BLIND TESTING THE BEST PIANO PLUGINS!

⬇️ Links to all pianos ⬇️
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How I tested:
1. Ravenscroft Model 275 bit.ly/3Yui9qR
(Default 275 preset and settings)
2. Ableton Grand Piano bit.ly/3sBOuN0
(Default settings)
3. The Grandeur bit.ly/420w5fe
(Default preset and settings)
4. Alicia’s Keys bit.ly/3ZTzESF
(Default preset and settings)
5. Pianoteq bit.ly/3FbzFtf
(NY Steinway D Classical preset with default settings)
6. Keyscape bit.ly/3IUulLW
(LA Custom C7 Grand Piano preset, NI Kontrol S88 velocity setting, other settings default)
7. Noire bit.ly/3FaDLSB
(Noire Pure preset with default settings)
8. Hammers + Waves bit.ly/3niFLPk
(Modern Grand preset with default settings)
9. Arturia Piano V bit.ly/3T3BrSV
(American Grand preset with default settings)
10. Addictive Keys Studio Grand bit.ly/3L9knZZ
(Studio Grand Close Mix preset with default settings)
In this video, I blind test the best piano plugins available today! These are the pianos you chose as the top piano plugins right now. This list contains sampled pianos, modeled pianos, and even a stock free piano! I demo all the piano plugins including Ravenscroft, The Grandeur, Alicia’s Keys, Pianoteq, Keyscape, Noire, Hammers and Waves, Arturia Piano V, and Addictive Keys Studio Grand.
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#SanjayC #Pianos #PianoPlugins
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[@SpectrasonicsVIDEO]

IMPORTANT KEYSCAPE NEWS - As a result of this video, we realized that something was off here with Keyscape…it sounded wrong and of course Sanjay is a big fan of it. So after discussing the details of Sanjay’s setup with him, we discovered that his keyboard is the Native Instruments S88mkII. Sanjay DID select our S88 velocity curve preset (which we created on the S88mkI), but it turns out that the S88mkII has a significantly DIFFERENT velocity curve than the mkI, so our S88 velocity curve preset used here in this video is not optimized or recommended to use with the mkII. We immediately got a hold of an S88mkII and created a new SPECIFIC velocity curve preset optimized for the S88mkII and it’s now available in Keyscape in the latest update! All’s well that ends well! 😊

[@sax0tenor158]

Keyscape remains my favorite piano by far. On a much better keyboard, I can assure you the responsiveness is top class.

[@sax0tenor158]

The real test remains that of the live scene, and I speak from experience, Keyscape largely dominates its opponents. The pianos are solid and keep a roundness that are sorely lacking in other competitors. These sound very thin in live configuration.

[@DavidKfilmmaker]

I bought it. Recently.

[@justinw72ify]

KEYSCAPE DEFINITELY IS THE BEST LIVE OR STUDIO!!! I have ravenscroft275 it sounds good!!! But I never use ravenscroft275 and tried the others it's so much to say why KEYSCAPE the best put it like this whenever someone buys software or hardware everyone always say how would you compare to KEYSCAPE!!! Everyone always compare to KEYSCAPE!!

[@andreykarayvansky9549]

Right, there is no surprise he liked the most NI software. He is using NI hardware, which should be tested and tuned to its software. Especially considering he emphasized the dynamic range.

[@billbromer]

The blind test is always fun, and Dharti’s expressions and commentary were a great addition.

[@highestpeeqs9532]

Proverbs 8:17 King James Version 17 I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me. Jesus loves you and calls all of us to repent!!!!!

[@PatrickFungsca]

Grandeur and Noir are two of my favourites. I love their dynamics and tones. I'm a pianist and I'm a sucker for piano plugins. I can sit and play for hours with these two. Alicia's Keys - I use that if I have to use pianos in my mix with other instruments - by no means I'm a recording artist or a producer.

[@SanjayC]

Yeah NI has done very well with their pianos. What do you think of The Gentleman?

[@PatrickFungsca]

@@SanjayC I like The Gentleman as a “quieter” sound…more tranquil feel. Nice as well. I do agree that NI has done a great job with their piano plugins. Oh, and what about Piano Colors?

[@madworker1927]

Hey man why my Noir piano low D sounds wonky?

[@ClicStudio]

Same! I always combine both noire and grandeur for the exact sound I’m looking for :)

[@FedoraRose]

@@SanjayC I honestly enjoy the giant the most

[@vacation_generation]

Fabulous video. Great to hear them all in quick succession

[@philipjoshua274]

The Grandeur n Hammers + Waves sounds just phenominal.. n their awesome PIANO PLUGINS as well👍🎹✌🤩

[@SanjayC]

They were epic

[@highestpeeqs9532]

Proverbs 8:17 King James Version 17 I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me. Jesus loves you and calls all of us to repent!!!!!

