Craig Fowler

Anyone who's wanting an absolutely top notch piano should jump on this!

Zo, I'm just an enthusiastic hobbyist, so there'll be much better qualified people to comment. But, the two things that would make me enter or stay in the UAD ecosystem are (1) Unison, and (2) the reverb/spatial processing. Like Grem, I think the Lexicon 224 is terrific. So are the EMTs and the 480. For me, though Ocean Way, Capitol Chambers, and the AKG BX20 are the real superstars. IK's Sunset Studios is the one native reverb (aside from Relab's 480) that I sometimes prefer to UAD.

The demos certainly make it seem that way! I've only had it for 2-3 days, but my take is that there's *some* truth in the 'lots of room baked into the samples' idea, but there's maybe more to it than that. If you just use the close condenser mic and dial back the release samples, it's dry as a freakin' bone...no room to be heard! But, that's the only close mic included in the standard version, so as soon as you start bringing in the others, the ambience ratchets up pretty fast. With that said, so far I really like the blend of just the condenser mic and the mid mic mixed in at a lower level. I have the room mix and the Decca tree L/R and centre completely off, but am using a splash of the algo reverb that's built in to the Synchron player. That gets me a sound I really like that reminds me a bit of the sorts of settings I use in Garritan CFX: It's got plenty of direct sound, but a nice ambience to it as well. I'm not keen on shelling out another coupla hundred bucks for the upgrade to the full version, but I suspect that the additional close tube/ribbon mics would give lots more to play with for folks who *don't* want the full on 'concert hall' sound. As much as I like the D274, so far, I prefer the VSL CFX, which surprises me. I was worried it might be redundant given I have the Garritan version, but it's a different kind of lovely. With much, much shorter loading times!

Go on then, Fleer, convince me I need it in addition to VSL Steinway/CFX and Garritan ? I wish I didn't like their modern upright so much.

*Really* wish they'd announced this earlier even if they weren't going to start the sale then...I've given all my piano money to VSL, and I *really* wanted Ravenscroft. ...Though the VSLs sound stellar, and the 4-for-3 voucher plus educational discount brings 'em to 50% off.

My threshold for buying the full version of JB was 40% off, so I plumped for the essential version instead. I only need a violin occasionally, and am hoping that I don't know what most of the "missing" articulations are is a sign I probably don't need them! I wish I could get their Walker D to play nicer with my system; it's the only Kontakt piano I can't get to run smoothly, and that's just the lite version!

The 360 is standalone, or you can insert it as a vst! It's pretty cool, and free from what I recall!

I really like the Matchlock, especially with the new-ish 360 host! It works much better than the Nembrini equivalent for me.

I want to know more! This has been on my shopping list for ages!

I'm hoping for a killer deal (but not holding my breath) on VSL CFX or D-274, but I'd settle for a nice price on Embertone's Joshua Bell library and VILabs' Ravenscroft. Oh, and I've been eyeing Relab's GoldPlate and Transatlantic Plate, but realistically...do I *need* another reverb?

Old Lady and White Grand have aged pretty darn well ? And if you have the Old Lady install files/samples, keep them, because it's a goodie that's not available anymore! I don't use Rain Piano/Vertikal a lot anymore as I have uprights I prefer (that I paid literally 10-15 times more for, admittedly!). I still have them on my drive though, and they haven't suddenly stopped sounding good or being useable!

Our upright is a Petrof so I've a soft spot for 'em. Haven't found the sweetspot on the PT-Petrof yet, though!

Have you tried PT7 yet, Fleer? Just ordered the upgrade from 6 but won't have the chance to play with it for a while!

@Fleer I love the sound of Piano in Blue, but don't find it especially playable (a little laggy/less responsive than some VIs). How does CinePiano compare for playability? I've just ordered Simple Sam Sig Grand but haven't resolved an installation problem yet - I'm missing a good Steinway and have toyed with CP (which I could get for about $60 between the 50% of sale and loyalty points at Time & Space). Of course, the VSL-D274 is on my list as well, but would need a good BF sale!

I'm tempted by this, as I really like their Modern U...but I have grands I like (e.g., Garritan CFX; Noire; other NIs/Sampletekks/Pianoteq) and was holding out for Ravenscroft on Black Friday. Anyone want to convince me this will give me something I don't already have?

Hah - yep, I really want the Joshua Bell. I cheaped out and got this...knowing I'd eventually get the other one as well.

This is pretty nice.

*Sigh*. If only they'd offer T-verb at a true no-brainer price!

Tezza - wait til you try their matchlock!

FWIW, even if you've got tons of amp sims, the Fuchs ones are really, really good - esp. the Train wreck one! I've got loads as well, but this one's a bit special IMO.

I get what it's like to come in if you're new to the forum. In this case, though, people have built up enough trust for it to not be an issue IMO.

Just deviating from the drum talk to say the the Addictive Keys upright piano is excellent, especially at that price (though I got it free with a Focusrite interface which was even better!)

Is this any good? It's always on sale but I never see people talking about it...

Honestly, Simeon, I think I just keep looking for the holy grail of piano VSTs. I have plenty to choose from! At the moment I'm loving VI labs modern U, Cinesamples piano in blue, and (surprisingly) am re-bonding with Alicia's Keys. I really enjoy playing Pianoteq, but it wouldn't be my go-to for sound. I'm curious about Garritan CFX and Ravenscroft, but both sound a bit on the cold side to me. A less quirky piano in blue is probably what I'm after.

Enabler!! I find it so hard to resist on sale piano libraries. @Simeon Amburgey tell me I don't need this one!