My Top 10 Pianos For 2025

[@trevorhamm9221]

Would it be crazy to do your favorite pads of the year?

[@gabrielalbuquerquemusic]

Yess good idea!

[@brianandrew27]

Do this please.

[@briantrout7051]

I have just recently entered the world of Pianoteq. My favorite voices are the two most recent, the Bosendorfer, which you were using, and the new Kawai! That Kawai in particular is one of the brightest and clearest pianos I currently have. Maybe not everybody's cup o' tea but I like 'em. 🙂 I do find that some of the "shrill" components I sometimes hear with the presets are more reverb related and I have to adjust those to make it appealing to my ear.

[@SamTheBeardGuy]

The kawai is great! I reviewed that in my recent pianoteq video

[@OlexandrIgnatov]

Funny because VSL is the one I liked the least after trying. I do enjoy Noire, Pianoverse, and Keyscape the most. I don’t like that Keyscape is very noisy with some weird mic hi pitched artifacts on release samples, though. Fantastic playing, BTW!

[@SamTheBeardGuy]

Denoise is very helpful in keyscape

[@richardpenrose1968]

Noire and Pianoteq are my current favs. I really love the sound of the Vi-Labs Modern-D though and might pick it up in the sale. Also, Orange Tree Samples have just released a major update to their Rosewood Grand which sounds lovely! The update is free to v1 owners and am looking forward to trying this one out as well.

[@SamTheBeardGuy]

Yeah I'm getting the vibe from a lot of people Modern-D should have been in this list, I haven't dug into it yet.

[@AutumnsJewelBand]

Your playing style is reminiscent of 2 of my favorite pianists. Jordan Rudess and George Winston. The chords and melody that marry impeccably is reminiscent of Winston but your runs with your right that go from 1/8 to 1/16 notes is very Rudess. I am now a subscriber and a fan. P.s. are you on Spotify or another platform?

[@SamTheBeardGuy]

thanks! Yeah I'm on Spotify under "Sam Garner"

[@Tozen88]

I agree with your assessment about VSL being the most realistic, but that level of realism also makes the deficiencies stand out more. Their out-of-the-box settings have pedal noises that are too loud and the release levels seem high, although I'm glad that we can tweak these things. I wish they would take another pass at their presets across their products and have some more initial options. Noire doesn't feel as realistic, but it sounds so good that I keep coming back to it. Because it was so much cheaper than other options I feel inclined to devalue it at times, but I need to look past that because it is a great library. I completely resonated with your assessment of it!

[@SamTheBeardGuy]

Haha, I loveeee pedal noise. But I agree about release samples, the new Claire piano is the same way. Way too long out of the box.

[@stephenll_musicman]

I noticed while you were playing Pianoteq that your average velocity is north of 75. Closer to 100. Maybe that could be the cause of brightness. When I'm playing my rig, Roland A-88 MKii, my average velocity is between 50-75. I've always found Pianoteq balanced. Although there are definitely times where it sounds less realistic. Great playing!

[@cirisirpula152]

Ye. Pianoteq seems to like slower velocities than many sample libraries (NI, arturia etc.)

[@SamTheBeardGuy]

Yeah I actually have a velocity preset with compressed velocities for pianoteq. I’ve noticed the same, lower velocities helps a little with pianoteq. But I’ve also noticed the a-88 feels spongy to me and the velocities don’t speak as much as I like.

[@cirisirpula152]

@@SamTheBeardGuy I currently have Yamaha DGX670 and I ordered Korg D1. Yamaha works fine with pianoteq out of the box, but with other libraries it is very quiet and I have mess with the velocity curves. How is the Korg D1 with other libraries, do you need to adjust the velocities around?

[@A106]

Sheesh those runs got me going. How did you practice those so well? They sound so smooth even with a weighted keybed.

[@SamTheBeardGuy]

:) I actually can't do runs as well on a non-weighted keyboard, weighted keys is what I grew up on and practiced the most on haha.

[@johntarallo1882]

@@SamTheBeardGuy What is your Favorite Weighted Key Midi controller? Some say the Kawaii MP11SE.

[@dewdrops515]

fantastic, amazing improvisation

[@SamTheBeardGuy]

Thanks!

