I'm all hears for good VST reviews. This Bechstein sounds very very good from a first impression over CZcams. Thanks to VSL for publishing what sounds like an instant classic, and as always, thank you Stu for yet another honest and clean review. You're the best in the business.
The Bechstein resonates so beautiful! Just similar to my 1920s H.Kriebel 🥰 First upright VST which could be a choice to buy for a long time! Thanx for demonstration, Stu!
We're glad to hear that you enjoyed the video review! I certainly agree with your assessment of the gorgeous Bechstein tone. They are amongst the most expressive and musical sounding pianos in the entire world. :)
Upright piano sounds make a lot of sense, particularly in old-time jazz and ragtime. Some manufacturers patronisingly add dire honk-tonk patches to their DPs (and the GM one is a joke) but early syncopated music can benefit from the less obvious colouring of an upright which is in tune. Sometimes I create my own "honk-tonk" sounds by layering two different pianos, but now I'm digressing. C Bechstein is a wonderful manufacturer. If the VSL Berlin upright is a Bechstein, you can bet your money on it being good. I have fond memories of playing one many years ago. Which model? Dunno. Casio's collaboration with Bechstein must have Yamaha and Kawai a bit concerned. The Bösendorfer upright VSTi sounded great in Stu's review too. Wow, that note decay is incredible.
I absolutely agree with the notion that the sound of an upright piano is its own entirely unique thing separate from a grand that has its place in many musical styles, genres and settings. I also agree with your synopsis of C. Bechstein as well. They are absolutely gorgeous pianos that offer some of the highest levels of expressivity you will find in any instrument currently being made by human beings. :)
Hi Mike. I already asked IC about this, but have you seen Jeremy See's video calld We Can't Trust Yamaha Any More? BTW just in case you aren't familiar with me I just changed my name🎹🎶
@@MERCEDES-BENZS600GUARD_V12 Hi. Thanks for explaining everything. I took a brief look at the video. I know that Jeremy See was very enamoured by that Yamaha model, but it seems he is disenchanted now due to a screen fade issue. Yamaha is a mighty company, fully capable of sorting this out on a recall. Their PR people can't be thinking straight. I like Yamaha products in the main, but I have few illusions about the intentions of such enterprises. That they don't want to save face, however, surprises me.
@@Zoco101 I would like to know what the screen is there for is it there just so you can see the sounds you select? Or are there features hiden in it?🎹🎶
Really a very musical library. Takes me back to my favorite experiences in real concert halls that show off a nice piano so well. This may be the first sample library that does that for me.
OT: When Stu does the new Kawai ES120, be sure to remember to turn Off the internal Speaker EQ. It also effects Line Out and boosts the treble in a weird way.
Indeed, Kawai does mention it in the ES120 manual. I guess the boosted treble happens in the "Table" setting. Since the ES120 has speakers underneath the piano, if you place the keyboard on a table the treble gets trapped, so the EQ would boost it for that situation, resulting in a weird tone. It would have been convenient to maintain the LIne Out independent of Speaker EQ settings, just in case somebody forgets to turn it off, they don't ruin the piano sound if they are using external speakers.
@@Instrumental-Covers Speaking of default settings: I tried an (old stock?) Kurzweil arranger keyboard recently (KA90?) which kind of impressed me. It was less than €600 in the store in Košice, Slovakia, but it had a great action with long key sticks, and very interestingly, only one of the two headphone sockets cancels the internal speakers. Is that usual, I wonder? I've never thought about this before, but it's a good idea. This gives you stereo out for monitors, even when you're using the internal speakers, plus any lineouts to the house PA. It kind of dwarfed the Kawai ES110 which sat beside it and even cost very slightly more. Maybe the ES110 had a slightly sweeter piano sound, but in totality, the Kurweil blew it out of the water. The actions and list of features couldn't be more different. If you don't need the latest bluetooth and apps, an older model can be great value. Neither model has a screen.
@@Instrumental-Covers Yes it is. And yes I've tried the DGX-670 in a showroom, but didn't dig deep in. As I was just writing to another viewer, it's an impressive instrument that (sadly) wouldn't satisfy me due to the action. I hastened to add that plenty of players are happy with it. But I'm more interested in stage pianos now anyway (particularly the lighter ones) and it seems we are both eyeing up the Numa X 73.
Outstanding music as always, Stu. I wander how the team at spectrasonics would approach to the sound of a full grand piano. What Keyscape has created thus far is indeed immense! The level of detail in all their keyboards is outstanding. But in this case I agree that here we're really dealing with different approaches and they are both an added value to someone working professionally with VSTs.!
Hopefully, we will all find that out soon! And I couldn't agree more. The nuance and expressivity of this VST is impressive and it is very easy to imagine the near infinite applications for anything from film/TV scoring to indie pop records.
