Synth piano and acoustic piano differences

[Phait]

Alright here's the deal:

 

When my best friend and I went to the music store to try out the keyboards, I began playing something on a grand piano patch on the S90 or some Yamaha board (can't recall).. he said it sounded nice, but not like a real piano.

 

It sounds like a real piano to me.

 

Now I know I will find subtle variables and differences if I compared a grand acoustic and this synth after playing both, and I attribute this to the fact that - the sound from an acoustic grand is coming from within (its acoustic), and the sound from a synth is coming through a monitor - would this be the only reason for the difference in sound?

 

If all I wanted was a piano, I would get a piano. But I want much more, thus I'm getting a synth. I don't know - maybe I'm just too green (and definitely not too picky) that I am very content with a synth piano.

[guestuserguestuser.com]

Originally posted by Phait:

Alright here's the deal:

 

If all I wanted was a piano, I would get a piano. But I want much more, thus I'm getting a synth. I don't know - maybe I'm just too green (and definitely not too picky) that I am very content with a synth piano.

A synth is not more than a piano, it's different from a piano. If you want the absolute best piano sound, and piano-playing experience, you'll get it from a real piano, not from a synth or sampler. On the other hand, synths will give you sounds you can't get from a piano.

[coyote]

There is a big difference between a live grand piano and *any* synth rendition of same. A few reasons why:

 

a) the sound from a speaker cabinet or monitor cannot begin to equal the 'dimensionality' of a live acoustic instrument of any sort.

 

b) the compression neccessary to record samples, as well as the loop/volume decrease usually substituted for natural decay, alter the sound in fundamental ways.

 

c) there is no harmonic interplay in a sampler/rompler - an acoustic piano generates many overtones from the interaction of strings, soundboard, and case that simply cannot be achieved via samples. A simple test of this: The Beatles' "A Day In The Life" ends with a big, sustained C major piano chord. Listen to it; the overtones swirl in and out for the almost 60 seconds that chord continues to sound. Now try to do something like it on your sampler or rompler, and listen to how flat and uniform the fadeout is by comparison.

 

All that being said, a synth with sampled piano is a VERY good choice! It does sound close enuf to a real piano to be useful in ensemble playing, and it is PORTABLE. And it will have other sounds built-in - electric pianos, organs, horns, strings, etc. The S90 has one of the best stock soundsets you'll find.

[Carlito]

I believe there's more to the feel of the instrument then the sounds. I prefer practicing piano with my thin sounding CP-70 than with my 88 controller+Giga sample combination. Of course this is my very personal opinion.I tend to get tired of the sounds of my keyboards after a while. And no programming or new sounds will change that.

[marino]

Phait,

I urge you to spend some time with a good grand piano as soon as you have the chance.... you'll know the difference right away.

[Skyyder]

Originally posted by phait

If all I wanted was a piano, I would get a

piano. But I want much more, thus I'm getting a

synth. I don't know - maybe I'm just too green (and definitely not too picky) that I am very content with a synth piano.

 

I just hate when you guys do this even though I know you all mean well and I hope no one takes this personal.

 

Obviously a digital piano will not sounds like an acoustic piano for several reasons. If you play a steinway or a Yamaha C grand and then go play a digital piano then obviously you are gonna hear the difference.

 

What most people are asking is if the digital piano is good enough to pass as an acoustic piano and not if it sounds exactly like one.

 

Question is does a Yamaha sound like a steinway, or does a steinway sound like a Baldwin etc, etc,

I guess not but do they all sound like pianos. I guess so well that's because they are just that. So does a digital piano sound like any of the above mentioned, I guess not but does it sound like a piano I guess so. If not why do we bother to spend our hard earned cash to buy digital pianos. I must be the dumb one here

 

Obviously if you have been sitting infront of a grand piano a good part of your life with the top opened your ears would be able to detect various nuances of a real piano, but the general public won't know the difference or at least can hardly tell.

 

By all means get a real piano if you can afford one or have the space to put it. But my Phait clearly stated that he didn't want a real piano.

 

So trying to steer him to the closest emulation of a real piano that a particular synth can produce might be more helpful to him.

 

Pls I am not knocking anyone here but too many times I have seen somewhat similar questions and the reply go get the real thing. Heck how much does a Yamaha and Steinway cost.

 

Anyway enough said. I now withdraw in solemness of my quiet place

[bluemed]

I'm sorry but I can't help myself. I HATE digital piano sustain pedals!!

[synthetic]

I'm really digging the PMI Bosendorfer piano library, available for most softsynths (including GigaStudio, which my company makes).

 

http://www.postmusicalinstruments.com/

 

It's a very natural library. I was so used to synth piano sounds with loud, booming bass and no midrange that it was a bit underwhelming at first. But the more I play with it, the more natural it feels and sounds. Nothing like a 2000MB piano sample to get the blood pumping. Well, I guess many things get the blood pumping as well, or more so. You would never guess I'm in Marketing.

 

-jl

[Yahoo]

I adore the sound of a grand piano, but I can hardly play one! because the action is sooo heavy.

[Bill Heins]

The only Duncan Brinsmead I know is a scientist for Alias(manufacturers of Maya ) in Toronto..wonder if it's the same guy, not an awfully common name.

 

Darkon the Incandescent