[@song23ministries]

Great idea Sanjay. Enjoyed this so much. Different.

[@sebollas45]

You have to do it with electric piano Rhodes and stuff :D Great video btw

[@SanjayC]

Yes, that's a great idea. OK, that's my next video! What about guitars plugins?

[@sebollas45]

@@SanjayC Sounds great, there is so many thought. Also now that I have your attention do you think the dynamic rage is better on the Native instruments since you are using a native instruments keyboard controller? Idk just makes me wonder. Again great video.

[@JCox964]

Yezzzz Serrr on EP’s

[@impulseproman]

Rhodes will win

[@kingivey4672]

keyscape will wipe the floor with everything else for sure😂

[@nannue]

I like how you roll out your video. It’s very friendly and authentic! ❤🎉

[@margaretchristo6859]

You have the Midas touch, Sanjay C! My heart melts when I watch and listen to you play the piano. This video was fun, high energy, and filled with suspense! I enjoyed every moment. You and Dharti did a great job! Grandeur is my favorite.

[@SanjayC]

Wow...what a nice compliment! Thank you!

[@highestpeeqs9532]

Proverbs 8:17 King James Version 17 I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me. Jesus loves you and calls all of us to repent!!!!!

[@VentureNW]

Good way to review these! I like it. Grandeur is my goat... its literally in my default template, as I start working on things. Always good to start with a good piano, before moving into other sounds and synths.

[@peter-davidvanderstraat5991]

I agree with the number 1 ranked piano. Thanks Sanjay - pianos as many as they are will always resonate with the player.

[@MarioDCMusic]

Fantastic review - a great mix of humour and information. My favourites are Grandeur and Hammers and Waves. Great piano playing by the way!!!

[@highestpeeqs9532]

Proverbs 8:17 King James Version 17 I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me. Jesus loves you and calls all of us to repent!!!!!

[@backpacklights]

This was an interesting episode! Absolutely love native instruments pianos, my favourite are Una Corda, Maverick and The Giant, its fun to produce with them. Interesting fact: I used Addictive Keys in my song Alfaaz, both for the EP and the Grand. I think it matters if a producer is adding keys to their song or a pianist is adding them in their arrangement, it changes perspective on approaching the selective decisions because both of them approach it with a different demeanor!

[@SanjayC]

Excellent point! Agreed. And your mix for your song was on point so that piano worked just fine.

[@highestpeeqs9532]

Proverbs 8:17 King James Version 17 I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me. Jesus loves you and calls all of us to repent!!!!!

[@saroroot7535]

Love this episode. For a long time, I don't know which one is good after this I will have to consider pricing when choosing which one. Thank you Sanjay.

[@itsmenishant]

The video was really interesting!! and apart from the main context of video, you played piano so well blindfolded I couldn't believe it. Amazing sanjay!!🙌❤

[@SanjayC]

Wow, thank you!

[@macfid]

Thanks for this. Very helpful for my first piano VST purchase.

[@TheKillogicEffect]

Excellent video, a lot of great sounding pianos for sure, very impressive sounds! Awesome stuff thank you!!!

[@SanjayC]

Many thanks! Which was your favorite?

[@highestpeeqs9532]

Proverbs 8:17 King James Version 17 I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me. Jesus loves you and calls all of us to repent!!!!!!

[@Cefshah]

This is actually an important video!! The differences in pianos are often very nuanced and how they feel (whether virtual or 'real') makes a difference to the musician. One who plays any 'real' instrument likely understands that. And for me, it is not so much the sound as it is the ability of a particular plugin (or patch) to allow me to express a musical idea/feeling. If I had to have just ONE piano, it absolutely would be Pianoteq-8 Pro ... because of its amazing programmability. The tools within it to 'paint' upon the harmonic structure of the instrument it is emulating, makes it not only a great 'piano' but also a wonderful sound design tool as well. (It can do more than piano.) But my emphasis with this commentary, is the reality that choosing the piano that 'best' fits the music is the way to go. So, having 4 or 5 stellar piano VSTi's is a useful thing (hardly a waste). I enjoy the sound of real/live pianos very much ... but if I had to choose between that for the rest of my life and something like Keyscape and/or Hammers and Waves ... I would LEAP for the virtual instruments, because of the range of sonic possibilities.

