Which single piano VSTi would you recommend?

[Jake Jackson]

Sorry, Pianoteq just doesn't have character the way I want it. And I really don't feel like endlessly tweaking my piano settings. Quite honestly I'm a fan of QL Pianos. Tons of character, power in all the right places.

I hope that you will register on the Pianoteq forum to discuss this subject and try to define what you hear as missing. It may not be an easy thing to describe, but if you could post links to a few notes or a short passage (using another piano library, or a real piano) that you like the sound of, that would provide a point of departure for a discussion. Please take this in the right spirit. I'm not trying to challenge your view or put you on the spot. Just trying to get your input:

http://www.forum-pianoteq.com/viewforum.php?id=1

Cheers.

[RLSguitar]

I own Addictive Keys Grand and Acoustica Pianissimo. Personally, I prefer the sound and interface of Pianissimo, and it's very inexpensive. It's much warmer than Addictive Keys to my ears, which I prefer. But I sort of like darker sounds.

Here's a link to Pianissimo with sound samples:
http://www.acoustica.com/pianissimo/

[Melodyshine]

Yes, I wonder why Addictive Keys (the free version) doesn't sound good. They (recorded by Sampletekk) tried expensive mics, many positions but though it doesn't sound so good. Maybe the piano just doesn't sound good? But XLN said they had chosen the piano with the best character...

It sounds a little bit better than Sampletekk The Black, though it really sounds similar, probably exactly the same piano.
Either the piano doesn't sound good or Sampletekk doesn't know how to record a piano because the Vintage D by Galaxy sounds a lot better

Though by using an equalizer and other effects it could fit in the mix.

[electro]

Still can't detect any weaknesses in Pianoteq 4.5, an amazing piece of software.

[elxsound]

Yes, I wonder why Addictive Keys (the free version) doesn't sound good. They (recorded by Sampletekk) tried expensive mics, many positions but though it doesn't sound so good. Maybe the piano just doesn't sound good? But XLN said they had chosen the piano with the best character...

It sounds a little bit better than Sampletekk The Black, though it really sounds similar, probably exactly the same piano.
Either the piano doesn't sound good or Sampletekk doesn't know how to record a piano because the Vintage D by Galaxy sounds a lot better

Though by using an equalizer and other effects it could fit in the mix.

I just picked up Addictive Keys from Jrrshop and I'm actually blown away by what I got for as little as I paid. I can't compare it to the free version, as it was an impulse purchase (cheap price, couldn't pass up).

Now that I have it, I can say I wish I had purchased the Addictive Keys when it first came out. I haven't needed to mess around with any settings or mic placements. The number of presets covers most of what I was missing.

I can agree that this piano (grand or upright) does not have a "dark" sound, but it definitely would sit nice in a mix. For darker sounds I still use the Braunschweig Upright Piano from Imperfect Samples (and there's a VSTi version, although I use the Kontakt version).

[BBFG#]

[KevWestBeats]

I'm looking for a natural sounding (grand) piano VSTi. It shouldn't be part of a huge library (Kontakt etc.) and it shouldn't cost several hundred bucks (Pianoteq etc.). The free ones I've tested sound rather unnatural (Piano One) or are too limited in their features (EVM grand piano). I'm thinking about Addictive Keys (although I'd only need the grand piano), but maybe you can recommend an alternative to that.

I really like Addictive keys and you can just buy the grand piano part of it if you want to ($50 usd)though buying the bundle gives you the best value imo.

[Melodyshine]

I just tried the Pianissimo vsti and I'm surprised that it really doesn't sound bad. I tried it a year ago and I didn't like it(but back then I tried it with cheap 50 € speakers, now with good headphones). Now my opinion has changed. The low notes aren't that good but on the whole I would prefer it to Pianoteq or Addictive Keys. It doesn't have so many velocity layers but the sound of the samples is nearly the most important thing.
The demos of Imperfect Samples basic or Pro versions didn't really convince me. But The Giant's demos also didn't convince me, though I bought it cheap and it is mind-blowing(only the really high notes have a too loud release sound, but I think it's might be the characteristic of that piano).

I think the release samples of Addictive Keys, Pianissimo and EZ Keys aren't good. Repetitions of staccato notes sound too digital. I also can't hear that Pianissimo has sympathetic resonance (but maybe I'm doing something wrong).

Addicitve Keys (and Sampletekk's Black) really doesn't have a warm sound, that's the thing I hate. It sounds a bit like radio.

Apparently everyone likes different piano libraries.

[KevWestBeats]

Yes, I wonder why Addictive Keys (the free version) doesn't sound good. They (recorded by Sampletekk) tried expensive mics, many positions but though it doesn't sound so good. Maybe the piano just doesn't sound good? But XLN said they had chosen the piano with the best character...

It sounds a little bit better than Sampletekk The Black, though it really sounds similar, probably exactly the same piano.
Either the piano doesn't sound good or Sampletekk doesn't know how to record a piano because the Vintage D by Galaxy sounds a lot better

Though by using an equalizer and other effects it could fit in the mix.

The free version only uses samples from one mic and one mic position I would bet that has a lot to do with it. I do not like the free version's sound either but the full version sounds great. I have the vintage Piano library from Komplete, Alicia's Keys The Giant and Addictive Keys. I generally go to Addictive keys for any piano sound I need. Its also super flexible with the editing page.

[elxsound]

Addicitve Keys (and Sampletekk's Black) really doesn't have a warm sound, that's the thing I hate. It sounds a bit like radio.

Apparently everyone likes different piano libraries.

That and sometimes a "warm" sound isn't ALWAYS the "right" sound for a project. Having variety is absolutely great, and for some it's a must.

And as far as the Imperfect Samples... I have both the upright and the baby grand. I actually don't like the baby grand (although I believe someone else recommended it in this thread). I often use the upright along with ValhallaRoom. It's just a sweat combination and very easy to get an extremely "warm" sound (and disclaimer of course.... this all being my personal opinion here). As far as the demos go I actually don't like any of them. I swear they used to have something completely different than what's posted now, but it's been a while since I first listened to those. I don't think the demos do it justice. Some of the sweet spots (IMO) are when it's played more softly. Anyway, I'm not trying to convince anyone this is the library to get, but just sharing what works for me since it's remained one of my absolute favorites.

[Echoes in the Attic]

[I find it very strange to hear that Addictive Keys isn't "warm". Warm is exactly how I'd describe it. If I had to find a criticism it might be that it could go a little louder/brighter at higher dynamics but I don't mind. I find it always pretty warm. A very round sound. Although you shouldn't only use the presets, definitely try messing with the mic selections and combinations, can really change it.

[BERFAB]

Alicia's Keys and The Giant, both from NI.

Alicia's Keys, to my ear, has 'warm' covered. Included ambiance effects allow very quick tweaks from 'studio' to 'concert' sounds.

The Giant was a big surprise to me. I wouldn't have thought of purchasing this at all, but it came with NI's Komplete U9 package. Great piano sounds and presets. Without any tweaking, just using presets, go from 'pop' to 'studio' to 'concert' and more. Very expressive. As a bonus, there's a whole bank of cinematic effect presets. This is now my piano 'go to.' Purchased solo, a lot of bang for the buck.

Cheers
-B