In 2023, it can be hard to find and choose the best piano VST instruments available, and this extends to pianos, electric pianos, and synths as well.
If you are looking for the best piano VSTS, best synth samples, or other keyboard instruments, then this article is packed with the best options for your money in 2023, and it will help you narrow down your search.
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Contents
1. Arturia Mini Freak
Overview
‘MiniFreak V is an experimental virtual instrument fusing digital voices with modeled analog filters, spontaneous modulation, and playing sequencing, unleashing endless sweet spots between familiar and unheard, order and chaos.’
Sound
The Mini Freak synth collection includes Basses, Pdas, Sequences, Keys, FX, Leads, and a nearly limitless potential for sound generation. It has many awesome sounds including some of the best piano VST plugins.
Arturia has provided a collection of high-quality sounds in mini-freak that allows professional musicians and producers to explore their music and their potential.
Overall
‘Enjoy a softsynth that has the tactility of a hardware instrument, the rich hybrid response of digital engines and analog filters, and the expressive features of a polyphonic performance keyboard.’
2. Arturia Analog Lab V ($99)
Overview
Arturia Analog Lab V offers an insane amount of instruments, effects, and plugins to download.
Analog Lab V is designed to give users access to sounds from powerful hardware instruments that are often financially out of reach for most people. Its simple and powerful browser and intelligent filtering make finding the right sound seamless.
Sound
Arturia’s Analog Lab V is a powerful software instrument that offers a vast array of analog synth sounds. With over 13,000 presets and 30+ legendary synths, it is a phenomenal tool for songwriting and sound design.
The software is praised for its diverse instrument selection and ease of use. It is perfect for getting a great sound quickly, although some instruments are noted to sound better than others, and some parameters can’t be edited.
The sound quality of Analog Lab V is generally well-received. While some sounds may lack in body and presence, the analog synth sounds are described as extremely fun to use, and the variation of what you can get from it is inspiring.
The Arp 2600, the Prophet-5, the Moog Modular V, and the Wurlitzer are among my favorite instruments.
Analog Lab V is often compared with Arturia’s V Collection. While the V Collection offers a full synth environment with in-depth control of the most legendary synths, Analog Lab V provides a collection of 13,000 presets to choose from.
Price
The price difference between the two is significant, with Analog Lab being half the price of the V Collection. In terms of the user interface, Analog Lab V is easy to use. It allows users to search presets, save them, add effects, and go into concert mode.
It also offers the ability to layer sounds with each other using the Studio View and switch between playlists of sounds in real-time using the Stage View.
Overall
In conclusion, Analog Lab V is an excellent choice for producers and songwriters who want to quickly access a wide range of high-quality sounds.
It offers a vast array of presets and a user-friendly interface, making it a valuable tool for music production. However, those seeking in-depth control of their synths might prefer the Arturia V Collection.
3. Pianoteq 3
Overview
Pianoteq 3 is one of the most realistic and impressive VST instrument plugin bundles available. Pianoteq 3 offers highly realistic sounds that capture the nuances and dynamics of an acoustic piano.
The software uses physical modeling rather than sample-based sound generation, which allows for a more authentic representation of the instrument.
Features
One of the standout features of Pianoteq 3 is its ability to customize the sound. Users can tweak various parameters such as hammer hardness, string length, and sympathetic resonance to create a unique piano sound tailored to their preferences.
Pianoteq 3 is relatively lightweight compared to sample-based virtual pianos. This means it requires less storage space and can run smoothly on most modern computers.
Overall
The software is quite good value for money, with two instrument packs costing $150 at the time of writing. Various instrument add-ons are also available and cost roughly $50.
4. Piano One
Piano One offers one virtual piano for free to hook you in. Other products are available for purchase on their site. Other Instruments include the Morin Khuur, Neo Piano, and Electric Guitar.
Origin and Sound Quality
Piano One is derived from the Yamaha C7 concert grand piano, renowned in the professional piano realm. This instrument has graced famous concert stages, international competitions, and prestigious music events globally.
Additionally, Piano One SE introduces a vintage upright piano sound, offering a more homely and familiar tonal quality compared to grand pianos.
Hybrid Modelling Engine
Leveraging the Sound Magic Hybrid Modelling Engine, Piano One merges the realistic sound of sampling with the playability of modeling.
This hybrid approach ensures an immediate response with no delay, producing a sound that’s richer and truer than what can be achieved with either sampling or modeling alone.
Playability
The hybrid modeling provides players with an instantaneous feel, ensuring that the nuances of their touch are accurately captured and represented.
Conclusion
Piano One stands out as a high-quality virtual piano, offering the rich sound of the Yamaha C7 concert grand and a vintage upright piano.
Its hybrid modeling engine ensures both realism and playability, making it a valuable tool for musicians. The fact that it’s offered for free as a gateway to other products speaks volumes about the confidence the creators have in its quality.