[@highestpeeqs9532]

Proverbs 8:17 King James Version 17 I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me. Jesus loves you and calls all of us to repent!!!!!

[@djGreenALERT]

Thank you for sharing this. My favourite was the Ravenscroft one just going by what I heard you play.. I am never swayed by blind tests though, because whenever I've tried them a different day produces different results. Never the less I really enjoyed watching the video!

[@highestpeeqs9532]

Proverbs 8:17 King James Version 17 I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me. Jesus loves you and calls all of us to repent!!!!!

[@Soundofjoy]

I enjoyed watching you try all the piano vst so I can hear the differences. I can know say I should keep using my keyboard sound patches cause it has more body when played. New subscriber and piano player.

[@meowmeeANG]

You have given an unbiased review of these piano plugins via this blind test, and it's nice to know the ranking that came out in the top 3 from the list, from an expert's ear like yours. Great job!

[@BUJU2007]

His scores were probably a little messed up because he didn't adjust the velocity curve to fit each plug in. Some of his complaints about dynamic range could ha e been fixed.

[@meowmeeANG]

@@BUJU2007 wow! but velocity curve adjustment is another level to me, it's good for me to know and i'm glad that you pointed out. i'm sure some of the professionals out there will appreciate your views.

[@uveralan]

​@@BUJU2007 yeah, especially the Keyscape with compressor on😊

[@highestpeeqs9532]

Proverbs 8:17 King James Version 17 I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me. Jesus loves you and calls all of us to repent!!!!!

[@meowmeeANG]

@@highestpeeqs9532 so funny... we were discussing midi controllers plus sounds and you popped out of no where taking to talk about religion. Actually I know God and Jesus too. Where have we sinned in our discussion that triggered you to send this text 😂

[@marcricos]

That was really interesting. My favourites are Grandeur and Keyscape. It is completely true that Keyscape lacks a lot of dynamic range, but the different “presets” make it incredibly versatile and fit super well different types of music. I found myself struggling sometimes with Grandeur because it’s SO dynamic that sometimes it’s a little difficult to control without degrading it.

[@angelvoicemusic]

No, it's not true, see my comment, tweak Keyscapes velocity curve...

[@BikeLife1]

@@angelvoicemusic Wheres your comment? Im considering buying Keyscape right now as i just bought a 49 key midi to learn and use when making my beats. These things arent so cheap so i want to make sure keyscape is my best option!

[@wouter1327]

most of the plugins used have different presets tho..

[@highestpeeqs9532]

Proverbs 8:17 King James Version 17 I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me. Jesus loves you and calls all of us to repent!!!!!

[@jyotichristo7720]

What an awesome video! This is a GREAT way to test pianos. Thanks guys 🎉❤🎉

[@SanjayC]

Thanks so much! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@davidvierabarreras]

That's a great test about how much we are under a suggestion state when we use some kinda plugins/instruments... GREAT BLIND TEST, I suggest to make more videos like this, it's very interesting having your impressions of many instruments without no visual information, just SOUND! Thanks!

[@sandscribbler]

This blind comparison test was fun to watch. Thanks, Sanjah and Dharti!

[@Only1Dharti]

So happy to hear that! Thanks for watching!😃

[@highestpeeqs9532]

Proverbs 8:17 King James Version 17 I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me. Jesus loves you and calls all of us to repent!!!!!

[@filipeaffonsov]

I use Ravenscroft 275 and I love it. It has a great sound, it's surprisingly customizable and reasonably light on your pc. The different mic positions really change the sound too, you should try a few combinations and see what you like the most. The default velocity curve is not optimal, but if you change it to your preferred setting, it becomes much more responsive.

[@highestpeeqs9532]

Proverbs 8:17 King James Version 17 I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me. Jesus loves you and calls all of us to repent!!!!!

[@musicxtech6680]

dis was very original and interesting video thats been released in a while. nice vid bro! loved it!

[@SanjayC]

So glad you like it. What video should I make next?

[@musicxtech6680]

@@SanjayC bro u alrdy know. blind test "reverb" test man! i believe u alrdy got crystalline, valhalla n many more. :D

[@Only1Dharti]

🥳🙌🏽 Thank you sooo much! It was fun filming this one!!!🥳

[@mistergrooveman1018]

Always a plaisir ! Thanks buddy ! You guys are very fresh ! 😎😎😎

[@SanjayC]

Thank you!

[@Only1Dharti]

🥳🙌🏽 Yay!!! Thank you!!!

