Topic by BarbaraRB

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Topic: Help Needed By Newbie!

Hello,

This is the second submission (after the one about the metronome - many thanks to all who replied!) of what I'm sure will be many questions.  I just had Pianoteq set up today, by my computer guru (who it turns out is a brilliant pianist who played professionally for 10 years).  He uses Ravenscroft for his own music.

It is set up, but I am pretty much overwhelmed right now.  There is definitely a learning curve to Pianoteq.  So, here are my two most important questions right now:

1. When using the Grimaldi Harpsichord to play Handel, there is a sort of thumping sound between each note.  I'm sure this is deliberate, in search of authenticity, but it bothers me.  Is there a way to turn this off?

2. When using the Bechstein, the second "F" below middle "C" sounded so deep it startled me.  It sounded as though it came from the center of the earth.  Is that the way it is supposed to sound?  Is it something I should just get used to?

Thank you for any guidance and/or wisdom you can impart!

Reply by YvesTh

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Re: Help Needed By Newbie!

BarbaraRB wrote:

Hello,

1. When using the Grimaldi Harpsichord to play Handel, there is a sort of thumping sound between each note.  I'm sure this is deliberate, in search of authenticity, but it bothers me.  Is there a way to turn this off?

Hello,
In "action" you can change value of "key release noise".

Last edited by YvesTh (10-03-2022 23:14)

Reply by BarbaraRB

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Re: Help Needed By Newbie!

YvesTh wrote:
BarbaraRB wrote:

Hello,

1. When using the Grimaldi Harpsichord to play Handel, there is a sort of thumping sound between each note.  I'm sure this is deliberate, in search of authenticity, but it bothers me.  Is there a way to turn this off?

Hello,
In "action" you can change value of "key release noise".

Thank you!  Is "action" one of the menu items?  Forgive these nitty-gritty questions, but I'm just getting started.  I will start watching the video tutorials soon.

Reply by dcitron

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Re: Help Needed By Newbie!

BarbaraRB wrote:

Thank you!  Is "action" one of the menu items?

On the main display, under "Output" (the lower portion of the screen), click the big "ACTION" button on the right, and then slide "Key release noise" all the way to the left

BarbaraRB wrote:

When using the Bechstein, the second "F" below middle "C" sounded so deep it startled me...

I don't hear anything unusual about that note versus the ones around it, so perhaps your particular speaker or room setup is emphasizing that frequency. If you have a subwoofer, you could try turning it down or off. You could also try moving your speakers away from a wall, or putting them up on foam, or aiming them outwards, etc. In other words: try changing something about your physical setup to reduce the room reinforcement for those frequencies, perhaps?

Last edited by dcitron (10-03-2022 23:49)

Reply by BarbaraRB

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Re: Help Needed By Newbie!

dcitron wrote:
BarbaraRB wrote:

Thank you!  Is "action" one of the menu items?

On the main display, under "Output" (the lower portion of the screen), click the big "ACTION" button on the right, and then slide "Key release noise" all the way to the left

BarbaraRB wrote:

When using the Bechstein, the second "F" below middle "C" sounded so deep it startled me...

I don't hear anything unusual about that note versus the ones around it, so perhaps your particular speaker or room setup is emphasizing that frequency. If you have a subwoofer, you could try turning it down or off. You could also try moving your speakers away from a wall, or putting them up on foam, or aiming them outwards, etc. In other words: try changing something about your physical setup to reduce the room reinforcement for those frequencies, perhaps?

Thank you! The specific info on the key action noise is just what I needed. I'll play around with the Bechstein. It may be that I'm not used to such deep tones. I'll do the video tutorials to learn more about the program as a whole. I feel less overwhelmed now. Like anything else, there's a learning curve. Definitely worthwhile!

Reply by dazric

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Re: Help Needed By Newbie!