Thanks for a great review. I need to try the VSL demo. I was lucky to play on a C. Bechstein 1919 upright tall version, almost completely restored. Missing the candle light holders. The sound and harmonics was so nice and full! Almost bought it. I do have KeyScape and love the Wing upright, based on reviews on this channel! Great content!
Thanks so much for your kind words and for tuning into the channel! That is awesome that you had an opportunity to play a 1919 C. Bechstein upright! Very cool indeed! :)
I got this Synchron German Upright Piano as a trial but I did not buy it. I did not like the base tones and I much prefer Boesendorfer Upright 130. Stu’s reviews of piano VSTs are the best. Thank you.
Michael Furmaniak, can you tell me more about your preferences in bass tones? It's an interesting subject for me. Uprights and "baby" grands are typically comprised in the bass, but sometimes the comprises are interesting and useful.
@@Zoco101 It is relatively difficult for me to explain but it is mostly an octave below middle C that I am checking. I play (for instance) The Little Prelude in C by J.S. Bach and listen to the left hand tones. I like the sound (in this octave) of Garritan CFX (I do not like Synchron CFX), VSL Synchron Boesendorfer Upright 130 and Synchron Concert D-274. I like clean sound of G Major and A minor broken chords for instance, in addition to two (G or C), octave separated sounds. I do not like strange harmonics that both German Upright and Boesendorfer 280VC have (they are different in this respect). I have just started to test Boesendorfer Imperial - I will decide if I should get it or D-274. I very much like Imperial so far and I may prefer it over D-274. I have only VSL Boesendorfer Upright (as I said, I have Garritan CFX and I also have a few Pianoteq pianos that sometimes sound too “digital” for me). Ps. I am now finding that there is something strange in the sounds in broken C Major chord starting with middle C (in The Little Prelude played on Boesendorfer Imperial). Tchaikovsky’s The Sick Doll sounded great! Still testing 😄
Hi Stu & Crew. Cannot wait for another "Tuxedo Episode" extravaganza :-) Now, when editing became a natural part of your internet vocabulary, and you know that anything can be trimmed, an episode with a hand-made creature may be like artistic free-flow. Full, pure, bare version with sublime multitrack sound available for your Patreon's and tammed version for YT :-) It may not generate lots of views on YT, but i suspect that it may generate most "valuable" ones...
Hi there! I think having some longer, untrimmed "director's cut" style videos, particularly for some of the handmade pianos, would be quite interesting. Having even more time to dig deeper into the tonal possibilities and musical offerings of these instruments would be a lot of fun I'm sure. I will run it by Stu and the production team. Thanks for tuning in and for the suggestion! We appreciate it! :)
Your playing is amazing i learn a lot by watching you buddy!! I really want to try the noire plugin from native. I like the string resonance and detail!! I want to hear boogie woogie on that thing !!!! I have keyscape, and Alicia’s keys for piano plugins, Great demo!!
Really enjoy your videos! Is there any chance you can include a description of what gear you use? e.g. keyboard controller, audio interface, monitors etc?
Hi! Brent here! Thanks for tuning in! Stu usually uses a Roland RD2000 or Kawai NV5 as the MIDI controller. I am not sure as to what audio interface or studio monitors he uses, but, for the most part, all of the sounds you are hearing featured on these videos are direct recordings from the VST plug-in opposed to captured through the studio monitors. Thanks again and all the best!
Great suggestion Michael! We will add it to the list! Lots of amazing pianos and piano-related gear/software to tackle, but we appreciate the suggestions coming through. Thanks again! :)
watching you playing it on an actual upright piano made ms feel like you were playing a real piano, generally i think vsl stage b recordings are far more authentic and real then their stage a ones
Synchron Stage Vienna has 3 permanent pianos: a Bösendorfer 290 Imperial, a Steinway D-274, and a Yamaha CFX. The Bösendorfer Imperial and Yamaha CFX are equipped with high-resolution MIDI reproducing systems. When playing with an orchestra, you can put the pianist in an isolation booth and record his performance. Then when the orchestra leaves, you can roll the piano into the hall, play back his performance and capture the sound in acoustically perfect conditions, preventing spill or unwanted noise from the orchestra.
Very cool! Thank you for that info and insight! That is definitely a "best of both worlds" scenario. Getting to capture the emotional connectivity of the players all performing together in the moment, but having the opportunity to capture the purity of the piano's in a perfect acoustic environment without any bleed from the other instruments. Very cool! Tradition meets technology. :)
@@MerriamPianos Yes, indeed! :) They are a very busy recording studio, and with MIDI comes the ability to edit a performance as well, saving time and the need to have the pianist perform several takes.
