Topic by Kody

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Topic: Have you sold your traditional instruments to switch to Pianoteq?

Hi. I’ve had my electric Rhodes for 2 years now, plus an old Fender Rhodes Mark II, so I’ve ended up with a bunch of stuff that’s taking up space but that I haven’t really touched since I discovered Pianoteq. And the quality of the physical engine has honestly blown me away, especially on the prepared piano models. So I’m wondering if now might be the time to sell my traditional instruments to fund the upgrade to the Pro license (the Stage 8 version is okay, but I’d like to have the Steinway D and Blüthner add-ons). The thing is, I’m a little afraid I’ll regret it later—the feel of a real keyboard just isn’t the same, and I don’t know if Pianoteq can really make up for that in the long run. Have any of you sold your physical instruments to switch completely to software? Did that change anything about the way you compose?

Reply by Alexis Thibault

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Re: Have you sold your traditional instruments to switch to Pianoteq?

Moving this topic from the Organteq forum to the Pianoteq forum where it was likely intended.

Reply by dikrek

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Re: Have you sold your traditional instruments to switch to Pianoteq?

Kody wrote:

Hi. I’ve had my electric Rhodes for 2 years now, plus an old Fender Rhodes Mark II, so I’ve ended up with a bunch of stuff that’s taking up space but that I haven’t really touched since I discovered Pianoteq. And the quality of the physical engine has honestly blown me away, especially on the prepared piano models. So I’m wondering if now might be the time to sell my traditional instruments to fund the upgrade to the Pro license (the Stage 8 version is okay, but I’d like to have the Steinway D and Blüthner add-ons). The thing is, I’m a little afraid I’ll regret it later—the feel of a real keyboard just isn’t the same, and I don’t know if Pianoteq can really make up for that in the long run. Have any of you sold your physical instruments to switch completely to software? Did that change anything about the way you compose?

I’ve gotten rid of almost all physical instruments. For piano I use Pianoteq.

Reply by tmyoung

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Re: Have you sold your traditional instruments to switch to Pianoteq?

I am reminded of Michael Price's advice on when is gear worth a significantly higher price tag than a plug-in or a similar low-end piece of gear: "when that difference inspires you."

So, does your old gear "inspire you" as you compose?  If so, keep it, you can't replace that ephemeral aspect to it.  My guess is that you're more likely to regret it/miss it than feel comfortable about liquidating it to cash as the cash isn't the value of the gear, the value of the gear is what the gear does to help you create.  If you truly never use the equipment or it doesn't inspire you, then that's a totally different story...  I fight with limited storage space all the time, but I never regret better utilizing any of the gear I have (or the space that I work in to accommodate it).

You can try to live/work without the gear for another month or more and see if you being to miss it more or less, but since you're already thinking you'll regret ditching it--and asking others if you're thinking is correct, you're instinct is probably a lot more accurate than any advice we could randomly give you.  You could also try ditching PTQ for a period of time and exclusively work with the vintage gear and see if/how your workflow changes.

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Reply by Kengrayfield

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Re: Have you sold your traditional instruments to switch to Pianoteq?

As much as I love Pianoteq, if I have the physical instrument, I will always try to keep it if the circumstances allow for it. Like what tmyoung has said above, there is the X factor of sentimentality attached to physical instrument that you will never get from an virtual one.

Reply by Professor Leandro Duarte

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Re: Have you sold your traditional instruments to switch to Pianoteq?

In 2014, I used a Yamaha P-85. I sold it to buy a Roland A-88 and use Pianoteq exclusively.

Last edited by Professor Leandro Duarte (31-07-2026 16:17)
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Reply by Kengrayfield

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Re: Have you sold your traditional instruments to switch to Pianoteq?

Professor Leandro Duarte wrote:

In 2014, I used a Yamaha P-85. I sold it to buy a Roland A-88 and use Pianoteq exclusively.

Yamaha P-85 would hardly be considered a  traditional instrument though...

Reply by Professor Leandro Duarte

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Re: Have you sold your traditional instruments to switch to Pianoteq?

Kengrayfield wrote:
Professor Leandro Duarte wrote:

In 2014, I used a Yamaha P-85. I sold it to buy a Roland A-88 and use Pianoteq exclusively.

Yamaha P-85 would hardly be considered a  traditional instrument though...

Ah, that's right, my friend!
I apologize for not understanding the question raised in the thread. That was an oversight on my part.

You're right; the Yamaha P-85 is indeed a digital piano. Please forgive me.

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Reply by Kody

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Re: Have you sold your traditional instruments to switch to Pianoteq?

Thanks everyone, that actually helps put things into perspective. I think the “inspiration” point is probably the one I was overlooking. I’ve been so focused on the practical side of having instruments taking up space that I haven’t really asked myself whether I’d miss the physical interaction itself.

I might take the suggestion of doing a sort of reverse test: spend a few weeks composing only with the physical instruments and see whether I naturally want to go back to Pianoteq, or whether I start missing it when it’s not there. That should probably tell me more than trying to make the decision based purely on resale value.

I’m also going to take a closer look at the options for people looking to sell traditionals intruments before making any decision. If I do go ahead, I’d rather make sure they end up with someone who will actually use them than simply get rid of them for the sake of freeing up space.

Reply by Luc Henrion

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Re: Have you sold your traditional instruments to switch to Pianoteq?

When I was looking to buy a house many years ago, I always measured the space to make sure I had enough room for my 6' piano—I'll never sell it; it holds so much sentimental value. I feel the same way about my '68 Gibson SG, for example. I doubt Pianoteq will evoke any such feelings in me. Just my opinion.

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