Woodchester Piano: A Must-Have 88-Key Felt Piano for Composers

If you’re a composer or music producer searching for a unique and expressive instrument, the Woodchester Piano from the Signature Collection is a game-changer. This 88-key felt piano, developed in collaboration with renowned British composer James Everingham, brings an unparalleled level of intimacy and warmth to your compositions. In this article, we’ll explore the features, sound profile, and innovative tools that make this piano library an essential addition to your creative toolkit.

Unveiling the Signature Collection’s Debut Instrument

The Woodchester Piano marks the inaugural release of the Signature Collection, a series of specialized sound libraries designed in partnership with talented composers and musicians. This particular instrument is a reflection of James Everingham’s personal compositional style, capturing every subtle detail to serve as a foundational element in modern music production. From the delicate touch of the softest notes to the intricate sounds of hammers and keys, every aspect has been carefully recorded to provide an authentic experience.

What sets this felt piano apart is the level of control it offers. With a user-friendly interface, you can tweak everything from mechanical sounds to the pianist’s natural movements, ensuring a realistic and personalized output for your projects.

An Intimate and Warm Sound Profile

Recorded in the cozy confines of James Everingham’s home studio, the Woodchester Piano delivers a distinctively close and dry tone. A soft felt layer placed between the hammers and strings adds a unique warmth, making it ideal for creating deeply emotional and intimate piano soundscapes. Whether you’re scoring a film or crafting a soulful track, this instrument provides a rich, personal touch that resonates with listeners.

Customizable Features for Ultimate Control

One of the standout aspects of this 88-key piano is its detailed customization options. Here’s what you can adjust to tailor the sound to your liking:

• Mechanical Noises: Fine-tune the sounds of keys and pedals for added authenticity.
• Pianist Noise Control: Incorporate subtle human elements to enhance realism.
• Response and Timbre Shift: Modify the tone from dark and ambient to bright and vivid.
• Character Control: A new feature combining EQ, compression, and saturation for a polished, ‘crafted’ sound.

These controls allow you to shape the piano’s personality, making it a versatile tool for any genre or mood in music production.

Immersive Atmospheric Layers

The Woodchester Piano goes beyond traditional sound with its 11 unique atmospheric layers. Developed by the team at Fracture Sounds, these layers are crafted from processed raw samples and add a dynamic, evolving texture to your compositions. Controlled via the Atmosphere Intensity (linked to the CC1/Mod Wheel), these elements allow seamless blending with the raw piano tones, creating an immersive and inspiring experience from the moment you play.

With a recent update, the library now includes eight additional atmosphere layers, bringing even more depth and creativity to your workflow. Plus, eight expertly designed presets showcase the full potential of these new features.

About James Everingham: The Creative Mind Behind the Sound

The Woodchester Piano is deeply influenced by the vision of James Everingham, a British composer known for his work in film and television. Having collaborated with industry giants like Hans Zimmer on projects such as the BBC’s Frozen Planet 2, Everingham blends traditional orchestral techniques with modern sound design. His innovative approach to merging instrument design with creative soundscapes shines through in this remarkable piano library.

Enhanced Features for Modern Composers

The latest update to the Woodchester Piano introduces a larger, more intuitive interface, making it easier than ever to navigate and experiment. Fans of the Homestead Piano will appreciate the updated Character control for a refined sound. Other notable features include:

• Pedal on/off samples for realistic string resonance.
• Adjustable release noises for keys, pedals, and player movements.
• Full NKS support for seamless integration with Komplete Kontrol hardware.

These enhancements ensure that the Woodchester Piano remains a cutting-edge tool for composers and producers alike.

Why Choose the Woodchester Piano?

With its beautiful, warm, and distinctive sound, the Woodchester Piano stands out as a versatile and inspiring instrument. Whether you’re a seasoned composer or a budding songwriter, its detailed controls, atmospheric depth, and intimate tone make it a valuable asset in your creative arsenal. If you’re looking to elevate your music production with a truly unique felt piano, this is the instrument to explore.

Ready to transform your compositions? Dive into the world of the Woodchester Piano and experience the magic of the Signature Collection firsthand.