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I recently read on the webpage, that you get 2 instruments in the Stage version, 3 in Standard, and 4 instruments in Pianoteq Pro. Just for the record, the last one is not an option for me, i's too pricey.

If I recall correctly, earlier you had to choose D4 (predecessor to Steinway D, before they got the endorsement) and K2, or some other instrument packs, I really didn't care about.

Can one choose whichever piano models now with Pianoteq Stage and Standard, respectively? Are we not obliged to choose Steinway D and K2?

Also, were three instruments included in Pianoteq Standard, before Pianoteq 6 came about? Lastly, does anyone know, or have an idea when and if Modartt will have a 30% off sale on Pianoteq Standard?

If they will, Pianoteq Standard is a more viable option in my opinion, than Stage, since you get three piano models instead of two. Stage, which is never discounted, with one more piano model, is about the same price as Standard with 30% off.

I'm also intersted in Pianoteq 6 and Ravenscroft 275.
Can you choose whatever piano you like or there are fixed "options" ? Bechstein is also interesting.

Suggestion, ask at the pianoteq forum.
I brought under the old system where I got the K2.

No one knows when there is a discount, by the way, if I had known the future, I would have bought stage version of Pianoteq, because 95% of times I just use the first preset of each instrument (I own Pro version). When they publish a new instrument, usually give a 50% discount on any second sound you choice (I've bought several instruments this way).

If you have choice, choose Steinway B. So much better, than D or K2.

Agree, Steinway B is the only modern PTQ piano I don't have now, and I really wish I could trade it for either the D or K2 which I do have. The B sounds so much nicer!

EPW, I thought I'd ask here, since there are quite many Pianoteq fans among PWmembers. Will ask on PTEQ's forum if my questions won't be fully answered in this thread.

Marcos Daniel, thank you for that information.

AlphaBravoCharlie, I actually like the Steinway D. I played a short chord progression recently, not the first time, but with my new speaker system on, and it surprised me how rich it sounded. That's what got me to ask these questions here. Steinway B could be option two, or three, if I go for Standard.

I have Steinway B and Steinway D. Like Steinway B over the D. YMMV
Next on my list is to get a couple made for Pianoteq 6. I held off on the summer sale with health issues in the family. Didn't think it was wise to spend any money not knowing what the bills would be. Hopefully I'll be able to get a couple on the next go around.

Yes, nowadays you can choose any 2 or 3 you want.

Pianoteq's best deal is not the four-instrument Pro, nor the three-instrument Standard, nor the two-instrument Stage.

No, the best value is the one-instrument some-other-VST.

MacMacMac tell us how you feel. I hate this hiding behind a bush type of answer

It'll only ever depend on how you set it up. "D" Home is fine as long as it's loud enough, but the bottom 3 notes are sadly lacking in strength, imo. But It has a fine, quality timbre. So does the Bluthner.

For me the best is Bechstein and Bluthner but honestly Steinwey D and Steingraeber are also very good. Just choose what sounds best for you.

I am leaning towards the Blüthner, always liked that one. I have yet to try the new ones, honestly I've been a bit busy (or lazy)? to sit down at the piano for a long time, so I don't know how the latest ones work out. Have a lot of evaluation work still left therefore, though initial impressions are good.

Can't see I need more than Pianoteq Stage, most of the piano models sound very much alike. Which is not necessarily a negative thing, I mean how many different ways can a piano sound? If it's good, I shouldn't need more than two or three, though my signature says otherwise.

Yes, you can choose any piano you want now. Being able to choose three instruments is new. They also reduced the prices. I believed this changed at the beginning of 2019.


They usually have a sale during the summer. The most recent sale ended about a month ago. However, they only had the Pro version (or was it Studio?) on sale. I'm guessing since they're now providing a better deal on the Standard version that there's less incentive to put it on sale. I wouldn't count on another sale anytime soon.

If you want to try to get a deal, look at the Pianoteq forums. About once a month, someone is trying to sell their copy of Pianoteq.

I like all the accoustic pianos with exception of upright, which is the only one I didn't buy, the best sound for me is Steinway D, this would be my first choice. Second option: Bluethner, its tone is very different, you really feel another sound world.
Then I would group Grotrian and Steingraeber and choose one, and another group with Bechstein and Petrof, and pick one of these two.
In my preference then comes Steinway B, and also in a pair K2 and YC5.
So my choice woud be: 1) Steinway D, 2) Bluethner, 3) Grotrian or Steingraeber 4) Bechstein or Petrof
Positions 3 and 4 could be swop...
Then, out of first 4 options: 5) Steinway B 6) K2 / YC5
I give this position to the Steinway B beacuse I don't find it so different from the D, and I consider D a must have.
The Kremsegg collections are somewhere in between 4-6 because they can't be compared as they have the advantage of consiting in various instruments.
P.S. do not forget you will have the free KIViR add on.

Marcos Daniel, your list is pretty solid, and my conclusions may very well come to be in accordance with it, largely. I also see a lot of possibilities in the old free pianos, which come with a Pianoteq license.

For the record, the piano in my avatar (*), is a piano I actually played in the Piano World party a year ago, by the banks of the Rhine river, Germany. It is even older than some of the instruments in the KIViR add-on, and had a very distinct sound.

(*) There is a problem with avatars appearing much smaller than usually, when this comment is being written, but hopefully the webmaster(s) will fix it soon.

There is some additional complexity, here:

. . . I think that Pianoteq changes their "old pianos" when new versions of Pianoteq come out.

So someone's opinion about the Steinway "D" -- if it's based on his PT version 5 -- may be irrelevant if you're using PT version 6.

I never liked the Kawai. I got the Bluthner quite a while ago, and liked it. I got the Grotrian after reading some glowing reviews (which I agree with). I think my GAS is satisfied, now.

PT reverb is quite flexible, there's a flexible EQ function for setting overall tonal balance. "Hammer hardness" isn't adjustable in "Stage" -- maybe it is, in "Standard" or "Pro".

Have fun playing, once you've decided what to do.

Standard

Yes, I noted the same thing here.

James
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