5. Synthogy
Synthogy has various professional piano VSTs available for purchase. There is an excellent selection here from American and German pianos, to Concert Pianos and uprights.
Ivory 3 German D
Priced at $279 (at the time of writing), this virtual piano is a meticulous digital representation of a world-class German Steinway D Concert Grand Piano.
It boasts thousands of carefully assembled digital recordings from multiple microphone settings. However, it’s currently available only for macOS.
Ivory II Grand Pianos
Tagged at $349, this is Synthogy’s flagship product and is critically acclaimed as the “Platinum Standard” for virtual pianos. It introduces groundbreaking technology for Sympathetic String Resonance, offering more expressive detail than ever before.
Ivory II Studio Grands
Available for US$299, this product offers two exceptional Studio Grands recorded in legendary studios: the Steinway B Grand Piano from Power Station New England and the Bösendorfer 225 Grand Piano from Firehouse Recording Studios.
Ivory II American Concert D
Priced at $199, this virtual piano brings the highly acclaimed Vintage 1951 Steinway Concert D Grand Piano to users. It’s a favorite among many renowned artists globally.
Ivory II Italian Grand
Available for $179, this virtual piano combines the extraordinary Italian 10-Foot Concert Grand Piano with Synthogy’s renowned Ivory II piano engine, promising an unforgettable playing experience.
Ivory II Upright Pianos
Tagged at $299 at the time of writing, this collection offers a selection of both modern and vintage upright pianos, ensuring a wide range of tonal colors and personalities.
American Grand
Premium Sample Library Expansion Pack available for Yamaha MOTIF XF, MOXF, or Montage synthesizers. Features samples of an American Steinway D Concert Grand, and the same source recordings of the Ivory II instrument.
The first piano library is available from Synthogy for a hardware synthesizer, loadable directly to your MOTIF XF, MOXF, or Montage Flash.
Ivory Mobile American D
The latest High-End Concert Grand Piano Library from Synthogy for iOS. Ivory Mobile American D is available as an Expansion IAP from the Korg Module app.
This is from the same original recordings of our award-winning Ivory II American Concert D virtual piano. This instrument has a beautiful tone and is a superb choice for all styles of music.
Ivory Mobile Grand
Ivory Mobile Grand is the first iPad product to feature the stellar quality sound of Ivory’s famous Grand Piano library.
As an Expansion within the Korg Module app (IAP), Ivory Moblie Grand utilizes the same German Steinway D source recordings of their highly acclaimed Ivory II Grand Pianos virtual instrument for an unsurpassed sonic and playing experience on iOS.
Conclusion
Synthogy’s range of virtual pianos is comprehensive, catering to various musical tastes and requirements.
Their meticulous attention to detail, combined with advanced technology, ensures that each virtual piano offers an authentic and rich sound.
Whether you’re looking for the grandeur of a concert grand or the intimate tones of an upright, Synthogy has something for every pianist.
6. Keyzone Classic 2
Keyzone Classic 2 presents an attractive piano VST bundle. For $49 you can have access to three new acoustic pianos, three new electric pianos, and organ presets, and new expansions are cheaper for you when they are released.
Overview
Keyzone Classic 2 is a revamped version of the long-established and respected Keyzone Classic piano plug-in. It’s designed to elevate the music-making experience by offering rich piano sounds that mimic those of million-dollar pianos.
Features
- Piano Sounds: The plug-in comes with three additional pianos, enhancing its versatility.
- Organ Presets: It offers three new organ presets, broadening the range of sounds available.
- Soft Pad: Users can add a soft pad to the selected preset, allowing for more depth and texture in the sound.
- Effects: A brand-new chorus effect has been introduced, along with a high-cut filter for crafting delicate sounds.
- Optimized Sample Bank: Ensures high-quality sound output.
- Compatibility: The plug-in is compatible with both Mac (including those with the M1 chip) and Windows, ensuring seamless operation across platforms.
- VST/AU 32/64-bit: Supports both 32-bit and 64-bit VST/AU formats.
Price
Priced at $79 (at the time of writing), Keyzone Classic 2 offers an unbeatable price-to-performance ratio. There are no hidden costs or recurring fees, making it a one-time investment for life.
Performance
Designed to run smoothly on both Intel and M1 chip Apple machines as well as Windows, it promises top-notch performance without compromising computer efficiency.
Upgrades
The development of Keyzone Classic 2 is ongoing, and users have the opportunity to upgrade to future versions at discounted rates.
Conclusion
Keyzone Classic 2 stands out as a powerful and versatile virtual piano plug-in. With its rich features, high compatibility, and competitive pricing, it’s a valuable tool for both amateur and professional music producers.
