How to create realistic piano sounds

[PieterPenninckx]

Hi all,

Here's what I would recommend:

1. Use a great piano sample library, like Salamander Grand Piano.
2. Use the sustain pedal (typically midi control channel 64).
   When the sustain pedal is pressed, a note only stops playing when the sustain pedal is released, even if the note itself is released earlier.
   1. Not all sample players support this. Check your sample player of choice. LinuxSampler supports this, see the status of this issue for sfizz.
   2. The key is knowing when to use the sustain pedal. There are no clear rules for me. The sustain pedal is typically used to make notes/chords transitions legato, even when the keys are not pressed legato. This is done by
      1. first pressing the sustain pedal down and playing the first chord,
      2. then playing the second chord and immediately after that,
      3. quickly releasing the sustain pedal for a very short time and then pressing it again.
      The sustain pedal is also used for broken chords.
      That being said, the sustain pedal can even be used when playing a simple melody without chords, since it gives a different sound.
3. "piano" is short for "piano-forte" since it can play both piano and forte. The Salamander Grand Piano library has 12 velocity layers, so use these. Make it a performance! (I know, easier said then done with midi editor.)
   1. It's typical that the melody is played louder than the accompanying chords.
   2. When playing chords, it's typical that all notes in the chord are played at similar, but different velocity. When chords are repeated, it's typical that not velocities of the next chord are different.
   3. Tip: the decay of low notes is much longer than that of short notes. It's very beautiful if the decay of a low note is matched by the velocity of higher notes that play at the same time.
4. (optional) Use (lots of) rubato.
5. For full realism, keep in mind that a pianist has at most two hands with typically five fingers in each. Also keep in mind that fingers cannot spread that far. That being said, a pianist can use the sustain pedal to make quick, yet smooth jumps over the keyboard.
6. Have fun. In case of despair, ask a pianist

[WforWoollyMammoth]

Or just learn how to play a keyboard instrument and get a decent piano sound.