[@journeywithdavidh]

Here are the pricings (in USD) Keyscape : $399 Synchron Pianos : $944 - $1784 Noire : $199 PianoTea : $139 - $929 Grandeur : $99 Gentleman : $99 Mir Link : 69 Euros Hammer and Waves : $119 PostFelt : $59 Olafur Arnalds : $299

[@Phil_529]

Pianoteq*

[@cirisirpula152]

Synchron pricing is a bit misleading as you can also just buy one of those for $255. You calculated the price if you were to buy all of them, even though they are sold individually. Pianoteq stage (139$) doesn't contain all the pianos pianoteq has, so not sure why you would need to buy all the VSL pianos.

[@angeloop]

I purchased NI Komplete for $300 on sale, and it includes Noire, Grandeur, Maverick, Gentleman, and a lot more stuff.

[@zachb5396]

Hey man, love these videos. I’m not sure if you use logic, but if so, please do a video on studio piano. Honestly, probably one of my favorite piano plug-ins of all time, not even joking. The fact that it’s stock is crazy to me. It sounds incredible.

[@SamTheBeardGuy]

I honestly haven't checked it out, I don't have any of the logic libraries installed. I might though.

[@coachhaydin]

@@SamTheBeardGuyyou gonna love it. It might be my favorite as well.

[@ArgoBeats]

Nice "charts", Sam. I was almost sure Ivory 3 would have been in it.

[@SamTheBeardGuy]

It’s up there for sure, this list is what I use the most. I still use Ivory for stuff.

[@orlandosandoval63]

I thought the Ivory 3, which I love, was going to be here as well.. thank you Sam

[@NatureSleepSerenity]

I agree with the sentiment that VSL pianos are by far the most realistic. I own so many other libraries including the grandeur and hammers and waves, and comparing them to VSL they sound so So much less realistic and convincing, which you can't really discern until you own both of the VSL and other libraries. Also, so many piano comparisons don't get rid of the reverb that's on by default when you load a VSL patch, and you can dig into the mixer mic positions in VSL with more options And Mike positions than any other library in existence.

[@SamTheBeardGuy]

Yeah the mic positions in VSL are super in depth. It is too realistic for a lot of genres, but when you need realism it's awesome.

[@joshuaisaiah979]

Hey Sam! I have the Noire VST but it doesn’t sound quite as nice as yours. Could you make a video with your favorite reverbs and effects for keys?

[@SamTheBeardGuy]

I’m not doing much to the pianos, just a little master bus compression. SPL iron.

[@utubewillyman]

Worth mentioning that NI has a newer piano called Claire. I bought it, but haven't quite warmed up to it yet. I still prefer Grandeur.

[@SamTheBeardGuy]

Yep! Just did a full review on it recently

[@SlaVaPlays]

Thank you for the great video! Could you share which pianos are closest to the pianos they use in EDM music? (Examples: Avicii - You Make Me, Vicetone - No Way Out)

[@SamTheBeardGuy]

Honestly I make zero EDM haha. My guess would be it's more about heavy compression and effects than it is samples.

[@musicchad]

I think you'd really enjoy the new Claire piano by Native Instruments/Galaxy

[@SamTheBeardGuy]

I do! Did a full review on it recently.

[@albertjanschol]

I was somewhat amazed that (after your review) Claire by native instruments is not listed...

[@SamTheBeardGuy]

Claire is definitely great. This list is just what I gravitate towards. Nothing wrong with Claire, and it's arguably better than some of the pianos in this video, but it's not a go-to yet. I did use it last week on something, so I'm using it for stuff for sure.

[@x-plane11photovideo19]

I own the Grandeur and the Gentleman and see you adress the presets of the other plugins, but not of these Native Instrument ones. Maybe it's because the presets are hidden. If you press on the camera they will be shown. The Grandeur and the Gentleman are much more versatile when you use these presets.

[@PeterT-1999]

Try modifying the velocity curve in Pianoteq - it makes a big difference to the sound you want

[@SamTheBeardGuy]

I actually have a few velocity presets, just didn’t pull them up. Does make a huge difference though

[@insertaghere]

I want the hammers and waves cause their effects engine is so cool to me but I feel like finally owning kontakt full is also too good to pass up with the current deal. Ugh such a dilemma.

[@SamTheBeardGuy]

They're both definitely worth it.

[@elzurixmusic]

Hey, what do you think of spotlight piano? Do you think it holds up against these? I'm looking specifically for how it holds up against noire

[@-musiclee-]

Sam. How about VI Modern D (Steinway). So many people say it’s the absolute best!! It didn’t make your list. Have you made a video on it ?

