Originally Posted by dcuny
I'm not a pianist, but I've played pianos a lot. wink

It and small and painless install. If you're even curious, I'd suggest downloading it.

The biggest problem I can see is that it's got way too many expansion packs. So if you've got GAS, be prepared to go broke if you like the sound. laugh

For a while It was stopping and complaining that the CPU was maxing out, even though the polyphony was only about 10 voices and Task Manager said that the CPU usage was only at 50%. It turned out I had my audio running through RealPhones (studio specialization simulator). Once I turned that off, the problem went away.

I wasn't entirely convinced I was playing an actual pianos. It seems there's something lacking in the tone.

On the other hand, it's got a nice sound and is very playable. And that's what really matters, right?

There seem to be enough options in the Stage version for most people. Heck, you can even set the level of disrepair for the piano, which is very cool.
I agree with most of that, though I think the expansion packs issue only applies if you want multiple up-market pianos models. You get two of your own choice bundled with the STAGE version anyway, and there are also a few free packs. I think it inclused demos of everything, so one can do plenty of try-before-you-buy. There are (to me, at least) some interesting historical pianos included free.

I rather like the "condition" control. It can adjust the piano model from "Mint" to "wor" and moving it just a little away from Mint can make the pioano sound more real. YMMV.

Last edited by Gordon Scott; 02/12/24 03:11 AM. Reason: Used Pianoteq's own words for condition, rather than my words.
Jazz relative beginner, starting at a much older age than was helpful.
AVL:MXE Linux; Windows 11
BIAB2025 Audiophile, a bunch of other software.
Kawai MP6, Ui24R, Focusrite Saffire Pro40 and Scarletts
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