What it is and what it was built for
A touring electric grand piano made by Yamaha Corporation from 1976 to 1985. Built for road use: detachable harp, legs, and lid storage.
How it works, in terms a player would use
It uses wooden keys and hammers to strike strings, just like an acoustic piano. No soundboard is present. Piezo-electric pickups mounted on the harp casting capture string vibrations directly. The signal feeds into a built-in preamplifier with both XLR and quarter-inch outputs.
What it does better than anything else
It emulates acoustic piano touch and response more accurately than earlier electric pianos—because it retains the full mechanical action and avoids magnetic pickup limitations on harmonic content.
What it does badly
It cannot project acoustically. Its piezo pickups deliver a dry, immediate tone with little sustain tail or cabinet warmth. Detaching and reassembling the harp is fiddly and time-consuming before each set.
What people made with it
It appears on recordings and stages where piano realism mattered more than portability or sonic character—especially in 1970s–80s pop, rock, and jazz fusion tours.
Who should use it, and who should not
Players who prioritise authentic keybed feel over tonal colour, and who work in controlled amplified environments. Not for bedroom producers seeking vintage texture, or performers needing plug-and-play reliability.
Is it worth your time
Yes—if you need a portable, feedback-resistant grand piano action that responds like an acoustic instrument but fits in a van. No—if you rely on natural resonance, require stage volume without amplification, or need modern connectivity or onboard processing.