Yes, remember that the Bechstein is modelling a big concert grand with a very rich sound - it would probably startle you if you played the real thing! Just for fun, Google 'Bechstein D 282' and see how much you'd have to pay for a real one. Also, the preset you select can make a difference to the perceived depth of the sound - for example, you may feel the 'Prelude' preset sounds deeper than 'D 282'.

Reply by BarbaraRB

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Re: Help Needed By Newbie!

dcitron wrote:
BarbaraRB wrote:

Thank you!  Is "action" one of the menu items?

On the main display, under "Output" (the lower portion of the screen), click the big "ACTION" button on the right, and then slide "Key release noise" all the way to the left

BarbaraRB wrote:

When using the Bechstein, the second "F" below middle "C" sounded so deep it startled me...

I don't hear anything unusual about that note versus the ones around it, so perhaps your particular speaker or room setup is emphasizing that frequency. If you have a subwoofer, you could try turning it down or off. You could also try moving your speakers away from a wall, or putting them up on foam, or aiming them outwards, etc. In other words: try changing something about your physical setup to reduce the room reinforcement for those frequencies, perhaps?


I tried it again and there was nothing wrong.  The sound was glorious.  In fact, I liked it so much I bought it (had been trying the demo).  Thank you once again.  Everything you suggested worked perfectly.  I have lost my fear of Pianoteq!  Yes, there will be a learning curve, but I figured out several key things and love it already!

Reply by BarbaraRB

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Re: Help Needed By Newbie!

dazric wrote:

Yes, remember that the Bechstein is modelling a big concert grand with a very rich sound - it would probably startle you if you played the real thing! Just for fun, Google 'Bechstein D 282' and see how much you'd have to pay for a real one. Also, the preset you select can make a difference to the perceived depth of the sound - for example, you may feel the 'Prelude' preset sounds deeper than 'D 282'.

Thank you.  I'll be experimenting with all the presets and different instruments.  It's great for practice, because now I'm playing the same song a million times to try all the different instruments/pre-sets.

And yes -- the Bechstein is a bargain at $59!

Reply by BarbaraRB

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Re: Help Needed By Newbie!

Thank you to everyone who helped me.  I now feel confident and secure moving forward.  I will watch the video tutorials and immerse myself in this magnificent technology!

Reply by Pianoteqenthusiast

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Re: Help Needed By Newbie!

BarbaraRB wrote:

Thank you to everyone who helped me.  I now feel confident and secure moving forward.  I will watch the video tutorials and immerse myself in this magnificent technology!

Hello BarbaraRB and welcome to this wonderful forum!

It’s interesting and nice to follow your beginning with Ptq. It reminds me so much of myself when I started in 2013. Tested everything, didn’t understand everything, fell in love with Bluthner, Steingraeber, Bechstein - and now using Petrof Mistral Classical Recording, Warm and Dreamy (and Organteq). It’s all about taste of course but to me Mistral is different, more real than the other sounds for the moment. If you have time, go to the sub-forum ”Recordings featuring Pianoteq and Organteq” and listen to my latest composition ”Dreamy” (as an example of the sound).

You are right, there is definitely a learning curve to Pianoteq. After soon 10 years, to me Ptq is every morning like a new instrument because finding new nice possibilities. The same wonderful instrument, you never get bored
I wish you many happy years with Pianoteq.

Best wishes,

Pianoteqenthusiast, Organteqenthusiast, Harpteqenthusiast,

Stig

Last edited by Pianoteqenthusiast (11-03-2022 16:39)

Reply by BarbaraRB

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Re: Help Needed By Newbie!

Pianoteqenthusiast wrote:
BarbaraRB wrote:

Thank you to everyone who helped me.  I now feel confident and secure moving forward.  I will watch the video tutorials and immerse myself in this magnificent technology!

Hello BarbaraRB and welcome to this wonderful forum!

It’s interesting and nice to follow your beginning with Ptq. It reminds me so much of myself when I started in 2013. Tested everything, didn’t understand everything, fell in love with Bluthner, Steingraeber, Bechstein - and now using Petrof Mistral Classical Recording, Warm and Dreamy (and Organteq). It’s all about taste of course but to me Mistral is different, more real than the other sounds for the moment. If you have time, go to the sub-forum ”Recordings featuring Pianoteq and Organteq” and listen to my latest composition ”Dreamy” (as an example of the sound).

