Recently, I came across an instrument joke. Just can't resist to post it here:

How do you tell the difference between a violinist and a dog?
The dog knows when to stop scratching.


HOLLYWOOD STRINGS R1.0

Dual Voice: Soft Orchestra, volume 4 + Soft Orchestra, volume 6

1 Basic Settings
1 - 3 Tone control: low +6, mid +4, high -2
1 - 8 Damper hold: On

2 Virtual Technician
2 - 1 Voicing: dynamic
2 - 5 Touch: normal

3 Key Settings
3 - 3 Layer octave: +1
3 - 4 Layer dynamics: 9

Reverb: Hall 2

Effect: Delay 3, time 4, depth 3

Let's get serious again: I've found a way to add some lively cross resonance to and blend in a whole series of other complex harmonics with the factory Mellow Grand sound. Now it really sings!


STEINWAY GRAND DEVOTION R1.0 (CA93 only)

Dual Voice: Mellow Grand, volume 9 + Finger Nylon Gt, volume 1

1 Basic Settings
1 - 3 Tone control: low 0, mid -2, high +1

2 Virtual Technician
2 - 1 Voicing: normal (open-lid) / mellow1 (half closed-lid)
2 - 2 Damper resonance: 10
2 - 3 String resonance: 10
2 - 4 Key off effect: 5
2 - 5 Touch: normal

3 Key Settings
3 - 3 Layer octave: -1
3 - 4 Layer dynamics: 10

Reverb: Stage

Effect: Delay 2, time 1, depth 3

Is it possible to utilize an external media to load/save custom settings, e.g. USB stick, or do I have to program every setting manually?

Hi Arnoh, good question.

USB stick loading/saving of custom settings is a firmware request I made a few Months ago for the CA93/CA63: I've seen last week that such functionality will be available in the upcoming MP10/MP6. I expect that Kawai will also include this feature in a future CA93/CA63 firmware update (v1.08 perhaps?).

In the meantime, the CA93/CA63 do offer 1 user memory (which boots after power on) and 8 panel registration memories, so a total of 9 custom settings can already now be manually set-up once and stored permanently. This will typically take 1-2 minutes/setting (after having checked the user manual)...

+1

Remember Elton John's bright grand piano for playing pop ballads live?


RED PIANO - IN CONCERT R1.0

Dual Voice: Studio Grand, volume 6 + Pop Piano, volume 4

1 Basic Settings
1 - 3 Tone control: low -6, mid -4, high 0

2 Virtual Technician
2 - 1 Voicing: dynamic
2 - 2 Damper resonance: 7
2 - 3 String resonance: 7
2 - 4 Key off effect: 5
2 - 5 Touch: normal

3 Key Settings
3 - 4 Layer dynamics: 9

Reverb: Hall 2

Effect: Delay 2, time 1, depth 5

just tried the BRUTAL BASS BÖSENDORFER R2.0 for 2 hours, with some adjustments for my taste and playing touch: I have to say

PUB PIANO SING-A-LONG R1.0 nice preset

TADutchman, I've never tried the parameter "3 - 3 Layer octave" before your latests presets: great work. Combining with the layering technique, this feature improves further more the sound capabilities of the instrument...

I'm trying to play the STEINWAY GRAND DEVOTION R1.0 in my CA63 but I don't have the Finger Nylon Gt sound. Which of this is the more closer: Finger Bass or Pick Nylon Gt

Great to hear! Just out of curiosity, could you show us the Pinipon variation?



Okay, let's clarify things a little: the Finger Bass is not really an option i.m.h.o., as it leads to clearly audible layering artifacts in the higher registers. Applying the Pick Nylon Gt leads to a more spacey sound (slightly less/more natural?); many people may actually like it. Another option is layering the Wood Bass, which makes the attack heavier and eh... woodier.

Basically, those were the reasons to finally select the Finger Nylon Gt; quite deceptively this doesn't seem to change the Mellow Grand's timbre, but it does increase playability in a Pianoteq kind of way, especially by making complex chords sound really alive and kicking!

Here's a special update for everyone. In the process, why not make those resonant high notes and complex chords sound even more 'expensive Acoustic Grand'-like by way of some extra stretch tuning?


