Piano Sample Libraries

[rm5]

I thought I'd give a list of some of my favorite piano sample libraries, for those looking for one. This only includes ones I use or have tried--so others please feel free to add with your own suggestions!

These are instruments you can load into your computer via an AU (Logic Pro) or VST (most other DAWs). This list does not include sounds/patches found in digital keyboards/synthesizers (though that'd be an interesting thread for another time).

Paid Libraries:

1. Pianoteq--whole assortment of various Steinway, Yamaha, and Bosendorfer pianos. Highly customizable, and includes all nuances like key and pedal noise. I think it's the best one, so it's at the top of the list.
2. Cinematic Studio Piano--amazing, expressive sample of a Yamaha C7 piano. Includes all nuances such as key and pedal noise, and damper resonance. Four mic positions that can be turned on or off, and up or down. Other than that, no further customization is available.
3. MeldwayGrand--A Steinway Model D sample. Includes all nuances, and is highly customizable with 7 mic positions and an assortment of sound design/creative controls.

Free Libraries:

1. MonestaryGrand--I can't remember what piano this is sampled from, but it's a great free one! Three mic positions and an array of sound design/customization tools built-in.
2. Novel Piano--arguably the best free felt upright piano sample I've owned. Nice character, with an option to turn up/down the key noise.
3. Orchestral Tools Spindle--another nice felt upright, though not as good as Novel Piano.
4. Orchestral Tools Ratio--a great free grand piano sample, though not as good as MonestaryGrand due to lack of customization and sound quality. Though since it's so lightweight, I'd highly recommend it.

 

[MajorFubar]

Just to add clarity, PianoTeq is not a sample library. It is entirely real-time modelling. That's what makes it the best, IMO. Most other piano apps are glorifed Mellotrons that play pre-recorded samples from HDD/SSD rather than from strips of tape.

Another nice one that's pehaps not quite upto PianoTeq standard, but is also modelled, is Arturia Piano V3. You can download it for free as a time-limited trial.

 

[rm5]

@MajorFubar The only reason I labeled PianoTeq as a "sample library" is because it can be loaded as a VST instrument and recorded with.

 

[MajorFubar]

@MajorFubar The only reason I labeled PianoTeq as a "sample library" is because it can be loaded as a VST instrument and recorded with.

NP, I was just mentioning it for the benefit of anyone else reading.

 

[F1Mac]

I tried a few sample pianos in the past before discovering Pianoteq a few years ago, and while some of them were very good, like you I think nothing comes close to Pianoteq. Expressiveness, tonal quality, and they keep improving it with each new version. That Steinway is a joy to play...

 

[MajorFubar]

Says a lot to me that Steinway gave them permission to use their brand IMO. We've only been able to go this route in recent years because modelling it properly is hugely processor-intensive compared to sample-players, which were/are storage-intensive, but easy on the processors. Which is why they came first.