You are right, there is definitely a learning curve to Pianoteq. After soon 10 years, to me Ptq is every morning like a new instrument because finding new nice possibilities. The same wonderful instrument, you never get bored
I wish you many happy years with Pianoteq.

Best wishes,

Pianoteqenthusiast, Organteqenthusiast, Harpteqenthusiast,

Stig

We share many preferences, Stig.  The Bluthner was my first essential piano on Pianoteq; my dream piano!  I never thought I could actually have one, but it seems dreams really to come true.  The Petrof was my next favorite, and the Mistral takes my breath away.  I spent a couple of days just listening to all the demo songs on the website before getting everything installed (I had help!).  I have Bluthner, Petrof, Steinways D & B, Grotrian,  and (as of today), Bechstein.  I bought my Pianoteq Standard from a pianist in Portugal who advertised on this site, and he had the Bluthner, Steinway B, and Grotrian.  I added the others.  It's fortunate I bought it used, because I've gone on something of a spree.  However, Pianoteq is not illegal, immoral, or fattening.  I also bought a new laptop computer just for this purpose because I didn't want to trail wires clear across the room to my desk.  Not only messy, but dangerous.  So, it has been an investment, but one I feel wonderful about making.  This technology is a miracle.  I'm especially excited about being able to play Baroque music with the instruments of the composer's time, and even their tuning (well-tempered).  The historical instruments in the KiVir offerings are also incredible.  The Pleyel and Erard are gorgeous.  These older pianos have a softness that some of the newer ones don't have.  Thank you for your warm encouragement.

Last edited by BarbaraRB (11-03-2022 19:56)

Reply by BarbaraRB

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Re: Help Needed By Newbie!

BarbaraRB wrote:
Pianoteqenthusiast wrote:
BarbaraRB wrote:

Thank you to everyone who helped me.  I now feel confident and secure moving forward.  I will watch the video tutorials and immerse myself in this magnificent technology!

Hello BarbaraRB and welcome to this wonderful forum!

It’s interesting and nice to follow your beginning with Ptq. It reminds me so much of myself when I started in 2013. Tested everything, didn’t understand everything, fell in love with Bluthner, Steingraeber, Bechstein - and now using Petrof Mistral Classical Recording, Warm and Dreamy (and Organteq). It’s all about taste of course but to me Mistral is different, more real than the other sounds for the moment. If you have time, go to the sub-forum ”Recordings featuring Pianoteq and Organteq” and listen to my latest composition ”Dreamy” (as an example of the sound).

You are right, there is definitely a learning curve to Pianoteq. After soon 10 years, to me Ptq is every morning like a new instrument because finding new nice possibilities. The same wonderful instrument, you never get bored
I wish you many happy years with Pianoteq.

Best wishes,

Pianoteqenthusiast, Organteqenthusiast, Harpteqenthusiast,

Stig

We share many preferences, Stig.  The Bluthner was my first essential piano on Pianoteq; my dream piano!  I never thought I could actually have one, but it seems dreams really to come true.  The Petrof was my next favorite, and the Mistral takes my breath away.  I spent a couple of days just listening to all the demo songs on the website before getting everything installed (I had help!).  I have Bluthner, Petrof, Steinways D & B, Grotrian,  and (as of today), Bechstein.  I bought my Pianoteq Standard from a pianist in Portugal who advertised on this site, and he had the Bluthner, Steinway B, and Grotrian.  I added the others.  It's fortunate I bought it used, because I've gone on something of a spree.  However, Pianoteq is not illegal, immoral, or fattening.  I also bought a new laptop computer just for this purpose because I didn't want to trail wires clear across the room to my desk.  Not only messy, but dangerous.  So, it has been an investment, but one I feel wonderful about making.  This technology is a miracle.  I'm especially excited about being able to play Baroque music with the instruments of the composer's time, and even their tuning (well-tempered).  The historical instruments in the KiVir offerings are also incredible.  The Pleyel and Erard are gorgeous.  These older pianos have a softness that some of the newer ones don't have.  Thank you for your warm encouragement.