[@dliwer]

Noire has always been my go-to, but because of this video I was re-introduced to Grandeur, and wow, what a piano.... Thanks @SanjayC

[@highestpeeqs9532]

Proverbs 8:17 King James Version 17 I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me. Jesus loves you and calls all of us to repent!!!!!!

[@Vinzenz_piano]

Great comparison!!

[@hugostiggz6460]

This was dope. I enjoyed this very much 💪🏿

[@JayTheLane]

Great work mate 😊

[@ph0kused]

Great video!!!! Really helped me as a non-player but producer

[@DynamicRockers]

That was fun, the presets you used have different pianos and miking configurations for sure. The Revenscroft sounded the the most natural to me, I really liked it. I also like the missing Garritan Abbey Road Yamaha CFX which deserves its place in the top 3. Thanks for the review!

[@highestpeeqs9532]

Proverbs 8:17 King James Version 17 I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me. Jesus loves you and calls all of us to repent!!!!!

[@FernandoDCDuarte]

NICE!! Loved every second of it!! I think it's definitely one of the best ways to do a non-biaised piano VST comparison!! I'm surprised to see Arturia's Piano below... but very happy to see NO's Grandeur as well as Hammer+Waves in the top 2 positions. Now, I got to stop spending on gear and save up to purchase the Hamme+Waves plugin! 😀 Thanks Sanjay and Darthy!

[@SanjayC]

So glad you liked it. Yes save for Hammers and Waves. Love it!!!

[@Only1Dharti]

Hey Fernando!!! Thanks for watching!!!🙌🏽🥳🥳

[@highestpeeqs9532]

Proverbs 8:17 King James Version 17 I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me. Jesus loves you and calls all of us to repent!!!!!

[@HEATHfromOZ]

Loved this!!

[@rafaelhernandez5550]

Your number 1 is also my number 1 from the day that I get it. I have many other but so far none got my top list. Thank you love your videos.

[@GeraldChristo2]

This was fun to watch. I personally use the Grandeur the most. It feels and sounds the most like the pianos I grew ip listening to 😃. Thanks for the video Sanjay and Dharti. Love you guys!!

[@SanjayC]

I was thinking of you when Grandeur was revealed!!! haha!

[@Only1Dharti]

🙌🏽♥️💕 Hi Noy!!!! Would love to hear you play these! I know you’d be amazing! This would’ve been fun to have a blind test with both of you! 😂🤣💫

[@GeraldChristo2]

Yes. I kept thinking how much fun it would be to blind test those pianos too. Thank you again. This was such a fun video for me to watch

[@highestpeeqs9532]

Proverbs 8:17 King James Version 17 I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me. Jesus loves you and calls all of us to repent!!!!!

[@cefahprod]

I'm so grateful for this blind test video. There is a scientific fact that is called cognitive bias. Our brain is always bias by our eyes, our perception of the brand or whatever. Moreover, our brain is that powerful that it can make us feel or trust that the sound we hear is brighter just because we use the light mode instead of the dark mode. This video is actually SO MORE ACCURATE in terms of subjectivity and actual "sound quality" or real personal test. I want to do videos like that with other producer weeling to actually put their vision to the test by doing blindtest of EQS or COMP or Saturation, etc. Amazing video Sanjay and Dharty.

[@SanjayC]

Yes, bias is real. As you can tell I have a bias that disappeared when I had the blindfold on. This was a huge eye opener for me. Pun intended. 😊 Thanks CEFAH

[@Only1Dharti]

So true! Thanks so much for watching!🙏🏽😃

[@justinw72ify]

Keyscape for me still.. GREAT JOB AS ALWAYS

[@dannyacuna]

The Grandeur is my go-to piano. it is insanely accurate. I'm surprised you didn't include The Maverick. I love the The Gentleman's intimate feel. The Noir is perfect for experimenting and expanding your creativity. You can tell I'm a NI guy

[@highestpeeqs9532]

Proverbs 8:17 King James Version 17 I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me. Jesus loves you and calls all of us to repent!!!!!

[@indransubramaniam763]

This was a really entertaining video.. both of them enjoyed the test so do we..blind test revealed the best one ...👍

[@gunnarschuettler]

Just love Addictive for not being to dynamic. It works better in a full mix for me. But my best rated would be the Noire. Its just so intimite sounding ❤

[@highestpeeqs9532]

Proverbs 8:17 King James Version 17 I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me. Jesus loves you and calls all of us to repent!!!!!

