Modartt user forum - Choosing Two Piano Packs for Jazz Solo Piano

Re: Choosing Two Piano Packs for Jazz Solo Piano

null@example.com (Tahlendorf) — Fri, 18 Jul 2025 23:18:32 +0000

Did you tried the Petrof Mistral on the "Jazz Recording" preset?

Playing around that preset on a pair of decent studio monitors (Adam A7V) -with the volume set up high trying to get the sound pressure of the real thing- made wonders for me.

Re: Choosing Two Piano Packs for Jazz Solo Piano

null@example.com (budo) — Sun, 06 Jul 2025 14:19:40 +0000

i have all the instrument packs, but for recording i'm always reaching for the NY Steinway D or the B. i go through phases of working with other pianos, and often use a different piano for playing/recording than i do for rendering, but ultimately those are what i use the most.

Re: Choosing Two Piano Packs for Jazz Solo Piano

null@example.com (jsaras) — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 17:31:34 +0000

mqbernardo wrote:

I´m very far from an expert, and sorry to state the obvious, but jazz piano sound is more about how and where it is recorded than the instrument brand. You should just pick the instrument that jives with you the most (Pianoteq demo is generous in that regard). You can always tailor them by reducing reverb, favouring close mic´ing, etc.
The James Farber preset is indeed nice, and I like to apply its mic positions to other pianos. it really is a mic sweet spot.
!

When I made that preset I was trying to replicated the sound of Brad Mehldau's piano on Art of the Trio Vol. 1, engineered by James Farber. For lack of better descriptors it's thick and dense.

Re: Choosing Two Piano Packs for Jazz Solo Piano

null@example.com (mqbernardo) — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 11:55:42 +0000

I´m very far from an expert, and sorry to state the obvious, but jazz piano sound is more about how and where it is recorded than the instrument brand. You should just pick the instrument that jives with you the most (Pianoteq demo is generous in that regard). You can always tailor them by reducing reverb, favouring close mic´ing, etc.

In my case, I love the Bosendorfer attack and vibrancy. The James Farber preset is indeed nice, and I like to apply its mic positions to other pianos. it really is a mic sweet spot.

good luck!

Re: Choosing Two Piano Packs for Jazz Solo Piano

null@example.com (Kengrayfield) — Thu, 03 Jul 2025 23:02:30 +0000

This is my most favorite preset that nearly perfectly replicates the jazz recording sounds of Bill Evans. It's based on the Steinway D pack.

Re: Choosing Two Piano Packs for Jazz Solo Piano

null@example.com (jsaras) — Thu, 03 Jul 2025 04:58:14 +0000

Pianoteqenthusiast wrote:

Why not Pianoteq YC5? Modartt: ”…….bright timbre is adapted for expressive playing and suitable also for some jazz recording sessions…..from a famous Japanese modern grand piano”.
I have always thought it is a bit underrated, not valued highly enough. It is much better now than 2009.
My little try:
https://forum.modartt.com/uploads.php?f...281%29.mp3
All the best,
Stig

Perhaps I’m in the minority, but I don’t associate a jangly treble with jazz piano. Give me a Steinway that’s “medium-dark” any day. The Bluthner and the K2 also get used a lot.

Re: Choosing Two Piano Packs for Jazz Solo Piano

null@example.com (Borealis) — Mon, 30 Jun 2025 23:36:38 +0000

YC5, yes, and the Steinway B too.

Re: Choosing Two Piano Packs for Jazz Solo Piano

null@example.com (Pianoteqenthusiast) — Mon, 30 Jun 2025 14:30:52 +0000

Why not Pianoteq YC5? Modartt: ”…….bright timbre is adapted for expressive playing and suitable also for some jazz recording sessions…..from a famous Japanese modern grand piano”.
I have always thought it is a bit underrated, not valued highly enough. It is much better now than 2009.
My little try:

https://forum.modartt.com/uploads.php?f...281%29.mp3

All the best,

Stig

Re: Choosing Two Piano Packs for Jazz Solo Piano

null@example.com (Jazz+) — Sun, 29 Jun 2025 18:29:45 +0000

Chopin87 wrote:

As much as I love all of the pianos mentioned my two picks would be Kawai and Bosendorfer without a single doubt if a jazz repertoire is in your mind. I feel like the Stenway and Bluthner to be more classically oriented so they shine the most with a hall reverb.

Thank you for your sage advice — I think I agree.

Re: Choosing Two Piano Packs for Jazz Solo Piano

null@example.com (Chopin87) — Sun, 29 Jun 2025 06:04:02 +0000

As much as I love all of the pianos mentioned my two picks would be Kawai and Bosendorfer without a single doubt if a jazz repertoire is in your mind. I feel like the Stenway and Bluthner to be more classically oriented so they shine the most with a hall reverb.

Re: Choosing Two Piano Packs for Jazz Solo Piano

null@example.com (KerriS) — Sun, 29 Jun 2025 01:06:51 +0000

Kawai, absolutely.

I'd probably also end up w/ the Steinway if I just had to pick one other.

Over the years I decided I couldn't just pick one and eventually have accumulated them all. Even so my daily driver is the Kawai, so that should say something :-)

Choosing Two Piano Packs for Jazz Solo Piano

null@example.com (Jazz+) — Sun, 29 Jun 2025 00:20:00 +0000

I'm trying to decide which two piano packs to choose for my Pianoteq Stage edition. I primarily play solo jazz (standards) and some blues piano. I prefer pianos that sound close-micced, rather than ones that feel like they were recorded in a large concert hall. I also like a piano with a strong, expressive high end—and I think I’m hearing that in the Shigeru Kawai.

I’ve been switching between the Shigeru Kawai, the Blüthner pack, the Bösendorfer 280VC, and the Steinway D using the blues demo in the Pianoteq trial. I’m currently leaning toward the Shigeru Kawai—the high notes are really dramatic and vibrant—but I’m still unsure.

Any recommendations or insights from fellow jazz and blues players?