The models

The Grand 3 includes five different piano models, each characterized by individual attributes. You can choose between 3 grand pianos, one upright model and an electric grand piano.

The virtual acoustic pianos are available in the two recording perspectives “Close” and “Player”:

Close

In this recording perspective the focus is nearer to the keyboard, delivering a very bright and shiny sound with a minimum of ambience. It is ideal for adding a reverb effect (see The Ambience page).

Player

The focus of this recording perspective is closer to the strings and hammers and offers a mellower, pleasing sound with natural ambience.

The following section gives you an overview of the characteristics of the different piano models.

Yamaha C7

The unparalleled tone of a Yamaha C7 Grand was recorded in its whole beauty and musical range. Its incredible sound, resulting from the tonal projection and long sustain, and response with super realistic playing behavior delivers the musical equivalent of perfection. This virtual piano is truly in a class of its own and conveys the expressiveness of the player. If you prefer a brilliant, crisp piano sound, you should use the Yamaha C7.

Model D

A Steinway D Grand was recorded to obtain the Model D samples. The enchanting depth of tone and ultra-responsive touch of the Steinway D grand piano is reflected in the Model D. Its warm and vibrantly rich sound and its overall performance simply make playing this virtual piano a pure joy.

Bösendorfer 290

The wider register of the Bösendorfer 290 Imperial Grand adds to the piano’s timbre which has intricately been sampled to give you the required control when playing the softest pianissimo through crescendos to the reserves of power needed for the loudest fortissimo. This virtual piano model shines in every musical aspect, providing the exuberant sound quality and assertiveness of its corresponding real piano pendant. The recording for The Grand includes the full extended key range of eight full octaves (97 keys) provided by the 290 Imperial Grand.

Upright Piano

The upright by Nordiska Pianofabriken definitely has personality of the right sort! And its characteristic tone has been captured in the virtual upright piano model, designed to get the job done when looking for that little extra edge to your song. It might be rock, blues, jazz, gospel or any other style that simply needs some attitude — when your track requires a less “grand” sound this model is definitely your first choice.

Yamaha CP80

The Yamaha CP80 Electric Grand is one of the most favorable classic electric grand pianos around and comes with the built-in effects tremolo, phaser, flanger and chorus. Here, the samples come directly from the source: the content experts at Yamaha.