[@thomasschatton3481]

I am a subscriber of your channel for quite a while now and have seen many of your videos, and they are all very good, but this one is really one of the best! Maybe you could make more videos like this one, e.g. about different e-piano VSTs, a comparison of stage pianos (keys, keybed, features etc.), digital pianos of different price ranges and so on...

[@highestpeeqs9532]

Proverbs 8:17 King James Version 17 I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me. Jesus loves you and calls all of us to repent!!!!!

[@JohnsonkeyzMusicAcademy]

This is really a good review video I like the Grandeur

[@Deathtoyou4ever7788]

Thank you for your very informative head to head tests. Pianoteq for me. Not necessarily because of the stock sound but for how easy it is to manipulate its settings, being a modelled piano. That is something sampled pianos can't offer due to how many samples would be required.

[@richardpennington5445]

I find with Pianoteq you need to work on ‘aligning’ the keyboard velocity with the plug in. Amazing what it does with such a small computer footprint compared to 40 GB+ for the sampled plug ins.

[@highestpeeqs9532]

Proverbs 8:17 King James Version 17 I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me. Jesus loves you and calls all of us to repent!!!!!

[@fldrummerman]

I don't play piano, but I love your videos. Another great one. We don't deserve you guys. Thank you both so much!!!

[@SanjayC]

Thanks so much. Too kind of you!

[@Only1Dharti]

😃😁 Thank you for watching!!! I had fun making this one!🥳

[@highestpeeqs9532]

Proverbs 8:17 King James Version 17 I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me. Jesus loves you and calls all of us to repent!!!!!!

[@jihwoanahn]

Pianoteq uses a "Physical Modelling" - makes sound based on a physical data given by the developers. Audio Modelling team uses the same technique to make strings, woodwinds, brass.

[@lance134679]

It shows how far physical modeling has come that it ranked so high on a blind shootout. Also, great for those with modest or older computers.

[@SanjayC]

Yes physical modeling fooled me in this blind test. I could tell a bit with the Arturia but not Pianoteq.

[@hqiu6828]

Pianoteq is more precise technically speaking. Two different digital piano technology, kind of like vinyl vs CD. The sampling is like analog recording, while the modeling is like digital processing. Sampling needs huge storage, while modeling does not. Yamaha motif series music station uses two specially-designed CPU to do modeling and sounds great!

[@highestpeeqs9532]

Proverbs 8:17 King James Version 17 I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me. Jesus loves you and calls all of us to repent!!!!!

[@arkarmoethouk2445]

Really enjoyed this one! I hope you'd make something just like this, but for FREE piano plugins. We have tons of great piano freebies these days, like Labs, Sampletank 4 CS, Hammersmith Free, Foundations Piano, Sine Player etc.

[@highestpeeqs9532]

Proverbs 8:17 King James Version 17 I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me. Jesus loves you and calls all of us to repent!!!!!

[@Prod.SlimeVibes]

Grandeur is my favourite plug-in at the moment too, It’s just so majestic 🙏🏾

[@SanjayC]

Such a pianists piano plugin, right?

[@Prod.SlimeVibes]

@@SanjayC Absolutely 🤞🏾🙏🏾

[@MrFattarot]

This was a really good experiment. I think more youtubers should take this blind test so we can really know what the best piano vst is. It just goes to show that a lot of us are getting that placebo effect. We think a piano sounds amazing because of the hype surrounding it or the company name slapped to it. I've heard so many guys harp on about keyscape and I have always wondered what was so great about it compared to my Kontakt libraries. As it turns out, The NI pianos are just as good, or even better

[@SanjayC]

Very true. I should add though that with a product like Keyscape, you do get LOTS more sounds, electric pianos, toy pianos etc. So comparing value for money may need to be a different video :-)

[@JohnsonkeyzMusicAcademy]

Yeah

[@highestpeeqs9532]

Proverbs 8:17 King James Version 17 I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me. Jesus loves you and calls all of us to repent!!!!!

[@sekritskworl-sekrit_studios]

This was very interesting. It was a great calibration exercise for me to experience Sanjay C's tonal & reactive preferences to my own. This will be a great aid for me in the future, regarding my perceptions of his product choices for what I may enjoy using as tools more... Or less. Which is not bad or good, but great contextually.

[@highestpeeqs9532]

Proverbs 8:17 King James Version 17 I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me. Jesus loves you and calls all of us to repent!!!!!

[@vewilli]

Nice comparison and: I‘m happy now to have „The Grandeur“ and some more NI-pianos.

