Topic by Jazz+

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Topic: Choosing Two Piano Packs for Jazz Solo Piano

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?

Reply by KerriS

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  • KerriS
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  • From: Maryland, USA
  • Registered: 24-12-2023
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Re: Choosing Two Piano Packs for Jazz Solo Piano

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 :-)

Cheers,
~Kerri

Pianoteq 8, Organteq 2, Yamaha NU1X, Yamaha P515

KerriS's Website

Reply by Chopin87

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Re: Choosing Two Piano Packs for Jazz Solo Piano

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.

Last edited by Chopin87 (29-06-2025 07:05)
"And live to be the show and gaze o' the time."  (William Shakespeare)

Reply by Jazz+

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Re: Choosing Two Piano Packs for Jazz Solo Piano

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.

Reply by Pianoteqenthusiast

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Re: Choosing Two Piano Packs for Jazz Solo Piano

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

Reply by Borealis

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Re: Choosing Two Piano Packs for Jazz Solo Piano

YC5, yes, and the Steinway B too.