Choosing the Best VST Piano for Live Performances

The selection of the best VST piano for live performances is a subjective process influenced by numerous factors such as sound quality, stability, and compatibility with your setup. When selecting a VST, it's important to consider options like Native Instruments The Grandeur and Spectrasonics Keyscape, which offer realistic piano sounds suitable for live usage. Testing different VSTs in your setup will ensure reliability and optimal performance. For more recommendations, follow my Quora Profile!

Key Recommendations for Live Performances

Here are a few popular VST pianos to review:

Ravenscroft 275

Ravenscroft 275 is the VST piano of my choice. Only about 4-6 actual Ravenscroft Pianos are produced annually, making it a favored choice among many piano players. It's known for its high-quality sound and is often featured in renowned events like Namm.

Garritan CFX

Garritan CFX is another excellent option, as highlighted by a classical pianist who prefers it over the Ravenscroft due to its superior pedaling functionality or half-damper.

Keyscape

Keyscape is a comprehensive suite of keyboards and pianos, offering a wide range of realistic sounds. It's a versatile choice for live performances.

Ivory II Billy Joel’s VST

This VST is well-regarded, especially with pianists like Billy Joel, who used it during his professional performances.

Considerations for Live Performances

Picking the right VST piano for live performances is not just about sound quality. It also involves taking into account your computer's memory and interface speed, as well as the size and complexity of the software you plan to use.

Hardware Considerations

Larger VSTs like Garritan CFX require substantial storage. The CFX Compact installation is 24GB, while the full install is 133GB. Therefore, your computer's specifications will significantly influence your choice.

Modeling vs. Sampling

Plugins like Pianoteq offer modeling that is less harsh on your system but may not produce the sound you prefer. It's crucial to test different VSTs to find one that suits your taste.

Live vs. Studio Performance

Live performances demand a sound that can stand out in a mix. A sound that may feel too tinny or thin on its own can become prominent when you're the sole focus. As George Duke noted, he favored the triple and silver sounds on the Roland V for live performances due to their ability to cut through the mix.

Microphone Positioning

The typical piano sound is captured using a CLOSE mic position, with effects added later based on the acoustics. In live settings, you may need to use a single mic position for simplicity.

Practical Tips for Live Performances

When preparing for a live performance, it's wise to have a backup plan. This could involve having a backup module or running dual systems. For example, Billy Joel used an Ivory II during taping, and the setup included a grand piano shell and a Kurzweil module as a backup.

Backup Modules

Backups can be crucial. During a live performance for Godspell, I used the Ravenscroft 275 with a single mic position and an old QSR as a backup module.

Lightweight Solutions

A cost-effective solution could be a Casio triple sensor keyboard as a backup. These keyboards are relatively inexpensive and lightweight, with a spinet-like action.

Final Thoughts

While the ultimate choice depends on your personal preferences, using a VST like Ravenscroft 275, combined with a high-quality 88-key keyboard, can provide an incredibly realistic live piano experience. Investing in a powerful laptop and audio interface can enhance your live performance setup. Additionally, don't forget to consider the potential for interference via the audio interface and power to the wall, especially if using an unplugged laptop.

VSTs like these are an incredible tool, allowing you to replicate the sound of a quarter of a million-dollar piano on a daily basis. Enjoy the versatility and sound quality they offer!

PLAY ON…