Greg Allman, All My Friends. Chuck Levell is all over it, and the CP he is playing sounds awesome! I'm guessing it's the CP 4. They have a grand on stage and use it for some of the artists (Dr. John, Widespread Panic), but that CP holds it's own.

 

Check this out. Go to 1:32 on video for all you CP4 fans. Sounds and looks great!

 

http://www.rollingstone.com/music/videos/watch-gregg-allman-scorch-midnight-rider-with-vince-gill-zac-brown-20140402

 

 

 

 

[MalH]

Nice video. However the sound from the CP4 leaves me cold. It sounds like the velocity is binary, maxing out too easily and leaving me wanting that smooth rhodes mid and low intensity warmth. I'll have to play one though in my search for something to replace my 20 year old SGproX.

[Carl C.]

Nice video. However the sound from the CP4 leaves me cold. It sounds like the velocity is binary, maxing out too easily and leaving me wanting that smooth rhodes mid and low intensity warmth. I'll have to play one though in my search for something to replace my 20 year old SGproX.

 

Well, like the sound or not, Chuck Levell probably doesn't have a choice by contract. Yamaha is giving him a pantload of money to use Yamaha products. Especially as the front man for CP4 campaign.

[Dave Ferris]

Sounds good over here. I wonder what kind of keyboard stand CL is using ?

[Jazz+]

Nice video. However the sound from the CP4 leaves me cold. It sounds like the velocity is binary, maxing out too easily and leaving me wanting that smooth rhodes mid and low intensity warmth. I'll have to play one though in my search for something to replace my 20 year old SGproX.

 

He is playing one of the hybrid electric pianos and he wants that clacky velocity slap so he can be heard above the loud roar of electric guitars and drums. A smooth warm Rhodes would be miscast, almost totally buried in that sonic tide pool. A bright toned Grand Piano or a Hammond B3 sound would be my idea for soloing there.

[M_G]

Sounds good over here. I wonder what kind of keyboard stand CL is using ?

 

Looks like a K+M 18950

 

 

[Reverend Rhythm]

Nice video. However the sound from the CP4 leaves me cold. It sounds like the velocity is binary, maxing out too easily and leaving me wanting that smooth rhodes mid and low intensity warmth. I'll have to play one though in my search for something to replace my 20 year old SGproX.

 

He is playing one of the hybrid electric pianos and he wants that clacky velocity slap so he can be heard above the loud roar of electric guitars and drums. A smooth warm Rhodes would be miscast, almost totally buried in that sonic tide pool.

I'm not a big fan of that particular EP sound, but the pianos sound great on the DVD. Of course, everybody sounds great on the DVD. Rami Jaffee sounds great on the organ! Does a nice solo on Melissa.

[Dave Ferris]

Sounds good over here. I wonder what kind of keyboard stand CL is using ?

 

Looks like a K+M 18950

 

Thanks MG.

 

According to my research, the K&M 18950 only goes down to a sitting height of 25.5 ". Which would be too high for me as my popular 18880 is 24.80 " - which is a tad too high.

 

If I use an Onstage keyboard bench that's a little higher then my Quiklok bench, the 18880 is ok. But I do feel like my legs are too stretched out and I don't want to put any undue stress on my back. Unfortunately as much as I would like the 18880 to work, I don't think it will. I'm just kinda obsessive about the keyboard being the right height.

 

The 18880 is perfect for the Nord Piano 2 but the CP4 has a slight lip underneath the keyboard elevating it a 1/2 to 3/4 of inch higher.

 

My Quiklok WS-550 goes down to 24.25 " and is the right height. But I'm sick of looking at it. It's ugly compared to the K&M stuff.

 

The K&M 18953 goes down to 24.01 ", so that would work BUT...the depth on it is only 10.5 " and the CP4 is 13.8 "...grrrr.

 

I could go with the K&M Omega (best looking stand I've seen), it goes down to 23.66", but set up & tear down time is more involved.

