A keyboard with only three octaves – that sounds a little crazy… But wait a minute: A stage piano that fits your backpack is actually a brilliant idea. Especially when the “stage” at the local pub is only a few square feet in size. With the Yamaha Reface CP, you get a small instrument without having to sacrifice great sound.
The Reface CP can do much more than you might expect – despite its mini keys, it is definitely more than just a toy! For example, it makes a great piano module that you can simply play via MIDI using a MIDI keyboard with piano keys. In this respect, the Reface CP is the mini piano you can take with you wherever you go. Even if you’re just passing time on the couch at home – it always sounds cool, and is practical!
Let’s face it, playing with mini keys takes some getting used to. However, you can certainly use them to accompany a song or play a little solo. And the Yamaha Reface CP has actually surprised me with the quality of its mini keys. The tactile feel here is much better, and they are overall more robust than most mini MIDI keyboards. In general, the instrument makes a high-quality impression in terms of workmanship. Top notch!
A big advantage of its small size is that the Yamaha Reface CP fits on even the smallest studio desks. This also makes it the perfect choice for mini gigs where a band wouldn’t really have room – just place the small stage piano on your knees and you’re ready to play. Ideal for impromptu singer/songwriter gigs like the one in the video. Really impressive.
The sounds are tailored to the 88-key format, and the OCT switch lets you quickly toggle through five octaves. This is really handy if you’re playing a gig on the Reface keyboard. Otherwise, the 88-key format of the piano sounds is especially useful when you play with a MIDI keyboard. In this case, the Yamaha Reface CP acts as a piano module.
The Yamaha Reface CP focuses on vintage keyboard sounds: a Wurlitzer digital piano, two Fender Rhodes variants, a Clavinet, Toy Piano, and a sampled Yamaha CP80. When you play the sounds on an 88-key keyboard, you really notice the good quality of the sounds. You wouldn’t expect such a warm and powerful sound from such a small instrument. At the same time, the Reface CP always sounds clear and brilliant.
And thanks to the bottom battery compartment, you can enjoy all of this without the need for a power supply, so you can play anywhere. It’s a shame that there’s no battery indicator.
The electric piano sounds put all the classics at your fingertips. The Wurlitzer and the second Rhodes variant sound powerful and percussive, while the Rd I preset produces a soft, bell-like Rhodes sound. The name “CP” stands for Yamaha’s legendary electric grand piano from the 80s: The CP80, which sounds very bright here and doesn’t lack its classic, slightly out-of-tune basses – fantastic! The Clavinet and Toy Piano are also great fun.
Maybe it’s a joke, or maybe Yamaha’s software programmers have hidden an Easter egg here. Whatever the case may be: With a little trick, you can turn the Reface CP into an acoustic piano, despite its focus on vintage sounds. Granted, it’s a bit tricky to set up, but it’s still very doable. First, turn the power off, then set the sound selector between any two instruments (e.g. Rd I and Rd II as shown in the video). Now turn the power back on and enjoy your acoustic piano.
A real pleasure: Not only are there a lot of effects, but they sound really good. The DRIVE control gives the sounds even more punch, especially in the lower control range. You can also severely distort the sounds.
With Tremolo/Wah, Chorus/Phaser, Delay, and Reverb, the other sections provide all the effects you need for authentic vintage electric pianos. The Analog Delay simulation is great, allowing you to create typical tape delay effects, including the build-up and overdrive of echo effects. It sounds great!
No matter what you need a small stage piano for, the Yamaha Reface CP is a hit: Play mini gigs at the pub or bar down the street, join small outdoor sessions on battery power or use it as a recording keyboard in a mobile or studio setup. However, the real surprise is its use as a piano module because you wouldn’t expect such professional sounds from the compact design of the Yamaha Reface CP.
The Reface CP stands out from the crowd of mini keyboards with the high quality of its case, controls, and keyboard. With a focus on vintage electric pianos, you also get great vintage effects. A super handy (mini) stage piano that is fun to play and sounds really good in mobile use.
Release date: 09.2015
Keyboard: 37 (high quality) mini keys, velocity-sensitive
Polyphony: 128 voices
Manufacturer: Yamaha
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Jörg Sunderkötter
A super handy (mini) stage piano that is fun to play and sounds really good in mobile use.
Reface CP : 399,00 €
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