Pianoteq Steinway Model B vs True Keys American Grand

True Keys American Grand wins on immediate warmth and expressive detail; Pianoteq Steinway Model B demands more tonal shaping but rewards with unique character. Pianoteq Steinway Model B encourages expressive freedom, allowing for a personalized instrument experience. Its detailed sound can sometimes be harsh in the upper-mid registers. Users report a desire for more authentic acoustic piano realism.

True Keys American Grand offers a remarkably pure sound with well-implemented reverbs. Its warm tone and good attack make it a joy to play. Realistic pedal controls provide a sustained sound, but the large sample footprint can strain system resources.

Choose Pianoteq Steinway Model B if you are tolerant of fine-tuning for expressive character. Choose True Keys American Grand if you prioritize warmth and immediate playability with robust features.

Products Compared

Insights from Real-World Use

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.

True Keys American Grand

  • For its size and price, True Keys American Grand is a very good instrument with great playability that is a joy to play.
  • The reverbs in True Keys American Grand are well-implemented and provide a good sound, excelling over dedicated plugins.
  • The True Keys American Grand piano has a warm tone with a good attack.
  • Exactly! I found True Keys to be already beautiful enough, but then when I listen to Modern D... boom!💥 It's mind-blowing, whole another level🥺.
  • Exactly! I found True Keys to be already beautiful enough, but then when I listen to Modern D... boom!💥 It's mind-blowing, whole another level🥺.

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