"Small footprint" (meaning small filesize) and "Grand Piano Sample" are mutually exclusive terms.

Velocity layers are where it is at IMO. This means large filesize, such as in some of the great Gigapianos (Holy Grail, Bosendorfer, etc.). Not all gigasampled piano files are created equal either, further complicating things, some sound like the layers were derived via manipulating maybe only three basic velocity layers, soft, medium, loud.

The damper pedal thang is neat, but is the least of the concerns for getting a great grand piano sound out of the PC. Know this to be true from doing double blindfold A-B comparison tests with many people who think they are blessed with the Golden All-Seeing Ear, yours truly is included. <g>

How to test the layers:

Helps to open up a VU meter so one can see the amplitude levels.

Strike a key as softly as you can and still be able to hear the sound. Repeat several times while noting the VU reading.

Now strike the same key a little harder (faster) and note the VU reading again while listening to the sound.

Repeat.

If you find only three levels of output while playing maybe six or seven levels of velocity, you know what you've got there then, a sample that is lacking in velocity layers. Not good for simulating the instrument that was named the soft-loud (pianoforte).

*Important: Don't ruch to conclusions concerning ANY piano model or sample until you have thoroughly investigated the Velocity Sends and Curves setup of your keyboard with each one! Can make a world of difference sometimes.


--Mac

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