Hi Stu, I have the Roland FP-90X and I also connect it to my MacBook with Pianoteq, MOTU M4 sound interface, and a pair of Yamaha HS5. The sound directly from the Roland sound system is always so much nicer than via the computer. I'd like to use the computer to play around with different sounds. Any recommendations on how to improve the sound? I'm getting better studio monitors or a subwoofer. thanks in advance.
Hi Jeff! Brent from Merriam Music here! Higher quality studio monitors and a subwoofer will certainly go a long way! That should help enhance the overall sonic experience! :)
With all your excellent acoustic and digital piano reviews, discussion of actions, there's one "flavor" of setup that is still missing. (Yes, excellent playing too.) As it seems you strive for completeness and being understood perfectly, here's my question. With all the beautiful virtual pianos - I know, the sound is impacted by computer/DAC/amplification/speakers to large extent - I would love your verdict of the Kawai VPC-1 and its action. If you only want to play piano, it's the purest you can get and the keys may have the longest wooden sticks in the slab-keyboard market, best mimicking a grand action. Most people already have a computer and the rest. So why pay for these things a second, third, n-th time? I would rather spend that money on - hopefully - better action and better, more realistic piano sound. So the question is if a setup like this can deliver that, if yes, how? (It's ~10 years old now and Kawai have a better 3-pedal unit with the MP11SE that has optical sensors rather than potmeters. And potentially, elsewhere in the Kawai product ranges, there's a version of this "wooden" keyboard that got improved while retaining the length of the key-staves or increasing them. This VPC-1 has two MIDI outputs and may be able to send MIDI to two different notebooks/computers through that. Not sure if/how that would work.)
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! Thanks for reaching out and sending in your insights and questions! We appreciate it. While Kawai VPC1 has been around for a while now, many pianists agree that it is the finest (or at least one of!) MIDI controller ever to be created, particularly in regard to its action as you've pointed out. I think the potential is certainly there to combine the VPC1 with the right other ingredients (computer, VST, speakers/monitors, etc.) that can provide an overall piano playing experience that is on par or even superior to some of the highest end digital pianos. However, for many players, convenience and/or lack of technological comfort pushes them towards an all-in option. With that said, a review/comparison video featuring the VPC1 would be fantastic. Furthermore a deep dive into the other elements you've suggested would also be a great topic for discussion. Thank you kindly for tuning in, supporting our channel and for the suggestions! All the best! :)
Great vid! Very ear opening LOL! It sounds very nice, however I get the impression of being far away from the piano. Perhaps this would be good for piano covers🎹🎶
@@MERCEDES-BENZS600GUARD_V12 He could put an electric motor regulated with a foot pedal too. Makes playing La Campanella easy. 😎You know, the DGX-670 has about 600 sounds, including a balalaika (tremolo). Yamaha has very authentic acoustic sounds, they are known for that.
Hello Stew. I'm very interested in the virtual piano world. I have a Kawai K200 ATX 2 with Midi out (and I believe tripple sensors). Would that be a good instrument to feed a Virtual piano on PC? Would it be as good as your new Roland phantom 08 for that use or would it have any disadvantages wrt the Phantom 08? And if so what would be less good?
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! Thanks for the question! The K200 ATX2 would be a wonderful instrument to use in conjunction with VST instruments on a PC! I would actually argue that it will be far superior to the vast majority of digital piano actions, including the FANTOM-08. With the K200 ATX2, you have the advantage of a real acoustic piano touch with all the sensations and nuances that come along with it. :)
Naturally, there will be a slightly different tone when removing the upper front panel. Furthermore, some people prefer to do this when recording an upright piano in order to mike the strings/hammers more closely. Depending on the positioning and blend of microphones one is using, having this portion of the piano miked allows for more control of the attack of the hammers in the mixing phase.
It increases the dynamic range on the piano, but whether or not it'll have a better sound depends on the instrument, sometimes it makes it better, other times not really.
I like my Roland LX7 however the sound is uninspiring. I would love to get a VST such as featured in this video. Could anyone suggest the optimal computer for this? Thanks in advance.
Hi Walter! Brent from Merriam Music here! The exciting thing about digital pianos and MIDI is that the tonal possibilities are virtually endless with awesome VST plugins like the one featured in this video! In terms of optimal computer for running these VSTs, I am personally not particularly savvy when it comes to computer specs and requirements. With that said, I am sure that some of our amazing community members he will be able to chime in and assist! :)
I would also look at the MIDI velocity curve of your digital piano. A user of the Roland LX-17 model reported in a Pianoteq forum that the LX-17 MIDI signal never went over 100. This is a common issue with many digital pianos: their MIDI outputs are not perfectly linear from 0-127, as they are not intended to be professional MIDI controllers. Since the LX-7 and LX-17 both have the same PHA-50 action with the same modeling engine, it seems plausible that they might have the same MIDI response. The user of the LX-17 had to build a table of MIDI values to adjust for this issue. While Pianoteq allows you to build such a MIDI map, other vst programs might not and you would have to rely on a MIDI modifier program to get the optimal settings. This is one of the reasons you might hear a piano vst sound incredible in one recording, and when you buy it and try it, you get a different experience.