 

So what are all the CP4 owners using for a keyboard stand ? ...thanks.

[Jazz+]

Dave Ferris,

 

How are you doing with your recovery? Also, how's the CP4 doing? I find myself routinely hoping for daily updates from you about it.

By the way, I use the WS-550 and don't really notice it's appearance. The lines are minimal enough, and it's down below, that its looks don't bother me (But now you got me thinking about it, LOL). Anyways, I like how it sets up and breaks down and the leg room and stability.

 

Jazz+

[Dave Ferris]

12 days out from surgery I'm recovering nicely J+, thanks for asking. Able to do some light cycling and walking . Not running yet though.

 

Digging the CP4, just wish I could use it out on some gigs but still under Docs orders not to lift anything of substantial weight for another couple of weeks.

 

I need to firm up a case and stand for the CP4. The only case I have that fits it right now is an A&S flight case from my old Yamaha S90. I haven't weighed the case but I'm guessing it's 30 lbs....too heavy.

 

Yeah you can't beat the WS550 for setting up and tearing down. Nothing is faster. It's not repulsive looking but I'm just spolied by the uber-cool look of the K&M stuff.

[16251]

 

So what are all the CP4 owners using for a keyboard stand ? ...thanks.

Dave, I'm not sure what model I have but it's a cheaper version of the K&M 18950. Because I lost the rubber feet awhile ago, I've taken off that part and bought some feet to fit on poles, which I guess lowers stand. I also had to extend the stand a little less than full cause the rubber feet on CP4 didn't line up. Now the stand sits between feet and that makes it a little lower. I was even thinking if I needed lower to remove the poles and fine feet for remaining square poles.

 

I'm glad you're feeling better. I sold Roland piano, and am quite happy with CP4. Thinking about 8" driver speakers but not ready to take plunge yet. Probably the DXR8 by Yamaha. I love the mixer on it, and they're cheaper than other similar ones. I could never go the route you went for speakers

 

I too want to hear your report after gigging.

 

edit: Love that video. It's cool when there's a wall of sound from all those guys finding space of their own. The EP sounded like the Dyno (?)

[scales]

Dave, glad you are stand hunting for your CP-4. How tall are you? I'm 6'00" 195 lbs. My back hurts all the time when I play. Of course I've had back issues for years. I've been experimenting quite a bit lately with stand and bench height. Right now I'm using a quick-lok double tiered X stand. I'm ready for some leg room!

 

I like the looks of the K&M a lot. I was looking at the 18880 and 18810.

[keyguy]

I play standing and use a Spider with the CP4 on the bottom and SK1 on top. I'm interested in other stands as I may have to start sitting. Presently have (and use from time to time) Quik Lok Z-72, Ultimate AX90, Ultimate IQ-3000, Ultimate V-Stand, and WS-550. All standing. The Spider is very quick setup and teardown...

[Dave Ferris]

Dave, glad you are stand hunting for your CP-4. How tall are you? I'm 6'00" 195 lbs. My back hurts all the time when I play. Of course I've had back issues for years. I've been experimenting quite a bit lately with stand and bench height. Right now I'm using a quick-lok double tiered X stand. I'm ready for some leg room!

 

I like the looks of the K&M a lot. I was looking at the 18880 and 18810.

 

Hi Scales--yeah 5' 9" and a little under or over 160...depending how much running I've been doing.

 

I don't have back pain ever, but I could see something like that or problems with my arms or neck developing if the keyboard or bench height was dramatically different then what I'm used to. That's why I'm sensitive and cautious to the height thing.

 

When I used to do the two keyboard thing long ago, and played LH bass from the top tier, my arms would be ready to fall off by the end of the first set.

 

I'll probably hang with the WS-550 for the time being, since it works so well. Maybe down the road take a chance with the Omega/18810 or 18953.

