Unusual Piano Tones for Integration in Your Digital Audio Workstation
Exploring the realm of piano sounds beyond the traditional has become increasingly popular in the world of music production. From the prepared piano technique to innovative digital instruments, there are numerous ways to create unique and captivating timbres.
One such unique piano sound is Native Instruments THE GIANT, a sound that sets itself apart from anything else out there. Created from a 370i vertical piano with extended strings, this sound offers a rich, resonant tone unlike any concert grand. The 370i's soundboard, roughly twice the size of a standard concert grand, contributes significantly to this distinctive sound [1].
Another innovative offering is SonicCouture Hammersmith Pro, an ambitious sampling project that provides incredibly precise dynamics. Recorded with a binaural Neumann dummy head, this plugin offers a realistic and immersive listening experience [2]. SonicCouture's Xtended Piano takes things even further, offering extended piano techniques that throw the piano rule book out the window. Unconventional playing methods such as bowing, striking with mallets, and muting are used to create harmonics [3].
For those seeking a lo-fi twist, Wavefactory Old Tape Piano is a sampled piano instrument that simulates the warm, grainy sound of tape noise, warble, and filtering [4]. On the other hand, Arturia Piano V harnesses physical modelling technology to create a uniquely customizable approach to the piano. Capable of creating realistic pianos as well as impossible instruments made of glass or other impractical materials, this software instrument offers detailed control over piano mechanics like string resonance, hammer hardness, and soundboard type [5].
In addition to these, the prepared piano technique is a prime source of unconventional timbres. This technique involves placing objects like screws, rubber, or paper between the piano strings to produce unique, percussive, and unusual tones far removed from the standard piano sound. This technique is notably used in film scores and sound design for its wide array of expressive, new timbres [6].
For those looking for free options, Spitfire LABS Soft Piano is a VST plugin that offers a dreamier, more cinematic piano sound [7]. Spitfire Mrs Mills Piano replicates the sound of a Steinway Vertegrand upright piano, known for its bright metallic attack, which was frequently used in 60s pop records by The Beatles and The Zombies [8].
To further expand your creative possibilities, combining these instruments with effect plugins within your DAW can help create even more unconventional piano sounds. Plugins like FL Studio's GrossBeat, Effector, and Vocodex, while primarily focused on effects and vocal processing, can be used to modulate, filter, or vocode the original piano signal [9].
For more insights and gear guides, be sure to check out Autoland, a platform offering weekly updates on gear, tips, tutorials, inspiration, and more [10]. Michael Hahn, an engineer and producer at Autoland and a member of the indie rock trio Slight, is a great resource for those looking to learn more about music production [11]. Autoland's blog also provides the latest posts for those interested in staying updated [12].
[1] Native Instruments THE GIANT
[2] SonicCouture Hammersmith Pro
[3] SonicCouture Xtended Piano
[4] Wavefactory Old Tape Piano
[5] Arturia Piano V
[6] Prepared Piano Technique
[7] Spitfire LABS Soft Piano
[8] Spitfire Mrs Mills Piano
[9] FL Studio plugins
[10] Autoland
[11] Michael Hahn
[12] Autoland Blog
- The prepared piano technique, used by placing objects between strings, offers a distinct approach to music production, contributing to diverse timbres in the realm of music distribution.
- In the world of beat making, innovative technology has enabled the creation of unique piano sounds, such as Native Instruments THE GIANT, which boasts a 370i vertical piano with extended strings.
- As lifestyles and entertainment preferences evolve, music production continues to push boundaries, with plugins like SonicCouture's Xtended Piano introducing experimental playing methods such as bowing and mallet striking, ultimately transforming the conventional piano sound.
