Topic by ethanay

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  • ethanay
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  • From: portland, OR
  • Registered: 06-05-2008
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Topic: Why I Keep Upgrading...

...Even Though I Haven't Used Pianoteq For Years

I just upgraded again, to v7, from v6, even though I have no current plans to use it in the forseeable future. I was an early-ish adopter, since Pianoteq Standard v2, I think even before there was a Stage / Standard / Pro level. Even though the sound was not nearly as realistic as it is now, the organic and dynamic playability of those early versions made my composition work much more possible on a digital workstation setup. Now, I think, with the advancement of the modeling technology, there is almost no meaningful difference in sound quality, either.

I thought I would share my story of appreciation. I haven't been able to use Pianoteq for years (since about version 4) due to circumstances in my life, lots of transitions and chronic health issues, that have pulled me away from music, so haven't been able to enjoy much the vast increases in sound quality since v4. I am happy to say that I am steadily dealing with the health issues and getting some stability back into my life where I can rebuild my piano skills, relearn some of my compositions, and start composing again.

So, why have I kept upgrading for every version since version 4? (in no particular order)

1. Really reasonable upgrade price.
2. No dongles, no headache licensing.
3. permission to run 4 instances of the license! I have never needed more than 2, but I like knowing that I can, if needed.
4. Lots of community engagement, both in terms of forum activity and Modartt staff's interaction with the community (in my experience).
5. Fantastic product support. Bug fixes, email responsiveness, free in-version upgrades, and reasonable version updates (e.g., with significant improvements, features, not just putting a new color of lipstick on a pig like some companies do, and call it a "new version")
6. Linux compatibility. This is amazing. Just one of many examples of very forward thinking and open-minded product planning and development.
7. A generally high quality product that is not only innovative but also very practical.
9. I want to support Modartt's good work

Thank you for being such a thoughtful, well-run company with a fantastic (reliable, practical, high-performing) product and great compatibility and support, and very affordable. I feel lucky to get any two of those things, and I think Pianoteq is nailing it across the board.

To me, the only thing that is missing from the lineup is an integrated solution that provides grand piano action and great stereo speaker/amplifier (maybe 3 x 2 sub, woofer, tweeter) setup but uses a computer module to provide Pianoteq as the sound generator, which would put Pianoteq into competition with home digital piano manufacturers. Or a collaboration with them (I would think someone like Korg or Casio would be open to a collaboration like that).

Thank you for giving me something to look forward to all these years as I make my way back to music, and making it really easy and painless and doubtless for me to throw some money your way every so often!

Cheers
ethan

Reply by Zaskar

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  • Zaskar
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  • From: Hannover, Germany
  • Registered: 12-10-2017
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Re: Why I Keep Upgrading...

Very true, it's the quality, the support, the community and the overall value for the money.
No shady license politics, no annoying licensing software.
It's fast and runs rock solid. The interface is well thought out and elegant.

Although i own it 'only' since version 5, i feel like i'm part of something exciting.
Since computers became faster and more widespread, people are doing insane things with them.
To artificially model such a convincing instrument was inconceivable twenty years ago.

I love to see Pianoteq evolve and sound the depth of what's possible.

"Very funny, Scotty. Now beam down my clothes."

Reply by stamkorg

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  • Registered: 05-04-2014
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Re: Why I Keep Upgrading...

Ethan,
I totally agree with what you said and I will add:

10. A lightweight product that doesn't require a beast to run fine

Reply by sandalholme

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  • sandalholme
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  • Registered: 17-06-2014
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Re: Why I Keep Upgrading...

Thank you Ethan: your post was very refreshing after coming here from reading some of the Pianoteq bashing on PianoWorld. (It makes you wonder why some people spend so much time writing about something that they don't like and never use) I moved from acoustic to digital in 2012 and must admit V4 didn't impress compared to samples. Except for the "playability": I sometimes wonder about the difference between those who primarily enjoy listening to, as opposed to playing, the piano.

Sampled pianos are now not even considered and V7 is a very significant step forward. The NYSteinway is the closest thing so far in terms of feeling like a grand piano when you are playing and I have a humble ES7.  The HBSteinway is a vastly improved version of the original. My own favourite is the latest iteration of the Bluethner. For me, the best treble sound, sweeter than other instruments - albeit it needs the player to love the unique tones of a Bluethner, which I do - and a bass which runs the NYSteinway close.

I wish you well in your journey to good health and in regaining all your expertise in playing and composing.

Reply by jhclouse@gmail.com

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  • From: Charleston, SC, USA
  • Registered: 21-06-2020
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Re: Why I Keep Upgrading...

Totally agree with all of that. (Except that I am currently using Pianoteq.)

I'm so proud of Philippe and the team and what they've accomplished. Their humility and grace really comes through as well as their professionalism and dedication to their craft. And for all the hard work they've put into Pianoteq, the price is almost criminally low.

I love Pianoteq and Modartt! Now I'm off to upgrade.