[dreamer65]

Sounds good over here. I wonder what kind of keyboard stand CL is using ?

 

Looks like a K+M 18950

 

Thanks MG.

 

According to my research, the K&M 18950 only goes down to a sitting height of 25.5 ". Which would be too high for me as my popular 18880 is 24.80 " - which is a tad too high.

 

If I use an Onstage keyboard bench that's a little higher then my Quiklok bench, the 18880 is ok. But I do feel like my legs are too stretched out and I don't want to put any undue stress on my back. Unfortunately as much as I would like the 18880 to work, I don't think it will. I'm just kinda obsessive about the keyboard being the right height.

 

The 18880 is perfect for the Nord Piano 2 but the CP4 has a slight lip underneath the keyboard elevating it a 1/2 to 3/4 of inch higher.

 

My Quiklok WS-550 goes down to 24.25 " and is the right height. But I'm sick of looking at it. It's ugly compared to the K&M stuff.

 

The K&M 18953 goes down to 24.01 ", so that would work BUT...the depth on it is only 10.5 " and the CP4 is 13.8 "...grrrr.

 

I could go with the K&M Omega (best looking stand I've seen), it goes down to 23.66", but set up & tear down time is more involved.

 

So what are all the CP4 owners using for a keyboard stand ? ...thanks.

 

FWIW.. the stand can handle even my old P-250 and still they look good together although the piano is considerably deeper... I am very content with this unit, the adjustable screws at bottom often saved my gigs when playing on uneven ground.. I hate moving keyboard stands.

[M_G]

Sounds good over here. I wonder what kind of keyboard stand CL is using ?

 

Looks like a K+M 18950

 

Thanks MG.

 

According to my research, the K&M 18950 only goes down to a sitting height of 25.5 ". Which would be too high for me as my popular 18880 is 24.80 " - which is a tad too high.

 

If I use an Onstage keyboard bench that's a little higher then my Quiklok bench, the 18880 is ok. But I do feel like my legs are too stretched out and I don't want to put any undue stress on my back. Unfortunately as much as I would like the 18880 to work, I don't think it will. I'm just kinda obsessive about the keyboard being the right height.

 

The 18880 is perfect for the Nord Piano 2 but the CP4 has a slight lip underneath the keyboard elevating it a 1/2 to 3/4 of inch higher.

 

My Quiklok WS-550 goes down to 24.25 " and is the right height. But I'm sick of looking at it. It's ugly compared to the K&M stuff.

 

The K&M 18953 goes down to 24.01 ", so that would work BUT...the depth on it is only 10.5 " and the CP4 is 13.8 "...grrrr.

 

I could go with the K&M Omega (best looking stand I've seen), it goes down to 23.66", but set up & tear down time is more involved.

 

So what are all the CP4 owners using for a keyboard stand ? ...thanks.

 

Hi Dave,

 

I am also very picky about stands! I think I tried dozens...

;-)

 

For home use I have the Yamaha LG800, cause it looks really cool (but expensive).

But nothing I would move arround for gigging. And it is not as stable as the 18950.

It moves slightly sideways when playing "hard" (think Jerry Lee Lewis).

;-)

 

In my rehearsal studio I use the K+M 18810 Omega with a second tier as a stationary

stand. Also nothing to moving arround for gigs. No movement sideways but a bit bouncy when hitting hard.....especially with a second board on top.

 

For gigging I use my trusty old 18950 (with second tier sometimes) which is the most stable stand I ever used ! And fast and easy to set up !!,

Yes the lowest adjustment is a litte too high but I use a K+M 14xxxx bench which goes up to 60cm. (I am not very tall....172cm).

 

I use another 18950 for my SK2 too...

 

You could shorten the legs on the 18950 a few cm when you are

a bit used on metal work....or maybe a friend...

 

Cheers

Markus

 

 

 

[George88]

CP 4 question: is the upright or ragtime piano as good as Nord uprights?