[@SamTheBeardGuy]

I’ve spent some time with it. Haven’t dug into enough to say anything about it yet, just downloaded and opened to make sure it worked then haven’t gotten around to it haha

[@-musiclee-]

@ awesome. Would love to hear you play it and get your thoughts on it

[@Doug.L]

I have a few on the list, I think Modern D is my favorite. Some of it comes down to the playback hardware though. On my Neumann KH speakers the Modern D is my favorite because it fills out so much dynamic range. On my Beyer DT headphones there are a few others I like more. Of course playing like Sam does, dang near any piano will sound great.

[@schooloflessons9797]

I'll have to check if this is compatible with my Yamaha P225 🤔

[@AurumNoise]

No Claire? Noire and Claire have taken over my pianos from Keyscape.

[@TheHarryable]

I see you've reviewed the Max Richter Piano. How does it stack up to others in this list? Do you use it much?

[@peterkirdan]

Great review brother! I love it when you just disconnect and fly away with you playing

[@SamTheBeardGuy]

Thanks for watching!!!

[@BUJU2007]

I do have a question thats of topic. Am i correct that you use the Studiologic SL88 Grand? I have a Roland FP90, and the keybed feels great, but i often feel like it's hard to play with a soft touch. How would you say the SL88 feels?

[@SamTheBeardGuy]

I use the Korg D1 now. FP90 feels good though. Korg D1 does struggle with lower velocities a little bit, but you just learn to adapt.

[@harijariwala7472]

Imagiro piano deserves a mention

[@davide_znz289]

I already have the VSL Yamaha CFX but i would like to try something else, what do you recommend? I'm looking for something as realistic as possible but without trying them i really don't know. Thank you

[@SamTheBeardGuy]

Garritan has the CFX if you're looking for another CFX. The Noire is a CFX as well.

[@sprenzy7936]

sick arpeggios, how do you come up with flurries like those?

[@Fytom7]

Great video but Ravenscroft 275 should have been included in this list

[@SamTheBeardGuy]

I love the Ravenscroft! I use it often. It's pretty similar to some of these so I tried to create a diverse list.

[@endyzyl]

​@@SamTheBeardGuy It's better than most of them

[@screamed_tube7975]

Any opinion on UVI Keysuite Acoustic?

[@SamTheBeardGuy]

Love it! I think it was in my top 10 pianos last year

[@AlexZmejkoski]

What song are you playing for with the Mir demo?

[@SamTheBeardGuy]

I’m pretty sure i just made it up, the gentleman is the only one I played a song to.

[@hansclaesson6175]

What midi keyboard do you use?

[@SamTheBeardGuy]

Korg D1! sweetwater.sjv.io/raErAG

[@walter10600]

And the new Ultra Soft Piano LABS?

[@SamTheBeardGuy]

I might use it occasionally, definitely not a top 10 though

[@MaxRiley]

May I please know what MIDI keyboard you're using, please?

[@sheajordan526]

The maestro uses a korg D1 I believe o7

[@SamTheBeardGuy]

Korg d1

[@Thefallenpianist2.0]

Hey Sam? Should I buy the kompleat 14 standard?

[@SamTheBeardGuy]

Absolutely, the pianos alone are worth it for the price it's currently at. I think you mean Komplete 15 though. bit.ly/49SOM95

[@Thefallenpianist2.0]

Yeah tho I’ve been exited to try noire piano.

[@emsagro12]

Vienna sounds best. Keyscape for fun.

[@SamTheBeardGuy]

Thanks for watching!

[@geoalpha]

What hardware keyboard are you playing on?

[@SamTheBeardGuy]

Korg D1

[@geoalpha]

@SamTheBeardGuy thank you! While you're online, I'll ask you this: How many hours would you say you've spent doing "purposeful practice", that is time spent intentionally working on skill/techniques as opposed to just learning and playing songs you can mostly do. I started playing this year for church and can mostly play basic chords and melodies, but realistically I would say I still have less than 20 hours of purposeful practice where I've sat down to learn chords, a scale, or a technique.

[@SamTheBeardGuy]

@ in college I probably spent 5-8 hours a day practicing for 6 years haha. Besides that, now I just learn songs and have fun. But learning songs and just having fun is a great way to learn as well.

[@geoalpha]

@@SamTheBeardGuy Nice! What point during that time would you say that most of us here would feel like we've reached 80% of your ability? Or was it even well after college?

[@teddybearasaurus]

Try logics new piano that is free… its pretty good

[@SamTheBeardGuy]

Didn’t know they had one, I don’t have any of the apple library installed

[@iGamecraft]

What Midi Keyboard do you use?

