Woodchester Piano: A Unique 88-Key Felt Piano for Composers
If you’re a composer or musician seeking an instrument that blends intimacy with versatility, the Woodchester Piano is a standout addition to your toolkit. This exquisite 88-key felt piano, part of the debut release in the Signature Collection, was developed in partnership with British composer James Everingham. Recorded in a close, dry environment, it captures every subtle nuance, making it a perfect choice for creating deeply emotive compositions.
Unveiling the Signature Collection’s First Gem
The Signature Collection is a series of specialized sound libraries designed in collaboration with talented composers and artists. The Woodchester Piano marks the inaugural release, reflecting the personal touch of James Everingham. This instrument isn’t just a piano; it’s a core element of his creative process, meticulously engineered to preserve every detail—from the softest notes to the mechanical sounds of hammers and keys. Even the subtle creaks of the pianist are captured, with customizable controls accessible directly from the user-friendly interface.
An Intimate and Warm Piano Sound
What sets this 88-key felt piano apart is its recording environment. Captured in Everingham’s personal studio, it offers a dry, up-close tone enriched by a delicate felt layer between the hammers and strings. This creates a uniquely warm and intimate piano sound that resonates with emotion, ideal for film scoring, ambient music, or heartfelt songwriting.
Precision Control for Tailored Soundscapes
The Woodchester Piano empowers users with unparalleled control over its sound. Adjust the mechanical noises to match your vision, and add a touch of realism with the Pianist Noise feature, which enhances the human element in your recordings. Further shape the tone using:
- Response Control: Fine-tune the piano’s dynamic reaction.
- Colour Adjustment: Shift the mood from dark and ambient to bright and vivid.
- Timbre Shift: Alter the overall character for diverse creative needs.
These features ensure that every note aligns perfectly with your artistic intent.
Transformative Atmospheric Layers
One of the most inspiring aspects of this instrument is its atmospheric layers. With 11 unique layers crafted from processed raw samples, these elements add depth and texture to the core piano sound. Controlled via the Atmosphere Intensity (linked to CC1/Mod Wheel), these layers allow seamless blending and customization, turning the Woodchester Piano into an immersive music composition tool that sparks creativity from the first note.
About James Everingham: The Creative Mind Behind the Sound
This remarkable piano bears the influence of James Everingham, a celebrated British composer for film and television. Known for his work alongside Hans Zimmer and Adam Lucas on the BBC’s Frozen Planet 2, Everingham masterfully blends traditional orchestral methods with modern synthesis. His innovative approach to sound design shines through in the Woodchester Piano, making it a reflection of his unique perspective on instrument crafting.
Key Features of the Woodchester Piano
Here’s why this composer piano library stands out:
- Distinctive, warm, and versatile tone for a variety of genres.
- 11 evolving atmospheric layers for rich, cinematic soundscapes.
- Authentic pedal on/off samples that capture string resonance.
- Customizable key, pedal, and player release noises for added realism.
- Intuitive interface for effortless navigation and control.
- Full NKS support, compatible with Komplete Kontrol hardware.
Recent Updates for Enhanced Creativity
The Woodchester Piano has been upgraded with a larger, more accessible interface and cutting-edge tools. Fans of the Homestead Piano will appreciate the new Character control, which integrates EQ, compression, and saturation for a polished, ‘crafted’ sound. Additionally, the update introduces eight new atmospheric layers—expanding the original set of three—and includes eight expertly designed presets to showcase the enhanced capabilities of this remarkable instrument.
Why Choose the Woodchester Piano?
Whether you’re scoring a film, crafting ambient tracks, or writing soulful melodies, the Woodchester Piano offers an unmatched blend of intimacy and innovation. Its detailed sound capture, customizable controls, and inspiring atmospheric layers make it an essential tool for any modern composer. Dive into the world of the Signature Collection and experience the magic of this 88-key felt piano—designed to elevate your music to new emotional heights.
