Shigeru Kawai dropped (Page 2 of 2)

Is it the opinion of longtime Pianoteq users that although the latest model (as now the Shigeru Kawai) is often applauded as the most advanced, realistic, finest model- that when, a little later the other models are updated they are then all essentially equal in refinement, depth of modelling etc and it is then a matter of personal taste which you prefer? Or do in some way the more recent models continue to hold an advantage over the others?

I don't think the SK-EX is the "most advanced, realistic" Pianoteq piano. IMO, it is on the same level and as playable as the other pianos packs recently released. This SK-EX has a particular timbre and sound quality, but that difference is likely a result of the acoustic instrument that was used as a reference, and not because the model itself is "more advanced".

Pianoteq's pianos are "revoiced" usually every major release to take advantage of the engine upgrade. However, the models of the older pianos were originally designed for older Pianoteq engines, almost 10 years ago. I seriously doubt that all piano models are completely rebuilt from scratch every time the engine is improved. Moreover, the more recent pianos also benefit from the accumulated experience of Moddart's team and may also be derived from better samples. As such, the newer piano packs likely have an advantage - and IMO that is noticeable in the playability and response of the newer instruments.

@ac
”I don't think the SK-EX is the "most advanced, realistic" Pianoteq piano”.

In my opinion it is the most advanced, for the reason, the physical model at the heart of pianoteq is constantly refined. They have been doing it 18 years now and it is the ”job” all the time.
Well. that’s what I think about it.
I love Kawai.

Best wishes,

Stig

So, it's over for VSL pianos ?

Some have no sense of humor...

Kawai is my favorite piano in pianoteq. I also have VSL D274 full and modern D and I would gladly sell them for 60% of the store price.

In my opinion Kawai is a well copied instrument in pianoteq because the acoustic shigeru piano is a weak sounding instrument.

I remember testing acoustic pianos side by side in the store: Yamaha C7, Steinway b211, d274, Grotrian, Bluthner and Kawai Shigeru. All pianos except Kawai had a magical sound. If I had enough money I would not buy an acoustic Kawai.

I don't mean to say that the shigeru is a bad instrument. It's just that others can make better instruments.

I too have been using Bluthner, but the BA Recording preset, also with adjustments. I'll check out the AB presets to see if I prefer them.

Well, if pianoteq tone was already 100% perfect, piano sampled VST would be dead by now. But it's close enough to perfection to make a lot of people buy it or even retire most samplers.

I'm curious about the hybrid approuch you like so much.
What if a given piano sampler, used in this hybrid option, have not a lot o velocities per note, or if the sampler do not have a algorithm do create some intermeriary note layers between, let's say, 16 recorded velocites?
How the hybridization would feel, respond to playing?

Do you believe the hybrid could be extended to not just the ressonances, but also some of the notes decay?