Yamaha Reface CP Synthesizer

Yamaha Reface CP — Vintage Electric Piano Sound in a Backpack-Sized Synthesizer

The Yamaha Reface CP brings six meticulously modeled vintage keyboard voices to a backpack-sized 1.9 kg chassis that runs on six AA batteries. Designed for keyboardists who want authentic electro-mechanical piano character without hauling a Rhodes suitcase, this model packages Yamaha's heritage into a format that fits in a laptop bag. This synthesizer delivers genuine vintage electric piano sound anywhere inspiration strikes.

What Sets the Reface CP Apart in the Portable Synth Category

The CP uses Yamaha's SCM (Spectral Component Modeling) paired with AWM2 to rebuild each voice from its physical components. The Tremolo/Wah knob behaves differently per voice — stereo pan tremolo on the Rhodes, dynamic volume tremolo on the Clavinet — and the Wah responds to playing dynamics. A continuous sustain pedal input supports half-damper control, and a hidden acoustic piano easter egg sits behind the voice selector.

SCM + AWM2 Engine and 128-Note Polyphony

Polyphony matters when sustain pedal and delay tails stack up. This instrument delivers 128-note polyphony, so layered Rhodes voicings with full sustain plus analog-style delay will not drop notes. The SCM + AWM2 engine models each voice component-by-component.

• Engine: SCM + AWM2 — component-level modeling for organic response
• Maximum Polyphony: 128 notes — dropout-free performance with sustain and delays
• Voice Types: RdI, RdII, Wr, Clv, Toy, CP — six vintage keyboard categories

37 HQ Mini-Action Keys with Velocity Response

The 37-key HQ mini-action keyboard spans three octaves with velocity-sensitive initial touch, so dynamics shape tine brightness and CP80 bite. Octave shift buttons extend the range, and a master volume slider plus nine effect knobs put every parameter on the front panel.

• Number of Keys: 37 — three-octave span with octave shift buttons
• Keyboard Type: HQ mini-action — compact size with fast, natural feel
• Initial Touch: Yes — velocity-sensitive for expressive dynamics

Five Stompbox-Style Effects and Go-Anywhere Connectivity

Five effects run in parallel with dedicated knobs: Drive, Tremolo/Wah, Chorus/Phaser, Digital/Analog Delay, and Reverb, each tuned to the selected voice. Connectivity includes USB TO HOST, mini-DIN MIDI IN/OUT, 3.5 mm AUX IN, dual 6.3 mm line outputs, and a 6.3 mm headphone output. Six AA batteries deliver ~5 hours of cable-free play.

• Effects: Drive, Tremolo/VCM Wah, Chorus/VCM Phaser, Digital/Analog Delay, Reverb — five parallel effects with dedicated knobs
• Headphone Output: 6.3 mm stereo — silent practice anywhere
• Battery Life: ~5 hours on 6 × AA — cable-free performance

Who Should Choose the Yamaha Reface CP

Gigging keyboardists, songwriters, and producers who need authentic vintage electric piano sound in a portable, battery-powered format will find this synthesizer the right choice. It suits jazz, funk, soul, hip-hop, and pop players who rely on Rhodes, Wurlitzer, and Clavinet character. The CP also functions as a sound module driven by an external MIDI controller. Players who need aftertouch, a full-size weighted keyboard, or an arpeggiator should look elsewhere.

Yamaha Reface Series — Heritage in a Modern Portable

The Yamaha Reface series debuted at NAMM 2015 as a reimagining of classic Yamaha keyboards in a compact, mobile format. The CP draws on Yamaha's heritage, including the CP80 electric grand piano that defined late-1970s and 1980s pop, rock, and fusion recordings. SCM modeling technology paired with the Reface platform's portability brings legendary stage keyboard sound to mobile players.