Topic by Antzilla

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Topic: A few questions for Pianoteq users

Hi all! First post here ^__^
I've spent some time looking for info regarding Pianoteq, and I'd like to hear some user's feedback to see if my findings are correct.
My situation is the following: I studied piano as kid/teenager, then had a left hand injury and by the time I recovered completely I was too busy with study/work so I shelved my piano. I'd now like to begin practicing again, and possibly introduce my daughter to music when she's a bit older, so I'm planning to buy a keyboard. My main issue is budget, because most 88 keys digital pianos are a bit on the expensive side and the entry level ones don't blow me away with their sound quality.
This is the point were I heard about Pianoteq and began to do some research. The piano samples I've heard on PT's website sound great, there's an abyss compared the sound straight out all the keyboard within my budget that i tried recently.

So my question is the following: considering that my piano will go in my computer room and will output its sound through my amplifier (connected on a 5.1 system), would it make sense for me to buy the "best feeling" piano within my budget and basically ignore its sound quality since I could use Pianoteq 6 to improve it?
For your reference, the best digital piano I've tried recently in terms of keys feedback (and under 500$) was the Casio S100. I wasn't impressed by its sound, especially compared to entry level pianos by Yamaha and Roland....but the keys felt much better, and if my idea of relying on Pianoteq to take care of the sound is correct, then I'd probably go with the Casio.

I've never used anything like Pianoteq before, back in my days (80s) I didn't have anything like that.

Any feedback/suggetsion will be greatly appreciated.

Reply by Groove On

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Re: A few questions for Pianoteq users

I’d say narrow it down first to the digital piano you like overall (action+sound). You’re gonna spend a lot of time with it so it’s important to find the one you like the best - the one that makes you want to practice/play the most. If you find yourself stuck between two piano choices, then pick the one with the better action.

Generally, Pianoteq is considered an upgrade to the sound of most digital pianos. But it may be the case that you occasionally need to use the built-in sound.

Reply by stamkorg

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Re: A few questions for Pianoteq users

Antzilla wrote:

considering that my piano will go in my computer room and will output its sound through my amplifier (connected on a 5.1 system), would it make sense for me to buy the "best feeling" piano within my budget and basically ignore its sound quality since I could use Pianoteq 6 to improve it?


Absolutely.
If you choose the virtual piano way, that is right.

Reply by dklein

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Re: A few questions for Pianoteq users

Good comments on making sure that the native electric piano sound is acceptable.  There may be times that booting up the computer is too time consuming, too annoying, etc., when you just want to work something out, like a musical phrase or two.  Also, unless your 5:1 setup is dedicated to emulating your piano, you may not always want a 5:1 whole-room sound, as it may not make your ears happy when your brain just wants the sound of that acoustic sitting immediately in front of you (remember that physical rooms do make their own reverb).

- David

Reply by Antzilla

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Re: A few questions for Pianoteq users

Thanks to you all!

I'll reply all in one go because I don't know how to multi-quote...

Groove on: of the pianos that i tried in person, the Casio sounded the weakest but it was still pretty good. It's just that the entry level Yamaha sounded better. As a whole package though, the fact that the S100 is a fair bit cheaper AND has weighted keys makes it an overall better package to me.

Stamkorg: thanks, that's what I was thinking as well

Dklein: my original plan was keyboard -> amplifier -> speakers when i'm home alone, headphones when wife/kid are around. With Pianoteq, I'd add an extra step and connect the piano to the pc first. The Casio didn't sound horrible and I'd be fine to use it with builtin speakers or with my headphones plugged straight into it, but I'm looking forward to playing while listening through my speakers, either in 5.1 or 2.1 setup.

Reply by Amen Ptah Ra

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Re: A few questions for Pianoteq users

Have you meant the Casio PX-S1000?  If not, it has gotten some rave reviews regarding its feel, sound quality and features for learners just beginning.  Only, you may have to wait and save for it, since it does come with a price tag that is about $100 possibly over your budget.  But, good things come to those who wait!

