Unlock the Timeless Sound of the Alt Grand: A 1930s Grand Piano Masterpiece

Dive into the world of vintage music with the Alt Grand, a remarkable grand piano from the 1930s that carries almost a century of history in its keys. This extraordinary instrument isn’t just a relic; it’s a versatile tool for modern musicians, composers, and producers seeking a unique piano sound that stands out in any composition, from cinematic soundtracks to contemporary tracks.

A Grand Piano Beyond Ordinary: The Alt Grand’s Unique Charm

The Alt Grand isn’t your typical grand piano. Recorded with meticulous detail, this instrument offers a blend of nostalgia and innovation. Captured through various microphones, every nuance of its personality shines through, allowing you to craft a sound that’s truly your own. Whether you’re aiming for a bright, open tone or a softer, warmer vibe, the Alt Grand piano delivers unparalleled flexibility with dozens of customizable parameters.

Natural or Damped: Customize Your Piano Sound

One of the standout features of the Alt Grand is its dual recording approach. This 1930s grand piano was captured in two distinct styles: natural and damped. The natural recording offers a crisp, vibrant tone, while the damped version, achieved through carefully placed damper tape, provides a mellow, intimate warmth. What’s more, a unique blending control lets you mix these two sounds seamlessly, giving you the freedom to create the perfect piano sound for any project.

Creating the damped effect was no small feat. Hours were spent ensuring the material’s density and placement were just right for each octave, and sometimes even individual notes, to maintain consistency and quality across the board.

Transformative Textures for Innovative Soundscapes

The Alt Grand goes beyond traditional piano sounds by offering 23 unique textures derived from its original recordings. These transformative textures are crafted using unconventional methods like tape loops and guitar pedals, resulting in organic, synth-like tones. Use them as subtle background layers to add depth to your compositions or bring them to the forefront for a bold, atmospheric effect. Each texture comes with a secondary layer, adjustable via a dedicated slider, allowing you to further shape and personalize the sound.

How the Alt Grand Sound Library Was Crafted

Finding the perfect instrument took years, but the search ended with a stunning 1930s Chappell grand piano. This beauty was brought to Nave Studios, where it was recorded with painstaking attention to detail over several days. The resulting sound library includes multiple velocity layers, looped repeats, pedal samples (both pressed and released), and comprehensive damped recordings. The process was intensive, but the outcome—a rich, authentic sound—is worth every effort.

The recordings were made in Studio 1, known for its warm, natural acoustics. High-quality vintage Neumann and AKG microphones, paired with Neve 1073 preamps and an AMEK Rembrandt mixing console, ensured every detail was captured. Choose from three pre-mixed settings or experiment with five distinct microphone positions to create a tailored mix that suits your vision.

Key Features of the Alt Grand Piano Library

Here’s why the Alt Grand is a must-have for any music creator looking for a unique piano sound:

• Dual Sound Profiles: Recordings with and without dampers for versatile tonal options.
• Customizable Effects: Dozens of parameters to shape the sound to your liking.
• 23 Unique Textures: Innovative layers for atmospheric and synth-like effects.
• Ready-to-Use Mixes: Three pre-configured mixes for quick integration.
• Microphone Flexibility: Five positions to craft your ideal sound.
• Performance Mode: Optimized for live use with seamless control.
• Extensive Presets: Over 100 presets to inspire creativity.

Why Choose the Alt Grand for Your Music?

Whether you’re scoring a film, producing a song, or experimenting with contemporary music, the Alt Grand offers endless possibilities. Its multifaceted character and transformative textures make it an essential addition to any sound designer’s toolkit. This isn’t just a grand piano from the 1930s; it’s a gateway to creating timeless, evocative music with a signature sound that can’t be replicated.

Elevate your compositions today with the Alt Grand piano sound library and experience the magic of a bygone era, reimagined for the modern age.