Taking advantage of the summer sales, I was thinking of getting another piano model. I already have the Kawai, the Petrofs, the Blüthner, and the Steingraeber. Which one could bring more novelty compared to the others? Steinway, Bechstein, or Bösendorfer?
I use Pianoteq mostly for classical, contemporary, and soundtracks/soundscapes.
Thanks in advance for the help.
Taking advantage of the summer sales, I was thinking of getting another piano model. I already have the Kawai, the Petrofs, the Blüthner, and the Steingraeber. Which one could bring more novelty compared to the others? Steinway, Bechstein, or Bösendorfer?
I use Pianoteq mostly for classical, contemporary, and soundtracks/soundscapes.
Thanks in advance for the help.
I'm confused. You can try all the models in demo mode. Despite the note restrictions, I'd have thought you could get a feel for their different characters.
I'd have thought a Steinway of some sort would be a reference point.
I know the model B gets a lot of love here but the model D includes 2 distinct models, like the Petrof pack. I got the Steinway D pack because of this but it's really grown on me and I think it's often overlooked because it's seen as the most "vanilla" option.
My choice would be immediate: Bosendorfer. But I am highly biased. After all this time I still think the bass in that piano model is one of the recent masterpieces created by Modartt.
jmanrique wrote:Taking advantage of the summer sales, I was thinking of getting another piano model. I already have the Kawai, the Petrofs, the Blüthner, and the Steingraeber. Which one could bring more novelty compared to the others? Steinway, Bechstein, or Bösendorfer?
I use Pianoteq mostly for classical, contemporary, and soundtracks/soundscapes.
Thanks in advance for the help.I'm confused. You can try all the models in demo mode. Despite the note restrictions, I'd have thought you could get a feel for their different characters.
I'd have thought a Steinway of some sort would be a reference point.
I know the model B gets a lot of love here but the model D includes 2 distinct models, like the Petrof pack. I got the Steinway D pack because of this but it's really grown on me and I think it's often overlooked because it's seen as the most "vanilla" option.
"Yeah, of course—I know and have tried (and keep trying) other models in demo mode. I just wanted to check in with the forum; there are a lot of threads here about this, comparing the different models, their variations, and possibilities, and there’s clearly a reason for that. And yeah, believe it or not, I don't own the Steinway yet. It was actually my first choice initially, but it ended up falling off the list for who knows what reason (well, I do know why: it felt a bit too familiar, a little cliché, compared to models that still manage to surprise me, like the incredible Steingraeber). Maybe now's the time, especially with the Model D, given all the presets and two different models available. Thanks!"
I'd give the boring vote and recommend Steinway - they're solid, foundational, and pretty. Their broad appeal means that they'll do a good job where none of the other options fit.
Or, go with the Steinway B. This smaller grand feels notably different (more intimate, more creative) than the concert grands you already have, so lead to a meaningfully different player experience.
the Bösendorfer, of course. It was the first one I thought of when I saw the summer sales. But when I started with Pianoteq a little under a year ago, I couldn't understand why people liked it so much—at that time, I was mostly impressed by the Blüthner, and also the Petrofs. It's curious how, despite the years and experience, your appreciation of an instrument can change so much, going from being the only one you play to having it almost sitting in a corner. I have a friend who plays early plucked string instruments, and something similar happens to him with his multiple lutes, guitars, vihuelas, and theorbos. Thanks!
My choice would be immediate: Bosendorfer. But I am highly biased. After all this time I still think the bass in that piano model is one of the recent masterpieces created by Modartt.
But Daniel! Now you tell me Steinway, when I think it was actually you who made me appreciate the Bösendorfer (I had the Petrofs, and you almost convinced me that the Bösendorfer covers that sound spectrum, with the added bonus of the low end, which is spectacular). Haha, well now I'm really torn! The only thing missing is for someone to recommend the Bechstein, which, by the way, I was hooked on myself for a while (those German ones, man, they're so addictive). Thanks!
I'd give the boring vote and recommend Steinway - they're solid, foundational, and pretty. Their broad appeal means that they'll do a good job where none of the other options fit.