One outlet Kraft Music has included a few free extras at the piano’s retail price: https://www.kraftmusic.com/casio-privia...s-pak.html.

https://youtu.be/axny_fDSK50

Last edited by Amen Ptah Ra (09-05-2019 21:27)
Pianoteq 8 Studio Bundle, Pearl malletSTATION EM1, Roland (DRUM SOUND MODULE TD-30, HandSonic 10, AX-1), Akai EWI USB, Yamaha DIGITAL PIANO P-95, M-Audio STUDIOPHILE BX5, Focusrite Saffire PRO 24 DSP.

Reply by aWc

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Re: A few questions for Pianoteq users

Amen Ptah Ra wrote:

Have you meant the Casio PX-S1000?  If not, it has gotten some rave reviews regarding its feel, sound quality and features for learners just beginning.  Only, you may have to wait and save for it, since it does come with a price tag that is about $100 possibly over your budget.  But, good things come to those who wait!

One outlet Kraft Music has included a few extras at the piano’s retail price: https://www.kraftmusic.com/casio-privia...s-pak.html.

https://youtu.be/axny_fDSK50

I second that proposition. The demos I have heard from this new Casio are superb. I am a fan of Casio instruments in general, and I agree that they offer the best weighted action on entry level DPs. Worth the wait, and will make a great companion to Pianoteq!

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 Viridis

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Re: A few questions for Pianoteq users

I'd rather go for a second hand.

My Yamaha CP33 is almost 10 years old, has a good touch, very acceptable samples of a grand, and midi via usb connection.
I think, you should be able to find one around €500, since a lot of people wants to play piano, but struggles because of the demanded discipline and time investment.

By the way: the sound of Pianoteq (Steinway D) is far better than the original CP33 sound.

Good luck!

Last edited by Viridis (09-05-2019 18:26)
Have a nice day & happy playin'

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Reply by Antzilla

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Re: A few questions for Pianoteq users

Amen Ptah Ra wrote:

Have you meant the Casio PX-S1000?  If not, it has gotten some rave reviews regarding its feel, sound quality and features for learners just beginning.  Only, you may have to wait and save for it, since it does come with a price tag that is about $100 possibly over your budget.  But, good things come to those who wait!

One outlet Kraft Music has included a few free extras at the piano’s retail price: https://www.kraftmusic.com/casio-privia...s-pak.html.

https://youtu.be/axny_fDSK50

I'm afraid that price is a bit above my target...

The model I mentioned is the CDP-S100. I live in Taiwan and it costs roughly 450 US$, while the PS-S1000 is twice as expensive Shipping from overseas is not an option due to painful shipping costs, so i can only rely on the local market.

I'm currently spending more time listening to Pianoteq samples than actually go windowshopping for a piano xD  The Bluthner and Grotrian sounds are fantastic, but especially in the acoustic pianos section there's so much good stuff it will be very hard to make up my mind.

Reply by Groove On

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Re: A few questions for Pianoteq users

For an in-studio keyboard, take a look at the new Roland FP10; it should be near the price range of the CDP-S100 with a better action and arguably better sound.

But what I really like about the CDP-S100 is the audio in + loud speakers and it runs off AA batteries for 11 hours. Some of that is useful in- studio, but all together it makes a great 88-weighted portable busker piano.

Can’t go wrong with either one.

Last edited by Groove On (10-05-2019 08:30)

Reply by Antzilla

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Re: A few questions for Pianoteq users

Amen Ptah Ra wrote:

Have you meant the Casio PX-S1000?  If not, it has gotten some rave reviews regarding its feel, sound quality and features for learners just beginning.  Only, you may have to wait and save for it, since it does come with a price tag that is about $100 possibly over your budget.  But, good things come to those who wait!

