They are not identical actually. Both the action and CFX sound are different:

The CP88 action is an updated action with synthetic ivory and ebony key tops. That alone feels different, but the action itself feels just a touch heavier. That, coupled with the aluminum design makes the entire instrument feel a bit more solid-feeling IMHO.

Of course the CP73 is an entirely different balanced hammer action. It feels good, light, fast....It's an entirely different vibe.

You are right that in the CP4 there are different piano variants but the data referenced is the same. Some are voiced a bit brighter, some a bit darker, etc.

The CP4 is a great stage piano, no question, and there are some deeper programming capabilities that the CP73 and CP88 don't share. The new interface on the CP88 is really where it shines over the CP4.

Regarding the CFX and the pianos: The CFX in CP73 and CP88 are definitely updated. The way it plays is different, the voicing especially in the mid and high middle range has been improved, the audio output has been improved, there are the new pianos like an added Bosendorfer, added S700 and with OSv 1.10 an added C7 that are superb and each has a profoundly different character. The additional upright pianos--especially the U1 with the "played in" sound--are also great and I can easily find a musical use for them. And the CP OS updates are going to bring you entirely new sounds. And you can upload/download Performances to Soundmondo.

Really, the entire experience of playing the CP88 is just different than the CP4. The CP4 is a great instrument and has served me well personally over the years, but the improvements that the CP88 and 73 offer with sound and realtime control are amazing and a welcome improvement.

Just to circle back with your initial point...from this piano players standpoint the CP88 is has more to offer in it's piano selections. No there are not multiple variants of the CFX, but the CFX piano in CP88 has definitely been improved.

Thanks Blake!

Is it not possible to load extra piano sounds on the CP88 from say K-Sounds or Synthonia like Steinway and Bechstein Piano samples as you can do this on the Korg Kronos,also i find the Pianos on the CP88 very bright is there a way to make them less brighter is there any way to Load a CF piano sample onto the CP88 as i like this sample on my CP4 Stage Piano.

Is it not possible to load extra piano sounds on the CP88 from say K-Sounds or Synthonia like Steinway and Bechstein Piano samples as you can do this on the Korg Kronos,also i find the Pianos on the CP88 very bright is there a way to make them less brighter is there any way to Load a CF piano sample onto the CP88 as i like this sample on my CP4 Stage Piano.

Hi Paul, if you wish to “load” extra piano sounds then you’re interested in a keyboard from Yamaha like the MONTAGE, not the Stage Pianos (CP) products being discussed here. That would be more apples to apples...

The term “bright” could be a function of what you are listening through and the space in which you are listening in. To say the pianos are bright would be inaccurate, the system might be bright due to other factors. The best way to make the “very brightl sound “less brighter” is reproduce the instrument with a different sound system or setting within the listening environment. It is not always just the speakers you are monitoring, but the room in which you are listening to the sound in. The CPs feature a Master EQ that can compensate for room acoustics.

You can eliminate the room and speakers entirely by using a quality set of headphones. You’ll find that Yamaha has done a spectacular job of delivering the sound of these acoustic pianos, accurately. Brightness if not recorded in the original signal, is impossible to add, but brightness can be reduced through very typical means of Equalization...

Thanks for your help and info on the CP88, so it won't then be possible to add extra piano samples from a USB stick or is there a way to load a CF sample onto the CP88,i have my CP88 connected to Yamaha HS8 Monitor speakers.

You cannot add your own arbitrary ones - but firmware updates using a USB stick may add more in the future. It's speculative to guess that any pianos will be added unless Yamaha happens to know of upcoming changes and elects to leak out some hints.

The CP88/CP73 will be shipping soon...

At the time of shipping a Yamaha C7 (Acoustic Piano), a Wr (electric piano) and a Rd67 (electric piano) will be available as firmware updates (V1.1)... and already announced is a second content pack coming Sept. 2019.

Please see the Yamaha.com corporate site for details: Here

Thus far, the only information about the upcoming release is:

The second content pack is CP OS v1.2 and is scheduled to be released in September, 2019.

... so any specifics about what would be the possible contents would depend on the aforementioned hints.

They are not identical actually. Both the action and CFX sound are different:

The CP88 action is an updated action with synthetic ivory and ebony key tops. That alone feels different, but the action itself feels just a touch heavier. That, coupled with the aluminum design makes the entire instrument feel a bit more solid-feeling IMHO.

Of course the CP73 is an entirely different balanced hammer action. It feels good, light, fast....It's an entirely different vibe.

You are right that in the CP4 there are different piano variants but the data referenced is the same. Some are voiced a bit brighter, some a bit darker, etc.

The CP4 is a great stage piano, no question, and there are some deeper programming capabilities that the CP73 and CP88 don't share. The new interface on the CP88 is really where it shines over the CP4.

Regarding the CFX and the pianos: The CFX in CP73 and CP88 are definitely updated. The way it plays is different, the voicing especially in the mid and high middle range has been improved, the audio output has been improved, there are the new pianos like an added Bosendorfer, added S700 and with OSv 1.10 an added C7 that are superb and each has a profoundly different character. The additional upright pianos--especially the U1 with the "played in" sound--are also great and I can easily find a musical use for them. And the CP OS updates are going to bring you entirely new sounds. And you can upload/download Performances to Soundmondo.

Really, the entire experience of playing the CP88 is just different than the CP4. The CP4 is a great instrument and has served me well personally over the years, but the improvements that the CP88 and 73 offer with sound and realtime control are amazing and a welcome improvement.

Just to circle back with your initial point...from this piano players standpoint the CP88 is has more to offer in it's piano selections. No there are not multiple variants of the CFX, but the CFX piano in CP88 has definitely been improved.

The CP4 and CP88 share the same NW-GH action. They only changed the texture (surface) of the keys.