Free Yamaha Cp80 Electric Grand Piano Samples For Musicians

Tags: cp80

The Yamaha CP80 Electric Grand Piano, produced from 1976-1985, was a distinctive instrument that found its way into recordings by famous artists like U2, ABBA, Roxy Music, Peter Gabriel, and modern bands like Keane and Coldplay. This unique instrument, which combined real strings and hammer action with piezo pickups rather than a soundboard, was portable enough for tour use while still delivering the rich sound of a grand piano. For musicians interested in authentic vintage electric piano sounds, there are several free sample options available that capture the essence of the CP80. These free samples provide an accessible way for producers, composers, and performers to incorporate the iconic sound of the CP80 into their music without the expense of acquiring the original instrument.

The Yamaha CP80: A Brief History

The Yamaha CP80 Electric Grand Piano was manufactured between 1976 and 1985 and gained popularity as a stage piano in the late 1970s and early 1980s. It was marketed as a "touring friendly and electronically amplified variant of a grand piano" with a "rock solid quality" that earned it the reputation as the "Rolls Royce" of electro-acoustic pianos. While it was too heavy for one person to carry, it was less than half the weight of a real grand piano, making it feasible for bands to transport on tour.

The CP80 featured real strings and hammer action but used piezo pickups instead of a soundboard, giving it a unique tonal character. One distinctive feature it had that regular grand pianos don't is tremolo, which became part of its signature sound. Billy Joel famously trashed a CP80 onstage in Moscow in 1987, highlighting the instrument's presence in rock history.

The CP80 was used extensively in popular music across genres. Its bright, clear tone with a percussive attack made it ideal for cutting through dense mixes in live performances and recordings. The instrument's portability compared to traditional grand pianas made it a favorite for touring bands who wanted to maintain the rich sound of a grand piano without the logistical challenges of moving an acoustic instrument.

Free CP80 Samples for Ableton Live

Source [1] details the EP1980, a free sampled electric piano for Ableton Live that captures the authentic sound of the Yamaha CP80. These samples were made available by Greg Sullivan from an instrument he recorded over Christmas in 1998. The EP1980 represents a significant opportunity for Ableton Live users to access this iconic sound without cost.

Key features of the EP1980 include: - Sampled over nearly a 7-octave range, providing extensive musical possibilities - Multiple velocity layers for expressive playing dynamics - Authentic emulation of the original "electric grand" sound - Macro knobs added to provide the tremolo effect that was unique to the CP80

The EP1980 is compatible with Ableton Live version 9.7.2 and up. Users can download this free instrument pack and experience the vintage sound of the CP80 in their digital audio workstations. The inclusion of the tremolo effect is particularly valuable as it was one of the defining characteristics of the CP80 sound that distinguished it from other electric pianos.

The sampling process undertaken by Greg Sullivan in 1998 captured the nuances of the CP80, including its complex harmonic structure and dynamic response. These samples have been carefully formatted into an Ableton instrument rack, making them easily accessible for producers and composers working within the Ableton Live ecosystem.

Free CP80 Samples for Krome Synth

Source [2] presents another option for musicians: free Yamaha CP80 samples specifically for the Krome synthesizer. Created by Gigasamples, this sample pack includes: - 4 layers of velocity for dynamic expression - A pre-configured patch that utilizes all the samples

The source indicates that users can modify or create their own patches using these samples. This offering provides CP80 samples for Krome synth owners who want to add this vintage electric piano sound to their instrument without purchasing additional sample libraries.

The Krome samples were designed to take advantage of the synthesizer's capabilities, with 4 velocity layers allowing for nuanced expression that responds to the player's touch. The pre-configured patch provides an immediate starting point for musicians, while the flexibility to modify or create new patches caters to those who want to customize the sound to their specific needs.

This free sample pack represents an opportunity for Krome owners to expand their sonic palette with one of the most distinctive electric piano sounds in music history, without the investment typically required for high-quality sample libraries.

CP80 Sound Samples on SoundCloud

Source [3] references a CP80 sound sample published by Electone-EX on SoundCloud. This sample appears to demonstrate the clean sound of the CP80, as well as versions with built-in tremolo and MXR stereo chorus effects. While not explicitly described as a downloadable sample pack, it provides an opportunity for listeners to experience the tonal qualities of the CP80.

The SoundCloud posting, created on December 31, 2012, includes three demonstrations of the CP80 sound: 1. A clean, unprocessed version 2. A version with built-in tremolo 3. A version with MXR stereo chorus effects

These demonstrations allow potential users to evaluate whether the CP80 sound would suit their musical needs before committing to downloading sample packs or purchasing virtual instruments. The comments on the SoundCloud page, such as "Fantastiskt fint sound!" and "nice, musical," indicate that listeners found the quality and character of the CP80 sound appealing.

For musicians interested in the CP80, these SoundCloud examples provide a reference point for understanding how the instrument sounds in different contexts and with various effects processing, which can inform decisions about how to incorporate the CP80 sound into their productions.