Or, go with the Steinway B. This smaller grand feels notably different (more intimate, more creative) than the concert grands you already have, so lead to a meaningfully different player experience.
Taking advantage of the summer sales, I was thinking of getting another piano model. I already have the Kawai, the Petrofs, the Blüthner, and the Steingraeber. Which one could bring more novelty compared to the others? Steinway, Bechstein, or Bösendorfer?
I use Pianoteq mostly for classical, contemporary, and soundtracks/soundscapes.
Thanks in advance for the help.
I guess any piano proposed by Pianoteq have their own signature . The Bösendorfer in your list is probably the one with the more character , while the Steinway is more versatile . If you want something different the K2 is interesting as this grand piano doesn’t exist in reality and many users like it . Also for soundtracks , I find the U4 upright quite nice ; upright pianos are very often in soundtracks for their particular sound . After all you can try all of them , what matter is your own taste .
Now you tell me Steinway, when I think it was actually you who made me appreciate the Bösendorfer
Ha, guilty as charged! It depends on the question
What is the best sounding individual instrument not already in my collection? -> the Bösi, probably
What will best round out my existing collection -> the Steinways, probably
That's because the Bösendorfer occupies a similar niche as the Petrofs (which you already own), while the Steinways represent a "clean, soft" sound that is a bit underrepresented in your line-up: The Steingraeber and Kawai have similar clarity but are both a bit more percussive than the Steinways.
Okay Daniel, it's crystal clear now. Maybe the best solution would be to buy both...
jmanrique wrote:Now you tell me Steinway, when I think it was actually you who made me appreciate the Bösendorfer
Ha, guilty as charged! It depends on the question
What is the best sounding individual instrument not already in my collection? -> the Bösi, probably
What will best round out my existing collection -> the Steinways, probablyThat's because the Bösendorfer occupies a similar niche as the Petrofs (which you already own), while the Steinways represent a "clean, soft" sound that is a bit underrepresented in your line-up: The Steingraeber and Kawai have similar clarity but are both a bit more percussive than the Steinways.
Pianistically is right.
Yes jmanrique - why not try U4. ”It features higher inharmonicity, richer overtones, and more imperfect, intimate resonances than typical grand piano models
It captures the vertically strung, tight, and characteristically woody sound of real upright pianos, making it less metallic than some of Pianoteq's grand models
It comes with over 20 factory presets that radically change the instrument's personality......................."
Edit: The Pianoteq U4 often speculated to be inspired by the Yamaha U3.
I like it much so in this discussion I attach a piece with U4:
Best wishes,
Stig
Hello jmanrique, and everyone thinking about a piano model. Don't forget the Steinway B!
Can't resist the temptation to try to get you to think about the Steinway B.
My attempt to get a lovely playing, very expressive and very rich and warm sounding. I try to make the Steinway B Dreamy sound its best!
Best wishes,
Stig
Pianistically is right.
Yes jmanrique - why not try U4. ”It features higher inharmonicity, richer overtones, and more imperfect, intimate resonances than typical grand piano models
It captures the vertically strung, tight, and characteristically woody sound of real upright pianos, making it less metallic than some of Pianoteq's grand models
It comes with over 20 factory presets that radically change the instrument's personality......................."Edit: The Pianoteq U4 often speculated to be inspired by the Yamaha U3.
I like it much so in this discussion I attach a piece with U4:
Best wishes,
Stig
very nice Stig . Indeed the U4 tall is a great piano for cinematic production . Probably the best on the market with VIlabs modern U , but of course you can tailor the pianoteq to your liking .
It really depends if you are just looking for a completely different sound, or you want something that fits a specific purpose. I have Kawai and Bluthner from your owned models. But since you said *novelty*, I wouldn't want to give you the common recommendation. Instead, you can try the YC5 model. It's really the Yamaha (C7?). I think it works very well in pop and jazz setting, with a brighter and clearer tone. You can also consider the U4, since you don't have an upright model yet.
Thank you very much Pianoteqenthusiast for your advice and your wonderful examples of both the U4 and the Steinway B. I guess in the end we all wind up getting them all, even if it's more for collecting than out of pure necessity; they are all so good and unique.