The continuous development and upgrade opportunities further enhance its appeal, making it a worthy investment for those looking to elevate their music production.
7. ArtVista – SuperGrand
ArtVista SuperGrand offers several piano VST instruments that you can purchase and download. Their SuperGrand stands out as a unique Piano VST that combines their Malmsjo sample with a Steinway B sample.
Overview
The SuperGrand is a unique hybrid piano developed by ArtVista. It masterfully combines two of ArtVista’s bestselling pianos, merging their distinct qualities to create an instrument that offers a sound greater than the sum of its parts.
Unique Sound Combination
The SuperGrand blends the rich, singing tone of the Malmsjö GVI sample with the renowned sound of the Steinway “B” sample from Art Vista Virtual Grand Piano 3.
This fusion results in a spectrum of sounds, from a Malmsjö tone with a Steinway edge to a Steinway sound with a hint of Malmsjö, ensuring neither a pure Malmsjö nor a pure Steinway sound.
Versatility
The combination of two pianos with contrasting sounds allows for a range of piano tones, from intimate to flamboyant, catering to various musical needs.
Proven Quality
The Art Vista Malmsjö has been featured in numerous Hollywood movies, while the sound of the Art Vista Grand Piano 3 has graced many pop and rock albums.
The SuperGrand, with its blend of both, offers a broader range of usability and a distinct piano sound.
Origin of Samples
The samples used for the SuperGrand come from an 1894 Malmsjö 6ft parlor grand and a 1960 Steinway “B” (Hamburg). This combination ensures a rich and authentic sound.
Requirements
To use the SuperGrand, users need the full purchased version of Native Instruments Kontakt 5 and at least 2GB of free hard drive space.
Specifications
The SuperGrand is a sample library designed for Native Instruments Kontakt software. It’s essential to note that this library requires the full version of Kontakt 5 and is not compatible with the free “Kontakt Player.”
Overall
ArtVista’s SuperGrand stands out as a unique and versatile virtual piano, offering a blend of two distinct piano sounds. Its hybrid nature ensures a wide range of tones, making it suitable for various musical genres.
With its competitive pricing and the rich history of the sampled pianos, the SuperGrand is a valuable addition to any musician’s toolkit.
‘The whole is greater than the sum of its parts’. Other instruments include Bass guitars and Vibes.
8. Native Instruments Piano Colors
Komplete Keys by Native Instruments represents another attractive option for pianists. Piano Colours offers a ‘full-spectrum sonic palette’ for $199. This software is perfect for ambient and cinematic compositions.
Overview
PIANO COLORS is a groundbreaking instrument by Native Instruments that offers a vast spectrum of piano sounds, pushing the boundaries of traditional piano tones.
It’s designed to inspire creativity by providing a unique blend of avant-garde sounds derived from a grand piano.
Sound
PIANO COLORS goes beyond the conventional piano sound, exploring the instrument’s outer limits. It offers a curated library of samples recorded using a range of extended playing techniques, delivering textures and timbres that evolve.
Innovative Features
- Modulation Engines: The synergy between the deep pool of unique piano articulations and the innovative modulation engines, including Motion, the Arpeggiator, and the extended Particles, creates complex sounds that transform in real time.
- Extended Playing Techniques: The source samples were captured using unconventional tools and materials, such as mallets, drumsticks, rubber, screws, and multiple EBows. This resulted in a breathtaking array of lively resonances and colorful overtones.
- Intuitive Playability: PIANO COLORS is optimized for KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboards, allowing for a more hands-on and immersive experience.
Versatility
Whether you’re working on dramatic soundtracks, avant-garde electronica, or mainstream pop, PIANO COLORS offers a sound palette that can adapt to a wide range of musical genres.
Collaboration with Galaxy Instruments
PIANO COLORS was produced in collaboration with Galaxy Instruments, known for their expertise in creating high-quality virtual instruments. This partnership ensures a product that stands out in terms of quality and innovation.
System Requirements
The instrument is designed for the free KONTAKT PLAYER or KONTAKT (Version 6.5.3 or higher). It occupies 28 GB of compressed space, with an uncompressed size of 56 GB.
Conclusion
Native Instruments PIANO COLORS is a testament to the evolution of virtual pianos. It breaks away from traditional sounds, offering a rich palette of tones that can ignite creativity and redefine the way we perceive the piano.
With its avant-garde approach, innovative features, and collaboration with Galaxy Instruments, PIANO COLORS is a must-have for producers and musicians looking to explore new sonic territories.
Related:
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Conclusion
Choosing the right piano VST can significantly enhance your music production experience and bring your compositions to life.
In 2023, the options for piano VSTs have never been more diverse, catering to a range of musical styles and preferences.
As technology evolves, it’s exciting to see how virtual instruments are bridging the gap between digital convenience and authentic sound. Choose wisely, and let your creativity soar!
