piano soft synths

[trentoliphant]

I have been very pleased with the Sampletekk 7CG, I also have some of their other piano samples (I think I have the Bosendorfer and the Steinway D - I'm not at my computer right now) which are very good - but I tend to use the 7CG more than the others.As far as the controller. I have a semi-weighted M-Audio 88 key (not the one with all of the controls on it - I can't remember the model). When the piano was the main instrument it felt like I didn't quite get the performance I needed. I end up using the keyboard on my old Technics Digital Piano for anything that I want to play with any subtlety - or power for that matter. I am trying to figure out a good controller to replace that (It has a couple of keys that don't work and it's a huge console so doesn't really fit my studio)However, I am a piano player and would much rather have a great sounding grand or two with good mics and pres that I could record - Although I do like the ability to clean up a few stray notes. Especially when trying to produce stuff quickly I tend to be not as clean as some other players.

[brindabella]

I use a Korg as controller, it has weighted keys which is why I bought it. I didnt care about the bells and whistles but wanted one with weighted keys. I had a Yamaha with a very good sound, but no weighted keys and i literally worn it down! With that Korg-Sampletekk combo I am very happy with the sound I get, of course, I would prefer a grand, but that would prob. take the livingroom, bathroom and prob. bedroom space in my condo, not even talking about what that would do to my finances.

[scottyrock]

wow thanks guys for so much great input. I'm probably looking at garritan or sampletekk to get started and a weighted controller down the road a piece. I don't really do solo stuff on piano so it's not that important right now, just need a top notch sound for pop,country,rock etcthanks again allscott

[mazz]

I knew a guy once who's mom bought him a 7' Yamaha Diskclavier (thanks mom!!). I had MIDI I/O so you could edit the MIDI data and then play it back through the Diskclavier and record it with mics. It was a nice piano in and of itself and the Diskclavier option made it the best of both worlds. He also bought a pair of 414s and some nice preamps.It must be nice to be rich.

[trentoliphant]

Jul 7, 2009, 9:32am, mazz wrote:I knew a guy once who's mom bought him a 7' Yamaha Diskclavier (thanks mom!!). I had MIDI I/O so you could edit the MIDI data and then play it back through the Diskclavier and record it with mics. It was a nice piano in and of itself and the Diskclavier option made it the best of both worlds. He also bought a pair of 414s and some nice preamps.It must be nice to be rich.Is she looking to adopt?

[markjsmith]

Anyone try Native Instruments Akoustic Piano? I like it(adequately)> It doesn't knock my socks off, but it sounds good!

[mojobone]

The Reason Refills Piano expansion pack is probably the best bang per buck, if you have Reason.

[wings]

The East/west piano gold is a very good library, imho. It also allows you to open the case of the piano for additional options. ~wings~

[jude3]

I dont see why the midi controler matters other than having enough notes and personal neurosis. hahaha You are at the mercy of the sample in terms of expression per note. Weighted or not, I have always found I needed to use the midi editor to get it perfect.

[wings]

Jul 8, 2009, 1:51pm, jude3 wrote:I dont see why the midi controler matters other than having enough notes and personal neurosis. hahaha You are at the mercy of the sample in terms of expression per note. Weighted or not, I have always found I needed to use the midi editor to get it perfect.FWIW, I've got a yamaha p-200 as my 88-key piano, hooked up with an m-audio. I totally leave the velocity alone as a natural end. Missed or wrong notes of course I touch - but never velocity (as of yet, anyway).