I am looking for some free software that will allow me to play VST/Soundfont instruments on my computer.

I recently downloaded the trial version of Pianoteq and it works fine with my 88 key controller hooked up to my laptop.

The only thing is that the trial version has certain notes disabled, so as to force you to buy the full version. It's a bright Yamaha C2 sample, but I was looking for something darker.

I know there are lots of places to download VST/ Soundfont acoustic pianos. I just don't know where to download a free plug-in player.

Any help would be much appreciated.
Thanks
Steve

Maybe these will help:

http://www.originalsolopiano.com/how-to-use-virtual-instruments.html
http://www.originalsolopiano.com/how-to-convert-midi-to-mp3.html

Just a few words on the Pianoteq demo because I'm trying it myself at the moment and I'm loving it!

The disabled notes are very high and low black notes so I rarely miss them but I'm a complete beginner, I suppose a more advanced player might use them more frequently.

There are no samples used in Pianoteq, it's entirely modelled (the key noise may be sampled, not sure about that) and I read somewhere that it's not based on any make or model. The demo comes with a whole range of presets ranging from bright to dark and there are more users setting available for download here

http://www.forum-pianoteq.com/uploads.php

If that isn't enough try tweaking the settings yourself, it's actually pretty easy once you start playing. Try tweaking the Eq, maybe start by boosting the lower mids, be subtle or it might get a bit nasal! Also try make the hammers a little softer.

You might try increasing character and unison width if you feel the sound is a little sterile. Again be subtle or you'll end up sounding like a battered bar-room upright lol!

Hope that helps!

Edit: Oops double post!

Aaaargh, Treble post! Sorry

I'm a jazz player, so I miss the disabled notes, especially the ones in the bass.

I just downloaded "absolute piano" but haven't tried it out yet.

Too bad, you might want to give Truepianos a try too, it's 40 day demo with no limitaions as far as I know. Half the price of Pianoteq too but not so tweakable.

http://www.truepianos.com/index.php

Truepianos is very impressive!
Thanks a million!

You're welcome! I'll be trying it myself as soon as my Pianoteq demo expires!

Try savihost from www.hermannseib.com

It essentially lets you play any VSTi as a standalone. Great little free program. (There's an english version of the site, too.)