Topic by aWc

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Topic: Bechstein DG bass notes tail end

I noticed that the decay part of the Bechstein DG sound, when releasing a note in the lower two octaves is, to say the least, very different from the other PT models.
Particularly when playing short, staccato notes at medium to high velocity, the tail end of the sound when the key is released is like a highly reverberated tone with what appears to be a sizeable downwards pitch shift. I tried turning off any Effect, reverb, etc, but it seems to always be there.
Is it really that pronounced on a physical Bechstein Grand 282? Is it really the natural way the bass tones reverberate inside the piano enclosure? I find it annoying after a while. Anybody noticed that as well?
PS apologies for the misspelling of Bechstein in my previous posts, my spellchecker insists on sticking a "k" instead of an "h". Even more annoying

PT 7.3 with Steinway B and D, U4 upright, YC5, Bechstein DG, Steingraeber, Ant. Petrov, Kremsegg Collection #2, Electric Pianos and Hohner Collection. http://antoinewcaron.com

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Reply by aWc

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Re: Bechstein DG bass notes tail end

oh well...doesn't seem to bother anybody else! I reviewed most of the other models and found that the Steingraeber has to closest to a similar post-release resonance.
On Beckstein DG, the most obvious example is D2.
I would still like to hear other opinions, particularly from those who own the DG version from Bechstein and can compare the sampled version to the PT model.
Apart from that characteristic, however,  I really like the Beckstein DG for PT

Last edited by aWc (22-01-2019 23:35)
PT 7.3 with Steinway B and D, U4 upright, YC5, Bechstein DG, Steingraeber, Ant. Petrov, Kremsegg Collection #2, Electric Pianos and Hohner Collection. http://antoinewcaron.com

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Reply by scherbakov.al

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Re: Bechstein DG bass notes tail end

If you could give a clarifying example ... a small recording of these notes that bother you. Well, if it will be compared with other models Pianoteq, as well as samples or recordings of the real instrument. Maybe this is the sound of a parking damper? Bechstein in this regard is a little different from other models Pianoteq.

Reply by Soel

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Re: Bechstein DG bass notes tail end

I've heard that noise in some piano recordings. I'm not a specialist of the technical aspects of the piano but I'd say it's a rather realistic sound (only maybe not always a very welcomed one) of the dampers applying pressure on the bass strings to stop their vibration.
Perhaps the dampers on this particular piano recorded for the modelling were not perfectly adjusted, thus producing a 'booiing' like sound ?

I only have the stage version of Pianoteq but I think this characteristic can be altered, probably by reducing a bit the 'damping duration' value found in the Action menu of the standard version. I'd be curious to know if it can be significantly modified.

Reply by Key Fumbler

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Re: Bechstein DG bass notes tail end

I don't have the experience with these real instruments (other than recordings) but it sounds good to my relatively uncultured ears,  yet I can hear what you mean. However it doesn't sound artificial, just mechanical, just as the Grotrian has metallic resonances in places that aren't quite as sweet as the K or Steinway or Steingraeber models but rewards you otherwise with a different tonality.

You can save your own lightly tweaked presets.
If you otherwise like the sound of the piano try going into "action" and slightly reducing damping position, if that doesn't get the quality of damping sound you want try subtle changes to duration and last damper.
Alternatively try microphone positions that are less capable of picking up mechanical sound details.

Reply by NathanShirley

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Re: Bechstein DG bass notes tail end

The default damper position is set at 1/6.2 -- try moving it to 1/9.2, and then adjust to taste. Dampers stopping heavy bass strings can cause some very strange sounds on acoustic pianos when you really start listening closely.

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Reply by aWc

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Re: Bechstein DG bass notes tail end

NathanShirley wrote:

The default damper position is set at 1/6.2 -- try moving it to 1/9.2, and then adjust to taste. Dampers stopping heavy bass strings can cause some very strange sounds on acoustic pianos when you really start listening closely.

I tried your suggestion: excellent! Moving the damper to 1/9.2 indeed removes most of the annoying "boiiiing". 1/12.5 is even better, but it takes away too much from the higher notes.Thanks to everybody who posted suggestions!

PT 7.3 with Steinway B and D, U4 upright, YC5, Bechstein DG, Steingraeber, Ant. Petrov, Kremsegg Collection #2, Electric Pianos and Hohner Collection. http://antoinewcaron.com

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