Please recommend video piano lessons and a piano VSTi

[monsterbeetle]

Hi guys,

I've been playing with both Pianoteq and TruePianos demos and both have expired now, so I'm facing a difficult choice.

I really like the feel of pianoteq, but it somehow sounds muffled wrt TruePianos, which has a more "produced" sound. Yet, I'm not shure which one is closer to a grand real piano sound because I've never had the chance to use a real one.


So anyone with more experience than me on this topic and good arguments in favor of any of the two contenders is welcome

I've read numerous posts about Pianoteq vs Truepianos, but I've yet to read actual feedback on using them in a real mix and working with them over months.

I really digg the physical behaviour of Pianoteq, and I really digg the sharper sound of TruePianos, but I want to get the one that will actually fit good in a mix alongside other instruments. With its full on sound, TruePianos might seem invasive, and it doesn't quite capture the sympathetic resonnance and staccato. So I'm stuck in the decision process.

Second, I'd like to learn how to play, but I can't read music, I'm a self taught guitar player and drummer, and I'm like paralyzed when it comes to playing on the piano, because I really lack technique. I need good exercises where you can actually see someone play scales and chords and mimic the finger positions and transitions.

And then I'd like ressources that teach about harmony, modes and scales from a theoretic point of view, but illustrated with audio and/or video material.

So are there any resources of that kind? I've googled around for a week and still found nothing convincing. Anything on DVD?


Thanks for any help you can bring,

[tapper mike]

I can't comment on which sound is better.

I can comment on videos

Take lessons. A video won't say to you "Stop your techinique is incorrect do it like this and here is why." or "Lets see what you learned from last week."
Nothing reinforces like expectation to perform even if it's only to your teacher.

If you learn piano you will be expected to learn to read notation.
Don't fear not knowing it accept that it is something you need to know to go from where you are now to where you want to be.

-tapper mike

[Chopper]

pianoteq all the way. it's the only one that reproduce sympathetic resonnance, and in a mix, the difference is huge. you don't get a few piano notes, you get a piano part. plus the editing possibilities are very good. I choosed it over NI accoustik piano and I don't regret it. and I never had anyone telling me that the piano part sounded strange,or whatever.
tapper mike is right about the lessons. It will come more expensive, yes, but it's worthy.

[jimmymus]

If you want some lessons I would recommend eMedia Piano and Keyboard Method.

It's got 314 lessons, all of which you play along with via MIDI and it grades you when you are done. You can adjust the tempo if need be, play one hand at a time, and you can have accompaniment. Every time there is a new hand position or chord there is a video with the instructor showing you the proper position of the hand and how to do whatever it is the lesson requires. It's only $50 dollars on Amazon or $60 at GC and you really can't beat it.

http://www.amazon.com/Piano-and-Keyboar ... 936&sr=8-2

Make sure you get version 2.0 as the interface is updated.

Also, make sure you DON'T use the Microsoft GM Wavetable SW Synth as the default MIDI playback device when you setup the software. It has a measurable time lag between key-press and sound which will completely throw you off when you finally play something that doesn't have the lag. If you can, use your sound card's SoundFont player. I found a fantastic free GM SoundFont here

http://www.personalcopy.com/sfarkfonts1.htm

It's called RealFont 2.1, it's free, and it is GM so all the accompaniment sounds correct.

Best of luck and enjoy!

[Rod Staples]

I've played piano since I was 6. True Pianos felt better to me. I tried both demos.
I don't know about which is better from in a mix point of view though, but just playing, I found True Pianos better.

I agree with what this guy has to say.

http://truepianos.yohng.com/daverich.wmv