Modartt releases the Model B for Pianoteq

[Piet De Ridder]

"Modartt releases Model B Grand Piano for Pianoteq. This instrument is modelled after a Steinway B Grand Piano from Hamburg, known for its splendid and versatile character. Subtle refinements of the physical model contribute to a faithful rendering of the original instrument.

The piano that is modelled belongs to the Martha Argerich edition, a set of twenty-five Steinway & Sons Model B-211 pianos that the prestigious pianist carefully selected in 2014 for their musicality. She signed each.

The first Steinway B grand pianos were manufactured in 1878. The Steinway B is now the best selling Steinway grand piano. It is generally known as "The Perfect Piano". It has much of the concert grand piano sound of a Steinway D, although it is smaller, and thus better suited for recording studios and mid-sized recital venues. Very easy to play, it is perfect for achieving a wide range of timbres, from a nuanced, delicate pianissimo to the thunder of a crescendo.

The virtual grand piano Model B for Pianoteq was carefully designed to reproduce the finest sound characteristics of the Steinway B instrument that was selected by Modartt for this project. Subtle refinements of the physical modelling were made, resulting in a noticeably clear tone and astounding dynamics."
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Here's the product pages and audio demos.
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[tack]

After playing with the demo for a bit, the tone isn't really up my alley for what I play, but I think it does a pretty good job at modelling a smaller piano. Notably, to my ear it does it a pretty passable job with the middle registers (from middle C4 to A5 or so), which is an area I've always found Pianoteq to be quite stiff.

I couldn't help but notice a demo by one P. De Ridder, which sounds excellent and whose style fits this piano very nicely, I think.