Hi
So I played again on the CP5. The piano sound is amazing, and the action is pretty good also.
The only thing hindering me from purchasing is the action. I liked the keys, but I'm afraid that the fact that it's considered light, and not graded, will lead me to develop poor skills. Means that it will be hard for me to play on a grand, or any acoustic piano that has heavy keys. Your opinion?

I know that there are few CP5 owners here, but as I see none of them use the CP5 as their primary DP, for practise at home.
The user Dave Horne for example, has a CP5, but he owns an AvantGrand too, so I assume he rather practise on the N then the CP5, which he uses probably just for giging.

Unlike many people here, I can't effort many keyboards. I'm looking for something to be my sole piano.
MY QUESTION IS, would you recommend the CP5 as a primary home keyboard? Do you think I might face a serious problem when I'll try to play on a real piano?

another thing.
I might get a second-hand CP5 for ~1500$ (maybe even less).
What should I check when buying a second hand, and specifically this model? should I just bring headphones play some and check that keys are ok? assuming that the keyboard appearance is fine of course, and isn't beaten up or something..

Hi Pianisimo,

I do have my CP5 at home and use it as my primary instrument. I'm satisfied and I haven't encountered any troubles beyond the usual adjustment that's necessary to every given keyboard.

I don't think that the rather light action of the CP5 is a problem in itself, as acoustic piano keybeds vary quite a bit. Older pianos in particular may have a pretty light touch, and in fact I've played a few that felt as light or lighter than the CP5. If you had the chance to buy a beautiful old grand from the 1920s or so, you probably wouldn't be asking this question, right?
Also, it's not that the CP5 action doesn't require force. In order to get to the upper end of the dynamic range, you have to slam it pretty hard, just like an acoustic. On the other hand it invites you to explore the lower end in a way that no Yamaha DP has ever done to me. So I don't think there's anything wrong with it – quite the contrary, I think the dynamic response is superior to most competitors.

As for the gradedness, I don't think that it really matters. It's a rather small detail that of course may contribute to the realism of a DP action, but I think it's not necessary.

Still, I'd recommend that you make use of every opportunity to practice on an acoustic. As you've probably noticed they require a somewhat different way of playing – a difference that isn't explained by a "lighter" or "heavier" action, it's something else.

Of course, and as always, YMMV on that. I for my part am convinced that every piano requires a little time and effort to get used to its particular action. In my opinion there's no problem with it if your practice instrument is within reasonable limits – and the CP5 certainly is.

If I had the chance to practice on an acoustic piano or a DP with an AP action, I'd prefer that, of course. The more "real thing" you can get, the better.

The light action is quite a common complaint as many people still prefer the heavier GH or GH3 action. But it is a matter of getting used to it and personal preference. Acoustic pianos usually get lighter and lighter action after years of playing. I don't think it would affect practising or lead to poor skills.

The grading or lack of grading in a keyboard action is not a big deal and that wouldn't influence my decision. (As a matter of fact I'd prefer that the top octaves in a real grand piano not be as light as they are.)

The action of the CP5 is a light action. For jobs it's just fine, as a full time practice piano I'd prefer something with more weight, but that's just me.

BTW: As for the s/h purchase, I'd primarily check the action. Presumably it's the most sensitive component of the piano.

+1

Kind regards,
Manolios