Review: Yamaha Reface CP — vintage mini piano
Review of the Yamaha Reface CP: vintage sounds, features, limitations & FAQs.
Introduction
The Yamaha Reface CP is a portable mini keyboard that reinterprets vintage electric piano sounds with efficiency and portability. In this review, we explore its strengths, limitations, and use cases. For similar mini keyboards, search mini keyboards.
Types / Models
The Reface CP belongs to the class of vintage mini keyboards / portable 37‑key pianos. Related models include Reface CS (analog synth), Reface YC (organ), Reface DX (FM), and compact synths from other brands.
Discography
- Herbie Hancock – “Cantaloupe Island”
- Stevie Wonder – “Superstition”
- Radiohead – “Everything in Its Right Place”
- The Doors – “Riders on the Storm”
- Tame Impala – “Feels Like We Only Go Backwards”
Video
- Yamaha Reface CP Demo / Hands On
- Reface CP Sound Showcase
- Vintage EP Comparison
- Reface CP vs Rhodes
- Reface CP in live set
Trivia
- The Reface CP offers 128‑voice polyphony, unusual for a mini keyboard. :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}
- It includes 6 vintage sounds: Rhodes, Wurlitzer, Clavinet, Toy Piano, CP80. :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}
- Built‑in effects: drive, tremolo, chorus, phaser, delay, reverb. :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}
- Can run on batteries (6 × AA) for mobile use. :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}
- Doesn’t use full‑size keys — uses Yamaha’s “HQ mini key action” for enhanced playing. :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}
Q&A
Q: Is it just a practice toy or a real instrument? A: It’s a serious tool: vintage sounds and dedicated controls make it viable in studio/live.
Q: How does it compare with Reface CS / DX? A: CP focuses on electric piano tones; CS is analog synth; DX is FM synthesizer.
Q: What are its main limitations? A: Compact keys, no mechanical vintage parts (e.g. Rhodes hammers), limited onboard volume.