[@SanjayC]

Hi GAD! Its crazy I hardly ever choose Grandeur when I pick a piano in a song. I guess I'll need to do that more

[@JuppG9490]

First of all thank you for this nice comparison! As a piano man and bedroom producer I really appreciate your blindfolded impressions, because I tried to hear the piano in a different way with the information you shared in this video. I hope it is okay if I add something: I think it's important to mention that your rating is absolutely usefull in terms of playing solo piano or in a piano/vocal duet. But it would be a completely different rating if you play the sounds in a mix or live on stage. The problem is that this is hard to compare, because every plugin will have its strengthes and weaknesses in different genres and mixes. The best example could be the iconic Korg M1 piano. It sounds so plastic and unnatural, absolutely useless for solo piano. But with its unique, percussive sound and low dynamic range it fits absolutely amazing in the mix when it comes to house and electronic music. Also a piano is not worse if it does not have a high dynamic range. If you are on stage and you play in a band this could be an advantage because the piano can push through, also depends on genre. Same in the studio, for example in an energetic song. To all the viewers: Just because he rated a plugin lower doesn't mean it's garbage. In the right place it could sound like the one and only piano! So you have to figure out what kind of genre you are into and what kind of plugin could help you im terms of your genre/music. 🙂

[@swansea_mad]

Please try Garritan Abby Road CFX. For me, with the velocity curves set right on the Kawia VPC1 it's the best out there. Add some surround and it's even better. Next Pianoteq for playability (maybe a bit bland in harmonics and for richer lower ends) and then Keyscape which is great as a bright controlled studio piano. I feel the keyscapes aren't extremely dynamic to me but there is enough variation in the presets to cover all dynamics for production purposes, just not live playing maybe. I have Grander but never used it, look forward to trying that.. I find alicia keys lovely for low soft harmonic rich tones, but the dynamic range is seriously limited. I feel it's had it's time or use it for specific sound. I also love the Giant. It's a great piano for cutting through a mix. Another mention I would love to give is Cinesamples Piano in Blue. It's mega playable for blues and jazz...again with the right velocity curves and throw on somthing like waves c6 to bring it to life. Be great to hear other opinions.

[@Zeisslermusic]

It was so cool to see, i love the Sounds of pianos the most. 🇩🇰

[@SanjayC]

Yes, my favorite as well. I tell you...we are so lucky to have so many pianos these days. I remember even in the early 2000s it was hard (and expensive) to find a quality piano VST

[@jaymusik1235]

I love this blind test

[@goblacklist]

thx for the video ! i play on keyspace (my favorite) and ravenscroft (very good too)

[@EduardoRohdeEras]

Grandeur for sure, my number 1 too! Also fan of Pianoteq

[@NotizYONG]

Hammers + waves was my pick. But definitely, more of these blind tests, big ups to the both of yall!

[@highestpeeqs9532]

Proverbs 8:17 King James Version 17 I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me. Jesus loves you and calls all of us to repent!!!!!

[@theshannonyoung]

I covered the right side and did it blind, I got almost identical results. This was the first time I've preferred Grandeur over other Native Instruments pianos. Interesting stuff. Enjoyed the vid. Informative.

[@highestpeeqs9532]

Proverbs 8:17 King James Version 17 I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me. Jesus loves you and calls all of us to repent!!!!!

[@bgwilliam6387]

Blindfold piano-testing is a very good idea! Thank you very much for this, Sanjay. But: I really miss UVi here. Their Piano-Suite pianos are imho always my favourite when I begin to compare.

[@highestpeeqs9532]

Proverbs 8:17 King James Version 17 I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me. Jesus loves you and calls all of us to repent!!!!!

[@kermer1791]

Thank you Sanjay for doing this. Very interesting results. I'd be interested to know whether you would adjust the placement/score if you put them in the result order and played them in order to see if you feel one or more is misplaced and did better/worse than you ranked it. Maybe post a "Blind Testing..." --REMIXED. I often find a slight bias based on what I just listened to/played. I have Addictive Keys and appreciate it more after doing some eq, curve response, mic mix customization. Out of the box, I didn't like it so much because it felt like something was missing from the sound.

[@alexanderwerneburg8642]

I’m happy with my Arturia keys, I have everything I need in one plugin and you can always change some of the parameters if you like.

[@lance134679]

This was a lot of fun (unless you made one of the plugins that came in last)! Perhaps you could do a Rhodes comparison next and see if the new Rhodes V8 plugin is really the best in a blind test. Thanks!

[@SanjayC]

Yes, that has to be my next blind test! Thanks, Lawrence!

[@highestpeeqs9532]

Proverbs 8:17 King James Version 17 I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me. Jesus loves you and calls all of us to repent!!!!!