Stig, I listened to your recordings, and they were all beautiful.  I loved your original composition, and your rendition of "Danny Boy" was wonderful, too.  There is something so pure and clear about Mistral Dreamy.  I will have to think about some of the pieces I want to use it for.  I think that different pianos and voices are right for different pieces, and look forward to exploring all of their capabilities!  But Mistral Dreamy has captured my heart.

Reply by Pianoteqenthusiast

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Re: Help Needed By Newbie!

BarbaraRB wrote:
BarbaraRB wrote:
Pianoteqenthusiast wrote:

Hello BarbaraRB and welcome to this wonderful forum!

It’s interesting and nice to follow your beginning with Ptq. It reminds me so much of myself when I started in 2013. Tested everything, didn’t understand everything, fell in love with Bluthner, Steingraeber, Bechstein - and now using Petrof Mistral Classical Recording, Warm and Dreamy (and Organteq). It’s all about taste of course but to me Mistral is different, more real than the other sounds for the moment. If you have time, go to the sub-forum ”Recordings featuring Pianoteq and Organteq” and listen to my latest composition ”Dreamy” (as an example of the sound).

You are right, there is definitely a learning curve to Pianoteq. After soon 10 years, to me Ptq is every morning like a new instrument because finding new nice possibilities. The same wonderful instrument, you never get bored
I wish you many happy years with Pianoteq.

Best wishes,

Pianoteqenthusiast, Organteqenthusiast, Harpteqenthusiast,

Stig

We share many preferences, Stig.  The Bluthner was my first essential piano on Pianoteq; my dream piano!  I never thought I could actually have one, but it seems dreams really to come true.  The Petrof was my next favorite, and the Mistral takes my breath away.  I spent a couple of days just listening to all the demo songs on the website before getting everything installed (I had help!).  I have Bluthner, Petrof, Steinways D & B, Grotrian,  and (as of today), Bechstein.  I bought my Pianoteq Standard from a pianist in Portugal who advertised on this site, and he had the Bluthner, Steinway B, and Grotrian.  I added the others.  It's fortunate I bought it used, because I've gone on something of a spree.  However, Pianoteq is not illegal, immoral, or fattening.  I also bought a new laptop computer just for this purpose because I didn't want to trail wires clear across the room to my desk.  Not only messy, but dangerous.  So, it has been an investment, but one I feel wonderful about making.  This technology is a miracle.  I'm especially excited about being able to play Baroque music with the instruments of the composer's time, and even their tuning (well-tempered).  The historical instruments in the KiVir offerings are also incredible.  The Pleyel and Erard are gorgeous.  These older pianos have a softness that some of the newer ones don't have.  Thank you for your warm encouragement.

Stig, I listened to your recordings, and they were all beautiful.  I loved your original composition, and your rendition of "Danny Boy" was wonderful, too.  There is something so pure and clear about Mistral Dreamy.  I will have to think about some of the pieces I want to use it for.  I think that different pianos and voices are right for different pieces, and look forward to exploring all of their capabilities!  But Mistral Dreamy has captured my heart.



Thank you so much BarbaraRB, for your kindness and nice comments. Glad you like my composition (Dreamy) and the rendition of Danny Boy/Londonderry Air. Simple is sometimes beautiful.
I agree ”that different pianos and voices are right for different pieces”. And nice to read that ”….look forward to exploring all of their capabilities!”. As I said before, 10 years, and I’m still enjoying exploring all of the different sound capabilities 
It's one of the many amazing things about Pianoteq and it's so wonderful that it's never ending - just as fun, exciting and interesting every morning

Pianoteqenthusiast, Organteqenthusiast, Harpteqenthusiast,

Best wishes,

Stig