@@Zoco101 Hello! Thank you for the question. I like the PHA-50 action on my LX-7, although I prefer the action on the newer Roland models (i.e. LX708) which is basically the same action but with a longer pivot point. However, it satisfies my current needs for practicing and piano lessons. I've tried different digitals out there but they didn't satisfy me, except for the NV-5, but that has an acoustic action. A non-important reason why I like my Roland is that it looks like a small upright - during an online practical exam an adjudicator asked me if it was an acoustic. I also like the fact that it's paid off.
@@KeepingOnTheWatch Thanks for the informative reply. I had no idea that there are online piano exams, but it makes sense. That helps to kill the tradition of using mainly uprights in piano exams. It had become an unfair selling point of upright pianos to conscientious families. Some of us can't afford a really nice upright and are therefore better off with a really nice digital piano. As a practice instrument for serious classical music, a Roland piano might not satisfy (this opinion I glean from reading hundreds of comments by viewers here) but I play jazz, and I haven't had big issues with Rolands, except perhaps with the old FP series. Roland pianos perform very well on stage, where functionality, ep sounds and clarity in the mix are big issues. Accordingly I have a big respect for the RDs, but also enjoy hearing the Roland LX pianos in the side-by-side reviews, next to assorted Kawais. I played a Roland home piano (dunno which model) in a couple of classical music trio rehearsals about 3 or 4 years ago. It felt and sounded great to me.
It is very difficult to decide between them! They're all quite remarkable and certainly have their applications stylistically! Thanks for tuning into the video! :)
Why are VST creators seem to be obsessed that vintage uprights are always need this additional mechanical sounds which you cannot fully deactivate? I've heared so much restored uprights built in the early 20th centory and they don't have these mechanical imperfections. If you ever have a chance to listen to a well restored Roenisch 1920s upright piano you will know what I mean. Not compareable to some of these upright VST.
Even the very best VSTs won't compare to the nuance and magic of the "real thing", but, naturally, the accessibility factor is quite awesome for piano enthusiasts and composers/producers. With that said, I do agree that having an option to fully deactivate these sounds would be a helpful addition. The intention with these details is trying to bridge the gap as much as possible to the "real thing", but I can certainly foresee applications where their presence is not ideal. Thanks for tuning in! :)
@@MerriamPianos Thank you for your reply. Edpecially the Keystone upright you used for comparison sounds awful with that mechanical clicking when you compare it to a big Roenisch or Feurich upright from the 1910s and 1920s.
Yikes, don't like the sound at all... Is this non-unisono, slightly out of tune style supposed to sound "old"? I very much doubt that, over a hundred years ago, people didn't like their pianos to be IN TUNE!
Every player will have their own preferences. The most important thing is to find a VST piano that you connect and resonate with. Thanks so much for tuning in! :)
I'm all hears for good VST reviews. This Bechstein sounds very very good from a first impression over CZcams. Thanks to VSL for publishing what sounds like an instant classic, and as always, thank you Stu for yet another honest and clean review. You're the best in the business.
Thanks for checking out our video and for the incredibly kind words! Stu is fantastic! I will be sure to pass along your kind words to him. :)
Great vid, thanks for publishing this walkthrough and other ones for various piano VSTs.
You're very welcome! Thanks a million for taking the time to tune in! We appreciate it. :)
The Bechstein resonates so beautiful! Just similar to my 1920s H.Kriebel 🥰 First upright VST which could be a choice to buy for a long time! Thanx for demonstration, Stu!
We're glad to hear that you enjoyed the video review! I certainly agree with your assessment of the gorgeous Bechstein tone. They are amongst the most expressive and musical sounding pianos in the entire world. :)
Upright piano sounds make a lot of sense, particularly in old-time jazz and ragtime. Some manufacturers patronisingly add dire honk-tonk patches to their DPs (and the GM one is a joke) but early syncopated music can benefit from the less obvious colouring of an upright which is in tune. Sometimes I create my own "honk-tonk" sounds by layering two different pianos, but now I'm digressing.
C Bechstein is a wonderful manufacturer. If the VSL Berlin upright is a Bechstein, you can bet your money on it being good. I have fond memories of playing one many years ago. Which model? Dunno. Casio's collaboration with Bechstein must have Yamaha and Kawai a bit concerned.
The Bösendorfer upright VSTi sounded great in Stu's review too.
Wow, that note decay is incredible.
