Meldway Grand vs Art Deco Piano

The fundamental difference between Meldway Grand and Art Deco Piano lies in their source instruments: Meldway Grand captures a Steinway Model D, whereas Art Deco Piano models a vintage 1930s Blüthner PH Grand Piano. This choice of instrument inherently shapes their sonic character, despite both being sampled grand pianos.

Meldway Grand offers a more neutral and balanced tone, featuring seven microphone positions for detailed sound sculpting. It is a free offering, making it accessible for users seeking a versatile Steinway sound. In contrast, Art Deco Piano emphasizes a bright and modern character derived from its unique Blüthner construction, utilizing 8 velocity layers across 600 samples totaling 1.5 GB.

Choose Meldway Grand if a free, clean, and versatile Steinway Model D sound with microphone flexibility is your priority. Opt for Art Deco Piano if you seek the distinctive, bright, and vintage character of a sampled Blüthner PH Grand, delivered as a budget-friendly instrument with detailed velocity response.

Products Compared

Insights from Real-World Use

Meldway Grand

  • Meldway Grand offers an organic, natural sound that remains authentic despite customization, and can also be special.
  • Meldway Grand is the most customizable and fully featured piano I have ever used.
  • Nice to play, with an inviting interface.
  • Meldway Grand may well be the only software grand piano you will ever need. It's beautifully realistic, dynamic, and unbelievably customizable
  • I am amazed by the endless sound customisation options and consistent high quality sound of Meldway Grand.

Art Deco Piano

  • Great sound, good player. I bought one, but it's been a nightmare trying to install it. My DAW Reason can't find it anywhere.
  • Just got this - and it's a very interesting sounding library. It IS a great gesture by IK to provide such an interesting item to users of Sample Tank and IK products.
  • Downloaded and enjoying this unique addition to my VST piano collection. I'm finding that the Art Deco piano, is not only fun to play as a stand alone, but also crates some interesting colors when lay
  • Just got this - and it's a very interesting sounding library. It IS a great gesture by IK to provide such an interesting item to users of Sample Tank and IK products.
  • Downloaded and enjoying this unique addition to my VST piano collection. I'm finding that the Art Deco piano, is not only fun to play as a stand alone, but also crates some interesting colors when lay

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