Piano Sample Libraries

[Inceptic]

Hi!

First time posting on this forum, although I visit often.

I was wondering which are the best piano sample libraries for rock/metal productions.

Which libraries out there sit well in a mix? Which are the most versatile?

Thanks!

 

[pipaguapique]

The Alicia Keys piano is incredible!!

I know it sounds weird but i use it all the time and im sure you'll love it for any type of music. I have also used ivory, mini grand (stock pro tools) and others

 

[drew_drummer]

Try Pianoteq. It is samples and physical modelling, and it sounds pretty convincing in a mix.

 

[Mutant]

And if you want to try the best free one before spending money on even better payware:
http://www.google.com/search?q="maestro+concert+grand+v2"

 

[Inceptic]

Thanks for the replies!

I've heard good things about Alicia Keys. I've heard that Ivory has phase issues when listening in mono?

Pianoteq sounds a little weird to me, from the demos at least. And modellers don't seem to age well overtime.

That Maestro Concert Grand sounds interesting. I'll have to download it.

 

[ballstix]

Imperfect Samples have the best sounding demos to me, but I've never heard them in a rock or metal setting.

 

[Empathy]

Imperfect Samples have the best sounding demos to me, but I've never heard them in a rock or metal setting.

+1, check out the Fazioli and Steinway packs are goddamn amazing.

 

[LiberaScientia]

I use NI The Giant, sounds huge on it's own, haven't tried it in a mix yet though. +1 for Alicia's Keys as well. I usually just end up having my keyboard player use his Kronos most of the time though

 

[Sloan]

+1, check out the Fazioli and Steinway packs are goddamn amazing.

woah, shit is rad.
http://www.imperfectsamples.com/website/samples/fazioliconcertgrand/index.php

 

[Charles J]

TruePiano's is my go-to "WE WANT REAL PIANO IN THIS SONG" plug-in when I can't get a piano in the live room. Which is never. Lol.

Not too mention our roommate has a Triton and we could always use the pianos/strings off of that beauty =D

 

[eʍʍy]

^True Pianos is the best one I've used, most specifically the Diamond.. or was it the Sapphire.. set.. I think it was Diamond.
I forget. I had all of them, but only one actually was good. The others sounded rather fake.

Even my cheap keyboard has a warmer more realistic piano tone, but it's still a pretty fair sound. I've used it in a few of my tracks. Depending on the actual piano part, I sometimes prefer it over the keyboard.

 

[Terminus]

I've used PianoOne some lately.

http://www.supremepiano.com/product/piano1.html

 

[KillFrenzy]

As a "piano guy" (never a real player but a piano sound lover), I'm very happy with New York Concert Grand. Galaxy Steinway and Vintage D are great additions to the collection. Alicia's Keys also sounds very nice. Check the AcoustcSamples Kaway EX-Pro; that one might surprise you.
I never played using the Imperfect Samples ones, but they sound beautiful on their on. That doesn't mean you'll fit them easily in a mix. Pianoteq ir very nice for flexibility but no so much for realism yet. Absolutely hated every Truepianos pack - just my personal taste, of course.

 

[Inceptic]

Thanks for the replies.

Has anyone tried the Vienna Imperial??
http://www.viennaimperial.com/

From all the choices, I'm kinda leaning towards the Galaxy Vintage D (overall price and quality). One of the cheaper versions of the Imperfect Samples Faziolli seems good too (don't really think I'd need the extreme version, and I don't feel like paying shipping/customs for the HD).

Would anyone care to upload recording/mixes they've done with any of the sample libraries mentioned so far?

 

[Empathy]

Thanks for the replies.

Has anyone tried the Vienna Imperial??
http://www.viennaimperial.com/

From all the choices, I'm kinda leaning towards the Galaxy Vintage D (overall price and quality). One of the cheaper versions of the Imperfect Samples Faziolli seems good too (don't really think I'd need the extreme version, and I don't feel like paying shipping/customs for the HD).

Would anyone care to upload recording/mixes they've done with any of the sample libraries mentioned so far?

Vienna Imperial sounds the best without a doubt within the context it was designed for. Not so much in a commercial mix setting. It really is incredible to play though.

 

[KillFrenzy]

Vienna Imperial sounds the best without a doubt within the context it was designed for. Not so much in a commercial mix setting. It really is incredible to play though.

Yeah, I forgot to mention that one!
The Imperfect Samples' ones are beautiful for a piano-oriented approach. Never tried them on a fuller mix

 

[Inceptic]

I'm wondering if I should jump on Alicia's Keys now that NI has it's 50% off sale.

I noticed that neither Galaxy Pianos nor Imperfect Samples held discounts this weekend.