Yamaha's Electric Grand Sample Library

Source [4] describes Yamaha's "ELECTRIC GRAND" sample library, which is a hybrid sample library combining: - Motif XF's onboard factory electric grand sample for the "attack" of the sound - Samples of a physically modeled electric grand for the "body" of the sound

This library contains 16 voices total: - 14 variations of the Yamaha CP80 electric grand, including: - A "studio" version - A detuned CP80 - CP80 through various classic effects that are often associated with it – flanger, phaser, Fairchild compressor, tremolo, auto-pan, analog tape saturation, aural exciter, amp distortion, echo, and ring-modulated - 2 bonus voices emulating the rare Baldwin Electropiano

The library was created to address frustrations with existing electric grand libraries that were described as thin, monophonic, or poorly sampled/programmed. It aims to provide a virtual electric grand instrument that sounds and feels like the real thing, with user-adjustable components such as string enharmonics, harp resonance, mechanical key-off noise, and hammer hardness.

This hybrid approach combining sampled and modeled elements represents a sophisticated approach to recreating the CP80 sound, capturing both the immediate attack of the instrument and the complex resonant characteristics that develop as the notes sustain. The inclusion of various effect presets provides a range of tonal options that reflect how the CP80 has been used in recordings throughout its history.

While this source doesn't explicitly state that the library is free, it's included as it represents Yamaha's official take on the CP80 sound and may offer a free trial or demo version.

Physically Modeled CP-80 from Modartt

Source [5] mentions a physically modeled virtual copy of an electro-acoustic Yamaha CP-80 from Modartt. This appears to be part of their Pianoteq product line, which offers physically modeled virtual instruments.

The CP-80 is described as having been "very popular stage piano at the time (1976-1985) with a unique sound and with an authentic grand piano action." It was marketed by Yamaha as a touring friendly and electronically amplified variant of a grand piano.

Physical modeling is an alternative to sampling that uses mathematical algorithms to simulate the behavior of the original instrument. This approach can capture the subtle nuances and interactions between components that might be missed in sampling, such as the sympathetic resonance between strings and the mechanical noise of the action.

While not explicitly described as free, Modartt does offer a free version of Pianoteq called Pianoteq Basic, which might include access to the CP-80 model or similar electric piano sounds. This free version could provide an entry point for musicians interested in exploring the CP80 sound through physical modeling technology.

The Musical Legacy of the CP80

The Yamaha CP80 Electric Grand Piano has left an indelible mark on popular music since its introduction. Its distinctive sound can be heard in countless recordings across multiple genres, from rock and pop to jazz and electronic music. The instrument's ability to deliver the rich, complex tone of a grand piano with the practicality of an electronic instrument made it invaluable for touring musicians and recording artists alike.

Artists who have prominently featured the CP80 in their work include U2, ABBA, Roxy Music, Peter Gabriel, and modern acts like Keane and Coldplay. These artists recognized the unique tonal qualities of the CP80 and incorporated it into their signature sounds. Billy Joel's famous incident of trashing a CP80 onstage in Moscow in 1987 further cemented the instrument's place in rock history.

The CP80's sound is characterized by its bright attack, complex harmonics, and distinctive tremolo effect. These qualities made it particularly well-suited for ballads and emotional performances, where its rich, singing tone could carry melodies with remarkable clarity and presence. At the same time, its percussive attack allowed it to cut through dense mixes in live performances, making it a versatile instrument across different musical contexts.

The availability of free CP80 samples through various digital platforms ensures that this iconic sound continues to be accessible to new generations of musicians and producers. Whether used recreating vintage sounds or creating new musical textures, the CP80 remains a valuable sonic tool in the modern producer's arsenal.

How to Access These Free CP80 Samples

  1. For Ableton Live users:

    • Download the EP1980 from the source provided in Source [1]
    • Ensure you have Ableton Live version 9.7.2 or higher
    • Import the instrument rack into your Ableton Live library
    • Utilize the built-in macro knobs to adjust the tremolo effect to taste

  2. For Krome synthesizer users:

    • Obtain the free Yamaha CP80 samples from Gigasamples (Source [2])
    • Load the samples into your Krome using the provided patch
    • Customize the patch to suit your playing style
    • Experiment with the 4 velocity layers to achieve expressive dynamics

  3. For those interested in SoundCloud demonstrations:

    • Search for "CP 80 sound sample by Electone-EX" on SoundCloud
    • Listen to the clean version and the versions with effects to understand the tonal range
    • Use these examples as a reference for how the CP80 might sound in your productions

  4. For Yamaha's official sample library:

    • Visit Yamaha's downloadables page (Source [4])
    • Look for the "ELECTRIC GRAND" sound expansion library
    • Check if there's a free version or trial available
    • Explore the various effect presets to find the CP80 sound that best suits your needs

  5. For physically modeled CP-80:

    • Visit Modartt's website (Source [5])
    • Download the free Pianoteq Basic version
    • Check if the CP-80 model is included or available as an add-on
    • Experiment with the physical modeling parameters to shape the sound to your liking

Each of these options provides a different approach to accessing the CP80 sound, catering to different technical requirements and musical contexts. Whether you're a producer working in a digital audio workstation, a keyboardist with a hardware synthesizer, or a composer looking for authentic vintage sounds, there's a free CP80 solution available.

Conclusion

The Yamaha CP80 Electric Grand Piano has left a significant mark on popular music since its introduction in the mid-1970s. Its distinctive sound, characterized by real strings and hammer action combined with piezo pickups, made it a favorite among touring musicians and recording artists alike. Today, musicians can access this iconic sound through various free sample options, including dedicated instrument packs for Ableton Live and Krome synthesizers, as well as official sample libraries and physically modeled versions.

These free resources allow producers, composers, and performers to incorporate the authentic sound of the CP80 into their music without the expense of acquiring the original instrument.

Latest Articles