[@SamTheBeardGuy]

Korg D1

[@drissledriss]

Garritan ?

[@franslengkeek]

oh dear poor Garritan CFX Grand, off the list again ;-)

[@SamTheBeardGuy]

I love the garritan! VSL has the edge for me though

[@franslengkeek]

@ i understand, Garritan CFX Grand, number 11. ;-)

[@teplozvuk2461]

Is there any felt piano on iOS?

[@richardpenrose1968]

Pianoteq iOS has felt pianos

[@latenightfortunecookie]

(sweetwater link is not formatted correctly)

[@banterbanter]

Keyscape is my fav then Pianoverse, which if you turn off all the zany reverbs, has genuinely brilliant sounding pianos.

[@SamTheBeardGuy]

I love pianoverse too. I just don’t find myself using it as much for some reason, but I loved it when I played it

[@RemmyMusic1]

keyscape has alot of noise in all their samples. its actually terrible when you do any post work with it.

[@SamTheBeardGuy]

The mild Denoise setting works great

[@MSM5500]

You've missed a _Modern Grand_ by Production Voices which is I've no idea about VSL but by far superior than the rest shown here.

[@SamTheBeardGuy]

I’ve heard about it but never checked it out. Might try and snag it for next year

[@JohnAReese]

Keyscape sounds way better , than VSL

[@SamTheBeardGuy]

They’re just different. VSL hits the sweet spot for the realistic crowd

[@ALE79-79]

???? and where is VI LABS modern d?? one of your video you said you like that

[@SamTheBeardGuy]

I love it! Picking a top 10 is hard because there's probably 20 I could put in there. It's very similar to some of the ones in this video, but I still use it.

[@lisaanderson5612]

@@SamTheBeardGuy Do you think you’ll use Grandeur more than Modern D?

[@Spidouz]

23:35 Sorry, but it’s not spelt Grandgeur or Grandjour, or else… it’s Grandeur, pronounced as Gran-DUR, there’s no G or J sound whatsoever, it comes from French Grandeur which means Greatness, or Largeness.

[@Spidouz]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/el6QiZ2pl792iLMsi=mC2btzKV3w5gJk_x

[@SamTheBeardGuy]

😂 grandeur to me looks like grandgeur. I only speak English, it’s hard to know how every single thing is pronounced haha. Fazioli used to really get me too.

[@SamTheBeardGuy]

Hope you enjoy! Here's some links. Piano and CCM masterclass here! - www.samgarnermusic.com/tutorials Keyscape Link (10% Discount) - www.ilio.com/products/spectra... VSL Link - www.ilio.com/synchron-pianos-... Noire Link - bit.ly/4ehiqFq PianoTeq Link - www.modartt.com/?ae=15 Grandeur Link- shrsl.com/4shia Gentleman Link - shrsl.com/4shic Mir Link - www.elementarysounds.com/mir Hammer and Waves Link - shrsl.com/4shid PostFelt Link - www.jonmeyermusic.com/postfelt Olafur Arnalds Link - sweetwater.sjv.io/e1nNk6 Keyscape Full Review - kzbin.info/www/bejne/bIOaZ62Pf8mGY5Isi=BxtISulDdh-JsCGW VSL Full Review - kzbin.info/www/bejne/g4TYaJt7hdSenZIsi=alysxIvqa_l5FCN0 Noire Full Review - kzbin.info/www/bejne/nmPapWBmj7pgsJosi=TyRZcqH60LYKcJms PianoTeq Full Review - kzbin.info/www/bejne/n4Ccg6iHntRqarcsi=XsXpjnYXh9qjA2il Grandeur Full Review - kzbin.info/www/bejne/rJyVqaOKmr6frLcsi=dlhiTBLcbGKhA5CW Gentleman Full Review - kzbin.info/www/bejne/rJyVqaOKmr6frLcsi=dlhiTBLcbGKhA5CW Hammer and Waves Full Review - kzbin.info/www/bejne/l6u3hJ-Dj5Wirc0si=-LQ4lFl0OcvSFKrv PostFelt Full Review - kzbin.info/www/bejne/nZDQeYNracuJY8Usi=Z0dQdSWfpJoDzieJ Olafur Arnalds Full Review - kzbin.info/www/bejne/bXSvkIR8lLx1sJIsi=LUhxN09ZKgp-rsiB

[@virgogreg]

with a bit of practice you could be good ..lol

[@SamTheBeardGuy]

hahaha, just a bit