I absolutely agree with the notion that the sound of an upright piano is its own entirely unique thing separate from a grand that has its place in many musical styles, genres and settings.
I also agree with your synopsis of C. Bechstein as well. They are absolutely gorgeous pianos that offer some of the highest levels of expressivity you will find in any instrument currently being made by human beings. :)
Hi Mike. I already asked IC about this, but have you seen Jeremy See's video calld We Can't Trust Yamaha Any More? BTW just in case you aren't familiar with me I just changed my name🎹🎶
@@MERCEDES-BENZS600GUARD_V12 No, I haven't seen it. 🤔 Give me a clue about who you were before or send a private message if that is possible.
@@MERCEDES-BENZS600GUARD_V12 Hi. Thanks for explaining everything. I took a brief look at the video. I know that Jeremy See was very enamoured by that Yamaha model, but it seems he is disenchanted now due to a screen fade issue. Yamaha is a mighty company, fully capable of sorting this out on a recall. Their PR people can't be thinking straight. I like Yamaha products in the main, but I have few illusions about the intentions of such enterprises. That they don't want to save face, however, surprises me.
@@Zoco101 I would like to know what the screen is there for is it there just so you can see the sounds you select? Or are there features hiden in it?🎹🎶
Really a very musical library. Takes me back to my favorite experiences in real concert halls that show off a nice piano so well. This may be the first sample library that does that for me.
Absolutely! They are very nuanced and immersive samples. :)
OT: When Stu does the new Kawai ES120, be sure to remember to turn Off the internal
Speaker EQ. It also effects Line Out and boosts the treble in a weird way.
Thank you kindly for the insight! I will certainly let him know when the ES120 review is being completed. :)
Indeed, Kawai does mention it in the ES120 manual. I guess the boosted treble happens in the "Table" setting. Since the ES120 has speakers underneath the piano, if you place the keyboard on a table the treble gets trapped, so the EQ would boost it for that situation, resulting in a weird tone. It would have been convenient to maintain the LIne Out independent of Speaker EQ settings, just in case somebody forgets to turn it off, they don't ruin the piano sound if they are using external speakers.
@@Instrumental-Covers Speaking of default settings: I tried an (old stock?) Kurzweil arranger keyboard recently (KA90?) which kind of impressed me. It was less than €600 in the store in Košice, Slovakia, but it had a great action with long key sticks, and very interestingly, only one of the two headphone sockets cancels the internal speakers. Is that usual, I wonder? I've never thought about this before, but it's a good idea. This gives you stereo out for monitors, even when you're using the internal speakers, plus any lineouts to the house PA.
It kind of dwarfed the Kawai ES110 which sat beside it and even cost very slightly more. Maybe the ES110 had a slightly sweeter piano sound, but in totality, the Kurweil blew it out of the water. The actions and list of features couldn't be more different. If you don't need the latest bluetooth and apps, an older model can be great value. Neither model has a screen.
@@Zoco101 It is interesting that Kurzweil makes arranger digital pianos. Have you tried the Yamaha DGX-670?
@@Instrumental-Covers Yes it is. And yes I've tried the DGX-670 in a showroom, but didn't dig deep in. As I was just writing to another viewer, it's an impressive instrument that (sadly) wouldn't satisfy me due to the action. I hastened to add that plenty of players are happy with it. But I'm more interested in stage pianos now anyway (particularly the lighter ones) and it seems we are both eyeing up the Numa X 73.
Outstanding music as always, Stu.
I wander how the team at spectrasonics would approach to the sound of a full grand piano. What Keyscape has created thus far is indeed immense! The level of detail in all their keyboards is outstanding. But in this case I agree that here we're really dealing with different approaches and they are both an added value to someone working professionally with VSTs.!
Hopefully, we will all find that out soon! And I couldn't agree more. The nuance and expressivity of this VST is impressive and it is very easy to imagine the near infinite applications for anything from film/TV scoring to indie pop records.
Absolutely so. Thank you for your reply and all the best! :)
the vsl upright sounds stunning. the keyscape sounds pretty mechanical and one dimensional in contrast.
Thanks for a great review. I need to try the VSL demo. I was lucky to play on a C. Bechstein 1919 upright tall version, almost completely restored. Missing the candle light holders. The sound and harmonics was so nice and full! Almost bought it. I do have KeyScape and love the Wing upright, based on reviews on this channel! Great content!
Thanks so much for your kind words and for tuning into the channel! That is awesome that you had an opportunity to play a 1919 C. Bechstein upright! Very cool indeed! :)
@@MerriamPianos I forgot to say I got to try the Bechstein on Friday - the day before I watched your review. Amazing timing :)
I really love this one. Tried it myself and I would definitely buy it if I wasn't already so happy with pianoteq.