STEINWAY GRAND DEVOTION R2.0

Dual Voice: Mellow Grand, volume 9 + Finger Nylon Gt (CA93 only) / Pick Nylon Gt (CA63/CA93), volume 1

1 Basic Settings
1 - 3 Tone control: low +1, mid -2, high +2

2 Virtual Technician
2 - 1 Voicing: normal (open-lid) / mellow 1 (half open-lid) / mellow 2 (closed-lid)
2 - 2 Damper resonance: 10
2 - 3 String resonance: 10
2 - 4 Key off effect: 5
2 - 5 Touch: normal
2 - 8 Stretch tuning: Wide

3 Key Settings
3 - 3 Layer octave: -1
3 - 4 Layer dynamics: 10

Reverb: Stage / Hall 1

Effect: Delay 2, time 1, depth 3

I like very much your setting but because pp are more difficult to play, and to make the sound not so bright and "clean" (due to light touch) I have made my own setting with the following changes:

Studio Grand, volume 5 + Mellow Grand 2, volume 5

1 - 3 Tone control: low +5, high +2

2 - 1 Voicing: dynamic
2 - 3 String resonance: 6
2 - 4 Key off effect: 9

3 - 4 Layer dynamics: 10

I don't know if I'm going far away from a BÖSENDORFER sound with that preset (I've played a BÖSENDORFER Grand long time ago: but it was a very good and unforgettable experience)

please try and give me your feedback.

Thanks for sharing!
There are a number of good ideas in your variation, but I'm not sure how to take into account perception of audio differences between CA63 + AKG K701 vs. CA93 + Sennheiser HD595 (brightness, bass, etc.).... layer dynamics 9 and normal voicing seems to be somewhat better for my set-up in this case.

Nevertheless, this made me have another go at retaining that mighty 'harmonic bell sound' of a Bösendorfer, while making pianissimo playing just a little easier at the same time. Does this work for you too?


BRUTAL BASS BÖSENDORFER R2.1

Dual Voice: Studio Grand, volume 5 + Mellow Grand 2, volume 5

1 Basic Settings
1 - 3 Tone control: low +4, mid +3, high +1

2 Virtual Technician
2 - 1 Voicing: mellow1
2 - 2 Damper resonance: 7
2 - 3 String resonance: 7
2 - 4 Key off effect: 10
2 - 5 Touch: light

3 Key Settings
3 - 4 Layer dynamics: 9

Reverb: Hall 1

Effect: Delay 2, time 1, depth 3

I've just read your post and played only few minutes to say: yeaaaaah, now we have a really built-in BÖSENDORFER in our DP

I love this release R2.1!!! Thanks TADutchman

Do you have the character and attitude?


I WANNA BE A POPSTAR BABY GRAND R1.0

Dual Voice: Mellow Grand, volume 8 + Rock Piano, volume 2

1 Basic Settings
1 - 3 Tone control: low -6, mid -3, high 0

2 Virtual Technician
2 - 1 Voicing: bright1
2 - 2 Damper resonance: 4
2 - 3 String resonance: 10
2 - 4 Key off effect: 4
2 - 5 Touch: normal

3 Key Settings
3 - 4 Layer dynamics: 8

Reverb: Stage

Effect: none

Today, let's cut through the contemporary mix!


DRY POP PIANO R1.0

Dual Voice: Pop Piano 2, volume 7 + Modern Piano, volume 3

1 Basic Settings
1 - 3 Tone control: low -2, mid +2, high -1

2 Virtual Technician
2 - 1 Voicing: bright1
2 - 2 Damper resonance: 4
2 - 3 String resonance: 6
2 - 4 Key off effect: 7
2 - 5 Touch: normal

3 Key Settings
3 - 4 Layer dynamics: 9

Reverb: Off

Effect: none

Ready for some swingin' Jazzband comping?


BLUE NOTE FESTIVAL GRAND R1.0

Dual Voice: Jazz Grand, volume 9 + Mellow Grand 2, volume 1

1 Basic Settings
1 - 3 Tone control: low -1, mid +2, high 0

2 Virtual Technician
2 - 1 Voicing: bright1
2 - 2 Damper resonance: 4
2 - 3 String resonance: 5
2 - 4 Key off effect: 6
2 - 5 Touch: normal

3 Key Settings
3 - 3 Layer octave: -1
3 - 4 Layer dynamics: 5

Reverb: Stage

Effect: Delay 2, time 1, depth 1

Sometimes there's a need for something less sophisticated, less expensive; let's call it an 'excentric personality'!


TWANGY GRAND R1.0

Dual Voice: Concert Grand 2, volume 7 + Studio Grand 2, volume 3

1 Basic Settings
1 - 3 Tone control: low +1, mid -2, high +2

2 Virtual Technician
2 - 1 Voicing: normal
2 - 2 Damper resonance: 10
2 - 3 String resonance: 10
2 - 4 Key off effect: 5
2 - 5 Touch: normal

3 Key Settings
3 - 4 Layer dynamics: 8

Reverb: Room 2

Effect: none

Nothing wrong with a subtle and clean filter sweep once in a while, right?


