Pianoteq Bösendorfer Concert Grand 280 VC vs Pianoteq Steinway Model B

Pianoteq Bösendorfer Concert Grand 280 VC wins on immediate playability; Pianoteq Steinway Model B demands more user adjustment for tone.

Pianoteq Bösendorfer Concert Grand 280 VC offers a dynamic response and a bright, natural tone. Its physical modeling engine delivers versatility for pop and jazz with strong user approval. Some users report a plasticky sound in specific note ranges.

Pianoteq Steinway Model B provides detailed, expressive sound, particularly for delicate playing. Its strength is instrument customization, allowing diverse character shaping. This flexibility often results in a harsh or unnatural sound before extensive tweaking.

Choose Pianoteq Bösendorfer Concert Grand 280 VC if you prioritize an immediately satisfying, modern grand experience. Choose Pianoteq Steinway Model B if you are willing to invest time in shaping a personalized instrument.

Products Compared

Insights from Real-World Use

Pianoteq Bösendorfer Concert Grand 280 VC

  • Details about the model, praise for sound, and note that it's physically modeled not sampled
  • Speaker's personal endorsement after playing a real Bösendorfer
  • Physical-modeling engine behavior, dynamic response, no sample layers
  • Versatility, suitable for pop/jazz, comparison to classical-focused Stein Graber and New York Steinway
  • Pop preset; brightness, overall tone, immediate impression

Pianoteq Steinway Model B

  • Pianoteq’s upper register seems super harsh, grating, and un-piano-like, such as around 2:04. ... I find myself modulating my dynamics to produce the “tone” I’m looking for, yet Phil is going all-in o
  • Pianoteq Steinway Model B excels at delicate playing with a sparkly quality.
  • Perhaps the streaming audio was pushed a bit too far. When I lower the volume, the midrange seems strong without the tone issue you describe and I heard. Love the preset! Wish I could use it with stag
  • Steinway B (maybe an unpopular opinion, but I like the Close Mic preset ... Modartt also may redo some of the old grands with the new magic they have...
  • From 0:29 on the OP's video, the Steinway B recording, I can't imagine a more perfect example of a stale modelled piano, but at least it has the bright.