Absolutely! With that said, one can never have too many piano VSTs! ;)
@@MerriamPianos Well that is why I own Ravenscroft 275, a few of the VSL grands, Pianoteq and few others.
I got this Synchron German Upright Piano as a trial but I did not buy it. I did not like the base tones and I much prefer Boesendorfer Upright 130. Stu’s reviews of piano VSTs are the best. Thank you.
Thanks so much Michael! I know Stu appreciates the kind words! :)
Michael Furmaniak, can you tell me more about your preferences in bass tones? It's an interesting subject for me. Uprights and "baby" grands are typically comprised in the bass, but sometimes the comprises are interesting and useful.
@@Zoco101 It is relatively difficult for me to explain but it is mostly an octave below middle C that I am checking. I play (for instance) The Little Prelude in C by J.S. Bach and listen to the left hand tones. I like the sound (in this octave) of Garritan CFX (I do not like Synchron CFX), VSL Synchron Boesendorfer Upright 130 and Synchron Concert D-274. I like clean sound of G Major and A minor broken chords for instance, in addition to two (G or C), octave separated sounds. I do not like strange harmonics that both German Upright and Boesendorfer 280VC have (they are different in this respect). I have just started to test Boesendorfer Imperial - I will decide if I should get it or D-274. I very much like Imperial so far and I may prefer it over D-274. I have only VSL Boesendorfer Upright (as I said, I have Garritan CFX and I also have a few Pianoteq pianos that sometimes sound too “digital” for me).
Ps. I am now finding that there is something strange in the sounds in broken C Major chord starting with middle C (in The Little Prelude played on Boesendorfer Imperial). Tchaikovsky’s The Sick Doll sounded great! Still testing 😄
thank you!
You're very welcome! Thank you for watching! :)
Hi Stu & Crew.
Cannot wait for another "Tuxedo Episode" extravaganza :-)
Now, when editing became a natural part of your internet vocabulary, and you know that anything can be trimmed, an episode with a hand-made creature may be like artistic free-flow. Full, pure, bare version with sublime multitrack sound available for your Patreon's and tammed version for YT :-)
It may not generate lots of views on YT, but i suspect that it may generate most "valuable" ones...
Hi there! I think having some longer, untrimmed "director's cut" style videos, particularly for some of the handmade pianos, would be quite interesting. Having even more time to dig deeper into the tonal possibilities and musical offerings of these instruments would be a lot of fun I'm sure. I will run it by Stu and the production team. Thanks for tuning in and for the suggestion! We appreciate it! :)
Your playing is amazing i learn a lot by watching you buddy!! I really want to try the noire plugin from native. I like the string resonance and detail!! I want to hear boogie woogie on that thing !!!! I have keyscape, and Alicia’s keys for piano plugins, Great demo!!
Thanks Justin! We're very happy to hear that you have found these VST review and comparison videos helpful! Thanks so much and happy playing! :)
Really enjoy your videos! Is there any chance you can include a description of what gear you use? e.g. keyboard controller, audio interface, monitors etc?
Hi! Brent here! Thanks for tuning in! Stu usually uses a Roland RD2000 or Kawai NV5 as the MIDI controller. I am not sure as to what audio interface or studio monitors he uses, but, for the most part, all of the sounds you are hearing featured on these videos are direct recordings from the VST plug-in opposed to captured through the studio monitors. Thanks again and all the best!
Sounds very good - even over phone speakers!
That is always a fantastic test and a good sign of the quality of the samples themselves! :)
I am hoping that Stu could review Dorian Marko Steinway D piano
Great suggestion Michael! We will add it to the list! Lots of amazing pianos and piano-related gear/software to tackle, but we appreciate the suggestions coming through. Thanks again! :)
watching you playing it on an actual upright piano made ms feel like you were playing a real piano, generally i think vsl stage b recordings are far more authentic and real then their stage a ones
Some of these plugins are really quite impressive in terms of the authenticity they are able to achieve. :)
Synchron Stage Vienna has 3 permanent pianos: a Bösendorfer 290 Imperial, a Steinway D-274, and a Yamaha CFX. The Bösendorfer Imperial and Yamaha CFX are equipped with high-resolution MIDI reproducing systems. When playing with an orchestra, you can put the pianist in an isolation booth and record his performance. Then when the orchestra leaves, you can roll the piano into the hall, play back his performance and capture the sound in acoustically perfect conditions, preventing spill or unwanted noise from the orchestra.
Very cool! Thank you for that info and insight! That is definitely a "best of both worlds" scenario. Getting to capture the emotional connectivity of the players all performing together in the moment, but having the opportunity to capture the purity of the piano's in a perfect acoustic environment without any bleed from the other instruments. Very cool! Tradition meets technology. :)
@@MerriamPianos Yes, indeed! :) They are a very busy recording studio, and with MIDI comes the ability to edit a performance as well, saving time and the need to have the pianist perform several takes.