[@IanWaugh]

Yes, The Grandeur and Noir 👍 Alicia lacks depth but is good for pop.

[@Emily_M81]

I have Arturia and so I use Arturia XD I like it, though. And I agree, that specific preset you had did sound kinda thin, but also bright; it reminded me a little of a "dance or house piano" sort of thing. Arturia Piano V3 is also physical modeling like Pianoteq, so it definitely has other piano sounds in it if you wanted a darker or beefier piano :) I didn't rank them, though.

It sounded thin because reverb was set to 0.

[@highestpeeqs9532]

Proverbs 8:17 King James Version 17 I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me. Jesus loves you and calls all of us to repent!!!!!

[@kdg6963]

loved the low end of Grandeur. Hammers + Waves will be my next purchase. it was beautiful to my ears. my current fav is addictive keys, but i have most of the NI keys you played. i may have to revisit some of the others... maybe i haven't given them enough chance to shine

[@highestpeeqs9532]

Proverbs 8:17 King James Version 17 I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me. Jesus loves you and calls all of us to repent!!!!!

[@InvokeMusicINVK]

Great video!

[@SanjayC]

Thank you!

[@HOLLASOUNDS]

I know there are lots of different Piano plugins but I just stick to what I have been using for over 15 years and that Reasons NNXT sampler Grand piano. I put My preferred effects on there including some reverb and a bit of delay that's it, have used it probably over 1000 times now.

[@SanjayC]

Use what you love, buddy!! That's all that matters!

[@S9MusicProd]

Pretty much agree with your ranking, Granduer I like quite a lot, not a Fan of AD Keys. I am a bit biased towards pianoteq because its 55 MB compared to other libraries which can take like 55 GB....But ya, Stock sound of Pianoteq(Steinway) doesnt express it at best...I would suggest you to try the Petrof Model. Great great sound. Another hon. mention would be Garritan CFX....please try it once. Would like to know your take on those!

[@bicrome]

Hammers + Waves was my favourite! I agree with what you said that about the keyboard feel. When I got my midi keyboard I already had a digital piano, so I hooked up both to my laptop and use the controller to play the digital piano (in which I was used to its feel). Then I tweaked the midi controller so I could have the closest feel to my piano :D

[@highestpeeqs9532]

Proverbs 8:17 King James Version 17 I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me. Jesus loves you and calls all of us to repent!!!!!

[@trimle4]

Thanks for this informative video with a little surprising result! Your fixed comment from Spectrasonics is in harmony with my own thoughts. I was wondering, if the use of a NI keyboard meant a better "fit" between the velocity of the keys and the samples in Grandeur than with the non-NI pianos? After having Keyscape as my favorite piano for some time, I got the Grandeur after seeing this video. I must say, that on my SL 88 keyboard the dynamic in Keyscape is almost as good as that in Grandeur! Actually the sound in Keyscape - in my ears - is a little "fuller" and with a good "heavynes", but with the overtones, Grandeur has a nice beatiful "singing" quality to it without loosing anything in the bass. The possibility of adjusting the volume of the lower part of the keyboard is really a plus. Although different they are both good, and - to me - not with the difference in quality you found. Good day to you and thanks for many fine videos.

[@ShanMichaelEscasio]

I have only tested 2 of some famous piano vsts. First was Addictive Keys. 2016 to 2022. I am using a semi weighted 61 key synth and Addictive Keys kinda lacks in the dynamics (well..for semiweighted keys at least). When i tried Garritan CFX Grand I was blown away. I have been using it since and never looking back.

[@highestpeeqs9532]

Proverbs 8:17 King James Version 17 I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me. Jesus loves you and calls all of us to repent!!!!!

[@rastAsia]

Grandeur, Noire and recently RAVEL within Luna is my fav.

[@earlteigrob9211]

My weapon of choice is the Production Voices Production Grand. Played thought a high end audio interface and a pair of Yamaha HS7 and I have the pristine clarity and resolution I have not found in any other VST. My second choice is the Walker 1955 and then the Grandour. Hamers and waves has some really amazing Effects but I have yet to get a core sound I really love…. Maybe I just have not found it yet

[@chandrashekhah7488]

No comments on your skills, another great video and one more news , arturio v collection realised and having special offer until 26th March.

[@SanjayC]

Thanks for the info, buddy!

[@leosoundtrack]

I love Native Instruments' trio of The Gentleman, The Grandeur, and The Maverick. Although I own and employ other piano libraries, dependant on the project, these are the standard by which I judge potential additions to my collection.

