Signature Grand vs Art Deco Piano

The fundamental distinction between Signature Grand and Art Deco Piano lies in their source instruments and the resulting sonic characteristics. Signature Grand samples a 9-foot Steinway Model D concert grand captured in a scoring stage, aiming for a natural, balanced, and atmospheric sound. In contrast, Art Deco Piano is a faithful recreation of a 1930s Blüthner PH Grand Piano, known for its unique construction and producing a brighter, more modern timbre.

These differences extend to their technical specifications and intended use. Signature Grand offers 10 velocity layers, two microphone positions, and a larger library size of 10 GB with 3,000 samples, reflecting a detailed capture for film scoring and classical applications where atmospheric depth is key. Art Deco Piano provides 8 velocity layers across 1.5 GB with 600 samples, emphasizing its distinct bright and clean character suitable for classical, jazz, and modern recording contexts.

Choose Signature Grand if you prioritize a natural, balanced, and expansive sound from a classic concert grand, ideal for immersive film scores or traditional classical pieces. Opt for Art Deco Piano if you seek a brighter, more contemporary grand piano voicing with a unique historical character, particularly well-suited for jazz stylings or recordings where a distinct, clean attack is desired.

Products Compared

Insights from Real-World Use

Signature Grand

  • Brilliantly captured. I think tutorials like this are paramount to selling products. The sounds are wonderful. I have a plethora of Piano libraries and just bought this because it sounds like no other
  • I'm a huge fan of simple sam studios' signature grand, it's cheap and sounds the best of any piano VST I've used and I have a ton of them, but it is hard to
  • I recommend the Signature Grand (Simple Sam Samples), it's cheap and has an incredible sound. I don't think I'll look for another Steinway Model D after this
  • Wow I heard this piano on the youtube channel of Simeon Amburgey. I didn't hesitate for a second and bought it. Sounds incredible. And this is coming from a guy who already has Keyscape, Ivory, Addict
  • Your signature grand is really a wonderful VST and a great value - I find it very pleasant to play, and very easy to get to sit in a mix. Your presets across the various domains of classical/jazz/film

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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