Plz make a video on key action comparison between casio gp series piano vs a real acoustic piano.
Thank you kindly for the suggestion! We will certainly add it to the list of potential topics for upcoming videos! Thanks for tuning in! :)
Thank u for selecting me as a winner... 😊☺
@@MerriamPianos how can I claim my prize?
Hi Stu, I have the Roland FP-90X and I also connect it to my MacBook with Pianoteq, MOTU M4 sound interface, and a pair of Yamaha HS5. The sound directly from the Roland sound system is always so much nicer than via the computer. I'd like to use the computer to play around with different sounds. Any recommendations on how to improve the sound? I'm getting better studio monitors or a subwoofer. thanks in advance.
Hi Jeff! Brent from Merriam Music here! Higher quality studio monitors and a subwoofer will certainly go a long way! That should help enhance the overall sonic experience! :)
With all your excellent acoustic and digital piano reviews, discussion of actions, there's one "flavor" of setup that is still missing. (Yes, excellent playing too.) As it seems you strive for completeness and being understood perfectly, here's my question.
With all the beautiful virtual pianos - I know, the sound is impacted by computer/DAC/amplification/speakers to large extent - I would love your verdict of the Kawai VPC-1 and its action.
If you only want to play piano, it's the purest you can get and the keys may have the longest wooden sticks in the slab-keyboard market, best mimicking a grand action.
Most people already have a computer and the rest. So why pay for these things a second, third, n-th time? I would rather spend that money on - hopefully - better action and better, more realistic piano sound.
So the question is if a setup like this can deliver that, if yes, how?
(It's ~10 years old now and Kawai have a better 3-pedal unit with the MP11SE that has optical sensors rather than potmeters. And potentially, elsewhere in the Kawai product ranges, there's a version of this "wooden" keyboard that got improved while retaining the length of the key-staves or increasing them. This VPC-1 has two MIDI outputs and may be able to send MIDI to two different notebooks/computers through that. Not sure if/how that would work.)
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! Thanks for reaching out and sending in your insights and questions! We appreciate it. While Kawai VPC1 has been around for a while now, many pianists agree that it is the finest (or at least one of!) MIDI controller ever to be created, particularly in regard to its action as you've pointed out. I think the potential is certainly there to combine the VPC1 with the right other ingredients (computer, VST, speakers/monitors, etc.) that can provide an overall piano playing experience that is on par or even superior to some of the highest end digital pianos. However, for many players, convenience and/or lack of technological comfort pushes them towards an all-in option. With that said, a review/comparison video featuring the VPC1 would be fantastic. Furthermore a deep dive into the other elements you've suggested would also be a great topic for discussion. Thank you kindly for tuning in, supporting our channel and for the suggestions! All the best! :)
Great vid! Very ear opening LOL! It sounds very nice, however I get the impression of being far away from the piano. Perhaps this would be good for piano covers🎹🎶
Thank you kindly! Glad you enjoyed the video and found it helpful! I certainly agree. This would be an excellent piano sound for piano covers. :)
Did you check out Vinheteiro's video titled "The Godfather (tremolo)?" I want that guitar. 🎵
@@Instrumental-Covers just did LOL! Very creative🎹🎶
@@Instrumental-Covers I think it's prity easy just get a guitar and crank fan and your good to go hehe🎹🎶
@@MERCEDES-BENZS600GUARD_V12 He could put an electric motor regulated with a foot pedal too. Makes playing La Campanella easy. 😎You know, the DGX-670 has about 600 sounds, including a balalaika (tremolo). Yamaha has very authentic acoustic sounds, they are known for that.
If Stu were to make a solo piano album which VSL would he choose?
That is a very good question and one that I would have to direct towards Stu himself! :)
Hello Stew. I'm very interested in the virtual piano world. I have a Kawai K200 ATX 2 with Midi out (and I believe tripple sensors). Would that be a good instrument to feed a Virtual piano on PC? Would it be as good as your new Roland phantom 08 for that use or would it have any disadvantages wrt the Phantom 08? And if so what would be less good?
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! Thanks for the question! The K200 ATX2 would be a wonderful instrument to use in conjunction with VST instruments on a PC! I would actually argue that it will be far superior to the vast majority of digital piano actions, including the FANTOM-08. With the K200 ATX2, you have the advantage of a real acoustic piano touch with all the sensations and nuances that come along with it. :)
In some videos performers using upright pianos, take off the upper front panel. Does this help present the best sound from the instrument?
Naturally, there will be a slightly different tone when removing the upper front panel. Furthermore, some people prefer to do this when recording an upright piano in order to mike the strings/hammers more closely. Depending on the positioning and blend of microphones one is using, having this portion of the piano miked allows for more control of the attack of the hammers in the mixing phase.