AMPED SYNTH LEAD R1.0

Dual Voice: Pick Nylon Gt, volume 2 + 60's E.P., volume 8

1 Basic Settings
1 - 3 Tone control: low -6, mid +6, high +1

2 Virtual Technician
2 - 1 Voicing: dynamic
2 - 5 Touch: light+

3 Key Settings
3 - 4 Layer dynamics: 10

Reverb: Stage

Effect: Delay 2, time 5, depth 5

Holy Cow.

BRUTAL BASS BÖSENDORFER R2.1

This one is phenomenal. Thanks so much!

Steve

A very simple preset generator in MS-Excel format for CA63/93 owners is available here:

http://www.mediafire.com/?xbz2f396ylr398g

- F9 to generate a preset
- min/max values are editable

I you need help, please send me a PM.

This is pretty cool, nice job!

Cheers,
James
x

I've betatested Pinipon's preset generator on my laptop last week and I'm happy to report that it will most certainly lead to new ideas for the CA93/CA63's dual voice mode!

It's so much better suited for our Kawai DP than the one I referred to before. Excellent job! (and next to MS Excel it also works with OpenOffice).

Thanks for your feedback, guys!

And what about a supercharged Steinway: would you mind giving this Big One a try too?


STEINWAY GRAND DEVOTION R2.1

Dual Voice: Mellow Grand, volume 9 + Pick Nylon Gt, volume 1

1 Basic Settings
1 - 3 Tone control: Bass boost

2 Virtual Technician
2 - 1 Voicing: normal (open-lid) / mellow 1 (half open) / mellow 2 (closed)
2 - 2 Damper resonance: 10
2 - 3 String resonance: 10
2 - 4 Key off effect: 8
2 - 5 Touch: light
2 - 8 Stretch tuning: Wide

3 Key Settings
3 - 3 Layer octave: -1
3 - 4 Layer dynamics: 10

Reverb: Hall 2 / Off

Effect: Delay 2, time 1, depth 5 / Off

@TADutchman,

Thanks again for posting all of these. I had a chance to try out both the Bosendorfer R2.1 and the Steinway R2.0 at the store today. These are definite improvements over the stock pianos. I think I may slowly be swayed away from Roland's 307 having tried these settings.

One more thing, I noticed an odd glitch(?) when programming these sounds into the user presets, I somehow reached a state where I was locked into dual layer mode with the Choir Ahs. Basically, anytime I pushed a non Choir instrument it would only layer with the Choir. When I pushed the Choir again, it would layer with itself. I was unable to access the function key in this state. The issue resolved itself after I pushed 30 or more different buttons.

Have you encountered this before?

well the new steinway is good. My wife likes it better than the Bosie. I think they're both excellent and probably suited to different pieces. Nice work!

YES, that's exactly what I was looking for: offering more diversity for differences in taste!

Great to see that you've been digging deeper than most before purchase.
Excellent research, also at the other thread: you're very welcome here!



With the previous firmware version I remember having had a similar panel lock-up only once or twice over a period of several Months (maybe caused by accidentally pressing a combination of buttons). I guess they don't have the latest Firmware v1.07 installed at the store yet; just a simple download and USB stick single file transfer to go...

TADutchman,

this morning I had some time to check out the STEINWAY GRAND DEVOTION R2.1.

Well, I have to say...




Unbelievable! Marvellous! Singing Piano! New Resonances I never heard before.

No, let's get serious again:





















UNBELIEVABLE!! MARVELLOUS!! SINGING PIANO!!

It's really like a new instrument, a new sample set, whatever. I never knew that it's possible with the virtual technician to create with some fantasy and creativity such new sounds. I can now really imagine why you named this piano Steinway grand devotion, even if it of course doesn't exactly sound like a Steinway.

Unfortunately I have no time to get into more details now, but I will now definitely test all the other patches after testing this eye opener.

Thanks again, TADutchman, for all your efforts! You've done a great job.

+100

Imagine how impressive a video of TADutchman (or perhaps the Kawai equivalent of Peter Baartmans) would be: showing off his sexily named virtual pianos on the Kawai Europe site rather than another ho hum Sean and Tom show that actually makes the Kawai pianos look and sound bad...

Imagine dealers that are actually trained in the product they sell and that are able to demonstrate and explain it properly in store!

Well, now it seems I will have to test that Steinway patch