Topic by oha

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Topic: Question About Shigeru Kawai Release

Hi Modartt team,

I recently heard that the new Shigeru Kawai release has significantly improved the realism of the acoustic piano sound, and is being considered by many as the best piano model in Pianoteq so far. I'm curious to know whether this leap in realism is due to improvements in the underlying physical model itself, or if it’s primarily the result of detailed fine-tuning to closely match the sound characteristics of the Shigeru Kawai piano.

If there have indeed been enhancements to the physical modeling engine, are there plans to bring those improvements to older models like the Steinway D and the K2, which have been available for quite some time?

Thanks in advance, and congratulations on the outstanding work!

Reply by Chopin87

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Re: Question About Shigeru Kawai Release

Usually the already present pianos get revoiced in major versions upgrades. In between there could be some fixes (if there are some inconsistencies/bugs spotted) or new instruments added to the library.
You can check the entire changelog of the different versions to see what's been added, revoiced and at what time on this page https://www.modartt.com/pianoteq_changes.

Last edited by Chopin87 (25-06-2025 14:22)
"And live to be the show and gaze o' the time."  (William Shakespeare)

Reply by Beto-Music

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Re: Question About Shigeru Kawai Release

The physical model got better, sure.
The care and attention about analyze the real piano model and care to adjust the physical model to represent the best of the original piano as possible, probably have reach new standards.

In other words, Modartt nailed it once more, and not just Shigeru Kawai model, but the Bosendorfer 280VC too, which have a incredible realistic bass as never seen before in pianoteq.

The next pianoteq piano model, whatever it will be, will probably be even better.


oha wrote:

Hi Modartt team,

I recently heard that the new Shigeru Kawai release has significantly improved the realism of the acoustic piano sound, and is being considered by many as the best piano model in Pianoteq so far. I'm curious to know whether this leap in realism is due to improvements in the underlying physical model itself, or if it’s primarily the result of detailed fine-tuning to closely match the sound characteristics of the Shigeru Kawai piano.

If there have indeed been enhancements to the physical modeling engine, are there plans to bring those improvements to older models like the Steinway D and the K2, which have been available for quite some time?

Thanks in advance, and congratulations on the outstanding work!

Reply by Pianistically

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Re: Question About Shigeru Kawai Release

oha wrote:

Hi Modartt team,

I recently heard that the new Shigeru Kawai release has significantly improved the realism of the acoustic piano sound, and is being considered by many as the best piano model in Pianoteq so far. I'm curious to know whether this leap in realism is due to improvements in the underlying physical model itself, or if it’s primarily the result of detailed fine-tuning to closely match the sound characteristics of the Shigeru Kawai piano.

If there have indeed been enhancements to the physical modeling engine, are there plans to bring those improvements to older models like the Steinway D and the K2, which have been available for quite some time?

Thanks in advance, and congratulations on the outstanding work!

not about what has changed or has been tweaked in the model but the collaboration with Kawai and the fact that they develop the instrument in Kawai labs in Japan is probably an important contributing factor to the final quality of the instrument. I have to say it plays and sound  10x better than any Kawai internal sound bank . If Kawai was releasing models equipped with top actions GF3 or RH3 with internal chip with pianoteq algo with possible upgrades that would be an absolute killer . Beast action + best sound . “ I have a dream”

Reply by Pianoteqenthusiast

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Re: Question About Shigeru Kawai Release

Pianistically wrote:
oha wrote:

Hi Modartt team,

I recently heard that the new Shigeru Kawai release has significantly improved the realism of the acoustic piano sound, and is being considered by many as the best piano model in Pianoteq so far. I'm curious to know whether this leap in realism is due to improvements in the underlying physical model itself, or if it’s primarily the result of detailed fine-tuning to closely match the sound characteristics of the Shigeru Kawai piano.

If there have indeed been enhancements to the physical modeling engine, are there plans to bring those improvements to older models like the Steinway D and the K2, which have been available for quite some time?

Thanks in advance, and congratulations on the outstanding work!

not about what has changed or has been tweaked in the model but the collaboration with Kawai and the fact that they develop the instrument in Kawai labs in Japan is probably an important contributing factor to the final quality of the instrument. I have to say it plays and sound  10x better than any Kawai internal sound bank . If Kawai was releasing models equipped with top actions GF3 or RH3 with internal chip with pianoteq algo with possible upgrades that would be an absolute killer . Beast action + best sound . “ I have a dream”


I don’t know about Modartt’s process of analysis and development. I simply buy their products because they are so good, I don't like samples.   

But I think that it's in Kawai's and the other piano factories interest that their piano sound in Modartt products are the best possible in quality, because they agreed to let Modartt do the sound, which means they certainly follow how their pianos sounds and want the best for Modartt. The most realistic sound possible. And as I, since 2013, and we all, have seen, in every update the sound has gotten better and better.

Just some thoughts from an amateur that love Pianoteq (and Organteq).

Best wishes,

Stig