For now, I have purchased the Steinway D, officially leaving behind what must be the very tiny club of those who don't own it (yet). Both the U4 and the Steinway B, but also the Bösendorfer and the Bechstein (which nobody seems to talk about, but I found sublime when I tried it), will eventually end up in my collection. For the time being, I think I'll make do with what I have, which is already quite a lot.
The Steinway D is already giving me sweeter and more velvety mids and highs, a nice alternative to the brighter, clearer, and more percussive ones I already had (mostly Kawai and Steingraeber). Thanks everyone!
Hello jmanrique, and everyone thinking about a piano model. Don't forget the Steinway B!
Can't resist the temptation to try to get you to think about the Steinway B.
My attempt to get a lovely playing, very expressive and very rich and warm sounding. I try to make the Steinway B Dreamy sound its best!Best wishes,
Stig
Couldn't agree more, that bass register is incredible! It's definitely the hardest part to model, with a true mountain of interacting partials and harmonics changing with every dynamic and key. Highly likely to be my next purchase. Thanks!
My choice would be immediate: Bosendorfer. But I am highly biased. After all this time I still think the bass in that piano model is one of the recent masterpieces created by Modartt.
I really like jazz, and I also listen to pop/rock from time to time, but that's not the kind of music I make, which is why I tend to leave Yamaha and similar instruments off the list.
But who knows, maybe that's a prejudice I need to get past, especially considering how much you can edit a sound in Pianoteq. Thanks anyway!
It really depends if you are just looking for a completely different sound, or you want something that fits a specific purpose. I have Kawai and Bluthner from your owned models. But since you said *novelty*, I wouldn't want to give you the common recommendation. Instead, you can try the YC5 model. It's really the Yamaha (C7?). I think it works very well in pop and jazz setting, with a brighter and clearer tone. You can also consider the U4, since you don't have an upright model yet.
I really like jazz, and I also listen to pop/rock from time to time, but that's not the kind of music I make, which is why I tend to leave Yamaha and similar instruments off the list.
But who knows, maybe that's a prejudice I need to get past, especially considering how much you can edit a sound in Pianoteq. Thanks anyway!Kengrayfield wrote:It really depends if you are just looking for a completely different sound, or you want something that fits a specific purpose. I have Kawai and Bluthner from your owned models. But since you said *novelty*, I wouldn't want to give you the common recommendation. Instead, you can try the YC5 model. It's really the Yamaha (C7?). I think it works very well in pop and jazz setting, with a brighter and clearer tone. You can also consider the U4, since you don't have an upright model yet.
No worries. I think the Steinway D is never a wrong decision. But just to balance the scale a little, the YC5 with the right setting can sound quite wonderful for jazz. I do have a modified preset for Model D for jazz that I love if you are interested.
jmanrique wrote:I really like jazz, and I also listen to pop/rock from time to time, but that's not the kind of music I make, which is why I tend to leave Yamaha and similar instruments off the list.
But who knows, maybe that's a prejudice I need to get past, especially considering how much you can edit a sound in Pianoteq. Thanks anyway!Kengrayfield wrote:It really depends if you are just looking for a completely different sound, or you want something that fits a specific purpose. I have Kawai and Bluthner from your owned models. But since you said *novelty*, I wouldn't want to give you the common recommendation. Instead, you can try the YC5 model. It's really the Yamaha (C7?). I think it works very well in pop and jazz setting, with a brighter and clearer tone. You can also consider the U4, since you don't have an upright model yet.
No worries. I think the Steinway D is never a wrong decision. But just to balance the scale a little, the YC5 with the right setting can sound quite wonderful for jazz. I do have a modified preset for Model D for jazz that I love if you are interested.
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Put it in the FXP corner so people can find it easily please
Couldn't agree more, that bass register is incredible! It's definitely the hardest part to model, with a true mountain of interacting partials and harmonics changing with every dynamic and key. Highly likely to be my next purchase. Thanks!
Chopin87 wrote:My choice would be immediate: Bosendorfer. But I am highly biased. After all this time I still think the bass in that piano model is one of the recent masterpieces created by Modartt.
regarding the lower register you may find my journey useful here https://forum.modartt.com/viewtopic.php?id=13298