I just discovered pianoteq and I love it. I’m going to buy the stage edition. Which two voices should I get as my starting two? I’m thinking Steingraber and Bechstein, but I also like the Groitan and Steinway B. Such a tough decision since they all sound good!
Hey Tommm777,
you can't go wrong with any but it's always such a personal choice
I'd recommend taking time on the product pages of all Pianoteq instruments, and listen to their audio demos - consider what you like to play and how you'd like that to sound - there will emerge some obvious considerations in doing that.
Maybe give yourself some challenge, by getting a large piano (the C. Bechstein DG would be the largest, latest and arguably most detailed) and pairing it with a smaller one, say the Steinway B. That way, you get a taste of how the two might inspire you in totally different ways based on that. Eg. a lot of concert grand pianos in big halls are large (size appropriate depending on who you ask), whereas a lot of music in modern times uses smaller pianos (often found in music studios and small places) - but you will have that real-world artistic choice depending on your mood etc. if you choose two of different sizes. But maybe you could make a totally different idea for deciding more suited to your styles etc.
If you're anything like quite a few of us here, you'll be collecting more over time, so don't worry you're always able to come back for more.
I find that they're all excellent for various reasons - and definitely don't forget to download the free Pianoteq pianos too. Some of the early pianos are great for all sorts of music.
Best o' luck with your choice, let us know how you decided, if you can and happy Pianoteq-ing!
Bechstein and Steinway B would be my choice as plenty different. Enough presets to keep you busy . Switch from speakers to headphones it’s and like all new presets and if you can do a double instance of Pianoteq and mix it up... a few million options ...well maybe not that many ...
As Qexl says, it's such a personal choice. Spending time auditioning the pianos in the demo version (much as you would if you were shopping for an acoustic piano - making allowances for a few non-functional black keys) is very valuable. It will give you a feel for the pianos and how they respond for you. Don't forget to set the velocity curve for best results.
The totally different piano idea is good. I don't know if the Kremseggs can be chosen as one of the initial instruments -- if so, the KS2 C.Bechstein 1899 is wonderful and would be a good smaller piano to be paired with a big grand.
Alhough if you like electronic instruments, starting with the electronic pack would give you a crazy number of instruments. After adding KiVIR + Legacy (C.Bechstein 1896 + V3) add-ons, you'd end up with:
Electronic: MK1, MK2, W1, R1, Pianet N, Pianet T, Electra-Piano, Clavinet D6
Acoustic/Pickup: CP-80
Acoustic: K1, C3, M3, Pleyel 1927, Erard 1922, C.Bechstein 1896, C.Graf 1826, D.Schoffstoss 1812, A.Walter 1790, J.E.Schmidt 1790, J.Schantz 1790
Other: Cimbalon, Grimaldi Harpsichord, Blanchet Harpsicord, Neupert Clavichord, Tubular Bells, Church Bells
Counting them up ... a whopping 26 instruments.
Thank you all for the feedback. Ended up with the Bechstein and Steinway B and have absolutely zero regrets. I feel like I have a whole new piano (x30!)
Excellent
Don't forget to add the free instrument package (you have to download and install it): https://www.pianoteq.com/free_stuff
Thank you all for the feedback. Ended up with the Bechstein and Steinway B and have absolutely zero regrets. I feel like I have a whole new piano (x30!)
Nice choice!