[@SanjayC]

The Gentleman is excellent and mixes so well. Love it

[@highestpeeqs9532]

Proverbs 8:17 King James Version 17 I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me. Jesus loves you and calls all of us to repent!!!!!

[@whatsupchicken]

Imperfect samples!

[@underwatersunlight3795]

Cool video, Sanjay! I would have liked to see you blind testing the Soniccouture Hammersmith Pro and NI‘s Una Corda. Hopefully next time…

[@JosephBeckitt]

Interesting comparisons. The Spitfire Hans Zimmer piano is my favourite piano library. I'd be interested in seeing your opinion of that one too.

[@MidlifeSynthesist]

“It’s harder to play with a blind fold”. Immediately proceeds to play the piano spectacularly🤣 awesome video brother!🙌🏻

[@TossedOnion]

My top 3 here from your playing - Noire is my fav. Next is Hammers and Waves then Grandeur. I think because this sound more warm? 😅 Addictive Keys is cheap so a lot of people use it. It's nice if you tweak it but yeah it sounded bad here compared to the others. Great playing as always 🙌🙌

[@SanjayC]

Addictive Keys is a good value for sure, but sound wise others had it beat. Thanks for sharing your tops, TossedOnion!

[@bluematrix5001]

HAHAHAHA, I Laughed SO HARD! Great video! nice piano playing!

[@Only1Dharti]

😃🥳🙌🏽 Yaaaassss!!! 😂🤣

[@mjstow]

Pianoteq's flexibility makes it my fave. And it *is* so lightweight. You can even select and move mics around. Have a brand new Steinway or a clapped out honky tonk. Having said all this, I'm no expert.

[@wilkopiano]

As a pianist ravenscroft is easiest to get along with the feel on the keys. I use keyscape and have to take off the dreaded tape fx and up the compressor to make it sound more realistic.

[@StatelineMusic]

Great video. Based on your test I exactly had the same ranking. I too was surprised about Keyscape, I always wanted to buy Keyscape but held off on it at the last minute each time. Grandeur was also a big suprise. I own it as well, but never used it. That will most definitely change from today. 🎉

[@highestpeeqs9532]

Proverbs 8:17 King James Version 17 I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me. Jesus loves you and calls all of us to repent!!!!!

[@wsterlingy]

I wish the Hammersmith Pro was part of this comparison. Enjoyed the video and might add Granduer to my collection.

[@Niyoh16]

So much fun for me listening to you... Your score iin guessing is low but the score is nearly perfec in the vst...

[@mphomatlou3923]

I just got Addictive keys as a part of a bundle that comes with my Scarlett. I have a Korg Triton which doesn't have the best pianos but the Triton far outdoes Addictive Keys. I was so excited to fire up my new VST so you can imagine the disappointment when I started playing. Anyway, it's free for me so I still appreciate it.

[@CDMESD]

I’m definitely want to try out the top three

[@narayans]

Perfect . Awesome video …My favorite is Grandeur too. I also like the Steinway from Logic Pro, it has different vibes .

[@SanjayC]

The Logic Steinway is good too. Did you do the blind test?

[@narayans]

@@SanjayC I am planning to do it :) .. But you're assessment was perfect !!! Loved it .

[@markbraziel4828]

I Agree with Sanjay

[@DJIncendration]

One of my favorite pianos is Production Voices 300 Grand. I own the compact version, but I think the full one sounds really nice.

[@highestpeeqs9532]

Proverbs 8:17 King James Version 17 I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me. Jesus loves you and calls all of us to repent!!!!!!

[@phperfoncio]

Grandeur is wonderful!

[@NovianLeVanMusic]

#1 0:28 Ravenscroft #2 1:14 Ableton #3 1:45 Grandeur #4 2:26 Alicia's Keys #5 3:01 Pianoteq 8 #6 3:31 Keyscape #7 4:05 Noire #8 4:47 Modern Grand #9 5:32 Piano V #10 6:18 Addictive

[@yussef961]

very good thx i prefer pianoteq because you can adjust parameters you can't with sampled pianos . like the hammer noise erc

[@mickehog76]

Noir is awesome! And other piano plugins from NI. Can also recommend different piano plugins from Spitfire audio Originals(my favorite is Firewood piano).

[@botcharb]

Grandeur s amazing, love grandeur

[@GeraldHaniel]

Awesome comparison.... Next time I really would love to have CFX Grand by Garritan included in the mix...

[@DynamicRockers]

oh yeah! the cfx is beautiful, totally I agree with you.