Midnight Grand vs Woodchester Piano
The fundamental distinction between Midnight Grand and Woodchester Piano lies in the type of piano sampled and the specific preparation techniques applied. Midnight Grand captures a Steinway Model D grand piano with cotton placed on its strings, delivering a muted, refined tone. In contrast, Woodchester Piano samples a Wilh. Steinberg German Series upright piano featuring a felt layer between the hammers and strings, characteristic of Neoclassical scoring.
Sonically, Midnight Grand emphasizes a rich, detailed sound recorded in a concert hall, contributing to its grander, yet still intimate, character. Its atmosphere layers are derived from the original samples and other sources. Woodchester Piano, recorded in an intimate setting, offers a warm, expressive upright tone, and its atmosphere layers are specifically crafted from processed piano sounds and complementary sources, suggesting a more tailored integration with the piano's core timbre. The library size for Midnight Grand is also significantly larger at 3.9 GB compared to Woodchester's 1.6 GB.
Choose Midnight Grand if you prioritize the classic grand piano sound with a uniquely muted, atmospheric character suitable for film scoring and sound design. Opt for Woodchester Piano if you seek the distinct felted sound of an upright piano, particularly for Neoclassical scoring or ambient recording where its expressive warmth and tailored layers would be beneficial.
Products Compared
Insights from Real-World Use
Midnight Grand
- Midnight Grand's Steinway base provides a unique, warm felt piano sound.
- Midnight Grand's felt-modified Steinway creates beautiful atmospheres and emotions.
- Midnight Grand is a 'gentle giant,' sounding huge yet tame and very playable.
- Midnight Grand has stunning character and flexible response.
- Both pianos are solid, affordable, and playable, making them must-haves for scoring.
Woodchester Piano
- Woodchester Piano is very useful for mellow songs, great for background and atmospheres.
- Both pianos are solid, affordable scoring must-haves for intimate and cinematic projects.
- Woodchester Piano is a cool, accessible, and worthwhile purchase.
- Woodchester Piano delivered the cinematic, felted sound I sought.
- I then bought the Woodchester piano after posting the comment: I can say that the sound definitely has its merits, and as you say, it has its own character, but unfortunately, it's a bit "empty" in te