One outlet Kraft Music has included a few free extras at the piano’s retail price: https://www.kraftmusic.com/casio-privia...s-pak.html.

https://youtu.be/axny_fDSK50

Just an update for the kind people who helped me in this thread: the PX-S1000 is on its way to my house. It was a bit out of budget, but I found a store near home that had it on display and the keys were an absolute joy. They were offering it in a bundle with the carry bag and Sp-34 triple pedal, so i decided that it was worth investing a bit of extra money.
Thanks everyone for your the suggestions, once I get the keyboard and I start using Pianoteq I'll report back xD

Reply by beakybird

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Re: A few questions for Pianoteq users

Antzilla wrote:
Amen Ptah Ra wrote:

Have you meant the Casio PX-S1000?  If not, it has gotten some rave reviews regarding its feel, sound quality and features for learners just beginning.  Only, you may have to wait and save for it, since it does come with a price tag that is about $100 possibly over your budget.  But, good things come to those who wait!

One outlet Kraft Music has included a few free extras at the piano’s retail price: https://www.kraftmusic.com/casio-privia...s-pak.html.

https://youtu.be/axny_fDSK50

Just an update for the kind people who helped me in this thread: the PX-S1000 is on its way to my house. It was a bit out of budget, but I found a store near home that had it on display and the keys were an absolute joy. They were offering it in a bundle with the carry bag and Sp-34 triple pedal, so i decided that it was worth investing a bit of extra money.
Thanks everyone for your the suggestions, once I get the keyboard and I start using Pianoteq I'll report back xD

That looks like a really cool piano. I think you're all set. It might not have the very best action, but judging by the demos, with this and Pianoteq, the sky's the limit.

Pianoteq 6 Std, Bluthner, Model B, Grotian, YC5, Hohner, Kremsegg #1, Electric Pianos. Roland FP-90, Windows 10 quad core, Xenyx Q802USB, Yamaha HS8 monitors, Audio Technica
ATH-M50x headphones.

Reply by aWc

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Re: A few questions for Pianoteq users

Antzilla wrote:
Amen Ptah Ra wrote:

Have you meant the Casio PX-S1000?  If not, it has gotten some rave reviews regarding its feel, sound quality and features for learners just beginning.  Only, you may have to wait and save for it, since it does come with a price tag that is about $100 possibly over your budget.  But, good things come to those who wait!

One outlet Kraft Music has included a few free extras at the piano’s retail price: https://www.kraftmusic.com/casio-privia...s-pak.html.

https://youtu.be/axny_fDSK50

Just an update for the kind people who helped me in this thread: the PX-S1000 is on its way to my house. It was a bit out of budget, but I found a store near home that had it on display and the keys were an absolute joy. They were offering it in a bundle with the carry bag and Sp-34 triple pedal, so i decided that it was worth investing a bit of extra money.
Thanks everyone for your the suggestions, once I get the keyboard and I start using Pianoteq I'll report back xD

Fantastic! Definitely let us know more when you get it.

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 Key Fumbler

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Re: A few questions for Pianoteq users

beakybird wrote:

That looks like a really cool piano. I think you're all set. It might not have the very best action, but judging by the demos, with this and Pianoteq, the sky's the limit.

Yeah, it's all relative. These graded hammer action keyboards are far better than semi weighted MIDI controllers.

Reply by jcfelice88keys

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Re: A few questions for Pianoteq users

Hello All,

If money is an issue, then it makes sense to attempt to get the best fitting piano at the best price.  No contest there.  This is the very keyboard that I have furnished demos for Pianoteq for more than a decade.

If I may relate a personal experience that has paid off for me several times over:  In 1990 (29 years ago) I purchased my one and only Roland A-80 mother controller keyboard.  I bought it new and paid well over $2000 USD in 1990 dollars.  The point is this:  I have been so happy with this 'board in terms of touch, construction, quality and sheer feel that I have had zero desire to change or upgrade my keyboard!  So for 29 years and going strong, with the only problem I have encountered is that the green LCD screen of the day has gone somewhat dim, and I have chosen not to repair this flaw, my initial purchase did not cause me to lust for higher quality keyboards.

My two cents, for what they're worth.

Cheers,

Joe