It increases the dynamic range on the piano, but whether or not it'll have a better sound depends on the instrument, sometimes it makes it better, other times not really.
what piece is played at 12:04? or is that an improvisation?
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! I would have to check with Stu on that, but it is quite a beautiful melody. :)
@@MerriamPianos yes, it really is! that is why I would love to know c:
I like my Roland LX7 however the sound is uninspiring. I would love to get a VST such as featured in this video. Could anyone suggest the optimal computer for this? Thanks in advance.
Hi Walter! Brent from Merriam Music here! The exciting thing about digital pianos and MIDI is that the tonal possibilities are virtually endless with awesome VST plugins like the one featured in this video! In terms of optimal computer for running these VSTs, I am personally not particularly savvy when it comes to computer specs and requirements. With that said, I am sure that some of our amazing community members he will be able to chime in and assist! :)
I would also look at the MIDI velocity curve of your digital piano. A user of the Roland LX-17 model reported in a Pianoteq forum that the LX-17 MIDI signal never went over 100. This is a common issue with many digital pianos: their MIDI outputs are not perfectly linear from 0-127, as they are not intended to be professional MIDI controllers. Since the LX-7 and LX-17 both have the same PHA-50 action with the same modeling engine, it seems plausible that they might have the same MIDI response. The user of the LX-17 had to build a table of MIDI values to adjust for this issue. While Pianoteq allows you to build such a MIDI map, other vst programs might not and you would have to rely on a MIDI modifier program to get the optimal settings. This is one of the reasons you might hear a piano vst sound incredible in one recording, and when you buy it and try it, you get a different experience.
Walter, I'm asking innocently: What do you like best about your Roland LX? The action maybe? Something else?
@@Zoco101 Hello! Thank you for the question. I like the PHA-50 action on my LX-7, although I prefer the action on the newer Roland models (i.e. LX708) which is basically the same action but with a longer pivot point. However, it satisfies my current needs for practicing and piano lessons. I've tried different digitals out there but they didn't satisfy me, except for the NV-5, but that has an acoustic action. A non-important reason why I like my Roland is that it looks like a small upright - during an online practical exam an adjudicator asked me if it was an acoustic. I also like the fact that it's paid off.
@@KeepingOnTheWatch Thanks for the informative reply. I had no idea that there are online piano exams, but it makes sense. That helps to kill the tradition of using mainly uprights in piano exams. It had become an unfair selling point of upright pianos to conscientious families. Some of us can't afford a really nice upright and are therefore better off with a really nice digital piano.
As a practice instrument for serious classical music, a Roland piano might not satisfy (this opinion I glean from reading hundreds of comments by viewers here) but I play jazz, and I haven't had big issues with Rolands, except perhaps with the old FP series. Roland pianos perform very well on stage, where functionality, ep sounds and clarity in the mix are big issues. Accordingly I have a big respect for the RDs, but also enjoy hearing the Roland LX pianos in the side-by-side reviews, next to assorted Kawais. I played a Roland home piano (dunno which model) in a couple of classical music trio rehearsals about 3 or 4 years ago. It felt and sounded great to me.
The Bechstein sounds more refined, but the Wingtip has more personality/character.
It is very difficult to decide between them! They're all quite remarkable and certainly have their applications stylistically! Thanks for tuning into the video! :)
Why are VST creators seem to be obsessed that vintage uprights are always need this additional mechanical sounds which you cannot fully deactivate? I've heared so much restored uprights built in the early 20th centory and they don't have these mechanical imperfections. If you ever have a chance to listen to a well restored Roenisch 1920s upright piano you will know what I mean. Not compareable to some of these upright VST.
Even the very best VSTs won't compare to the nuance and magic of the "real thing", but, naturally, the accessibility factor is quite awesome for piano enthusiasts and composers/producers. With that said, I do agree that having an option to fully deactivate these sounds would be a helpful addition. The intention with these details is trying to bridge the gap as much as possible to the "real thing", but I can certainly foresee applications where their presence is not ideal. Thanks for tuning in! :)
@@MerriamPianos Thank you for your reply. Edpecially the Keystone upright you used for comparison sounds awful with that mechanical clicking when you compare it to a big Roenisch or Feurich upright from the 1910s and 1920s.
Yikes, don't like the sound at all... Is this non-unisono, slightly out of tune style supposed to sound "old"? I very much doubt that, over a hundred years ago, people didn't like their pianos to be IN TUNE!
Every player will have their own preferences. The most important thing is to find a VST piano that you connect and resonate with. Thanks so much for tuning in! :)
You talk too much
There is a lot of great things to talk about with these fantastic VST and piano models. ;)