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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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.

Reply by jsaras

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Re: Choosing Two Piano Packs for Jazz Solo Piano

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.

Reply by Kengrayfield

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Re: Choosing Two Piano Packs for Jazz Solo Piano

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.

Last edited by Kengrayfield (04-07-2025 00:20)

Reply by mqbernardo

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Re: Choosing Two Piano Packs for Jazz Solo Piano

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!

Last edited by mqbernardo (04-07-2025 12:56)

Reply by jsaras

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Re: Choosing Two Piano Packs for Jazz Solo Piano

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.

Reply by budo

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Re: Choosing Two Piano Packs for Jazz Solo Piano

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.

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