Yamaha CP50 vs Kawai MP6

I've been in a long search for a new board for my jazz studies starting next year and have narrowed it down yet again to these 2. I cant decide between them and REALLY need some help. I was thinking of a Roland, fp7f, but didnt like the AP sounds at all and that is what I really wanted. I only really know and have had experience with Yamaha and Roland and one korg.

What are your oppinions on these 2 boards? I cant really afford to go higher at the moment.

Many thanks for any help you can give

The MP6 is a very good all-rounder, but for jazz I'd probably go for the CP50. Dave Ferris who posts here frequently swears by the CP5, and he's a great jazz player. I could never quite get to grips with the MP6 for jazz playing, much preferring to use the FP-7F or its older sibling the FP-4 when I need a lightweight board for gigging. I do realize, though, that the Roland SN sounds are not everyone's cup of tea.

For Jazz ...CP-50 .... but for only a bit more ...the RD-700NX studio grand beckons ...or a Nord Piano 2

Yes, my vote would go to the CP50 for jazz playing. It might not be the most complex sound for AP, but it works...

You might want to check out the Yamaha CP33 if you can find one around. Many people still prefer that sample to newer CF Grand sample of the CP5/50. It's the same GH action as the CP50 and even cheaper. Personally I still prefer the newer CP50 over the CP33.

I like the immediacy of the Yamaha sound to action connection much more then the Kawai. The MP6 always felt like it was playing catch up with itself with regard to the sound and the way the action interacts.

It's a taste thing and certainly not all inclusive, but I think you'll generally find more jazz oriented pianists leaning towards Yamahas.

Yes, I had the CP5 for almost 2 years and liked it more then any electronic keyboard I'd ever owned in 44 years of buying this stuff. At 59 though, the schlep became too much for many of the smaller, cramped places I was playing, so I went with the more compact Nord Piano 2...which is excellent for what it is.

We're all hoping that Yamaha previews a new, lighter CP5 type DP at NAMM in less then 2 weeks away. It might be worth it to hold out (if you can) and see if anything new is in the works. However, it might be April/ May or even later till its available in New Zealand.

Do the CP5 and CP50 share the same piano/EP sounds?

I thought there were some differences in the tone generator/effects block etc.?

James
x

Yeah the CFIIIs is basically the same but the CP50 has no s6 and less effects then the CP5

Thanks for all the replies. I really liked the look of the MP6 and also the fact that it has a metronome, internal power supply and the ability to use layers and edit a really nice piano sound. What are everyone's reasons for choosing the CP50 for Jazz?

The sound, I believe.

On the CP50, are you able to layer say 2 piano sounds but EQ them differently to achieve a "meatier" tone? and does it support mp3 or wav. playback? i cant seem to find info anywhere thanks

You can do this on a CP5 but I don't know about the 50 ....you had better check the manual.

The manual is here http://www2.yamaha.co.jp/manual/pdf/emi/english/synth/cp5cp50_en_om_d0.pdf