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This question is for regular users of Pianoteq.

I am considering purchasing the stage or standard version soon. I know picking a favorite is very personal but I am curious about yours and why.

On a second thought, also, what is your (un)favorite?

Favorite:
1. C Bechstein
2. Steingraeber

Worst: Steinway D & K2

You were quicker than me: I complemented the OP.

Steingraeber - Warm preset. I don't know what it is about this one preset in particular, but somehow this one preset always makes me forget this is digital. It really seems to have a soul! The standard Steingraeber I find too bright.

Me too.

I like 'em all for different reasons. The K2 is wonderfully clear, not unlike a Kawai digital. I think it's versatile. D and Bluthner are inpressive to a degree. They exude quality.
Petrof is my least used.

My favorite changes from time to time - current favorite is definitely Steinway B with Bluethner in second place.

My least favorite is usually the K2 - but sometimes I like it depending upon what I'm playing.

My least favourite is Steinway D, followed by K2. I used to love Steinway B, but then I discovered Steingraeber. Oh my, it is so good. I only use Warm and Bright presets, with some EQ modification on the latter. I recorded some stuff recently using those 2: Steingraeber Warm Steingraeber Bright

Nice tunes, nice play. And I agree, it sounds good.

I am listening to the demos (mostly Pop/Jazz/Modern) and so far I liked Steingraeber and Petrof most; I liked Blüthner too and Bechstein.

Not sure about Grotrian, in the past (not sure if with Pianoteq 5 or 4) it was the one I liked most but now I could not make my mind.

I disliked the Steinways (not sure why).

My fauvorite: Petrof, Steinway B, Grotrian.
Less favorite but still I like: Bluethner, Bechstein.
I don't like Steinway D and YC5.

Well it is nicely played and sung but I can't get past the digital clipping. I left him a comment explaining where it might come from, hopefully I wasn't too mean about it.

Usually I just plonk around on the D with the intimate preset and an added reverb impulse file to make it a bit darker.
At my nonexistent skill levels there isn't much need to fuss around with sonic detail. :X

Best:

• Grotrian
• Bechstein

Worst:

• Steinway D

The Steinway D used to be fairly believable but with a few notes sounding completely wrong (like a bass guitar), but they've changed it so it now is utterly bland and boring (but the bass guitar is gone).

It's really sad because I also don't like "flagship" Steinwey D model
And my favorites are in that order:
-Steingreaber
-Bechstein
-Blutner

I don't have the rest though. I'm pretty sure I'd like Grotrian and Petrof very much.

One thing to keep in mind about the Steinway D is that it is always the flagship instrument for obvious reasons. So while it might not sound great now, there is a good chance they will keep improving it with each release. So it might still be a good 2nd pick even if it's not your absolute favorite right now.

'You mean YT recording? I set too much gain on audio interface and later it was too late to do anything about distortion. If you are talking about SoundCloud one, I don't hear any clipping. It's just compressed compared to original file I uploaded.

I didn't notice it, probably because I wasn't paying close attention. And I was listening through a BT speaker (not that I think about it, I will listen again through the iLouds and headphones).

PS (kind of OT): About liking/disliking a sound, I remember I hated ES8's SK sounds and loved EX. I found SKs sound character "whining" (thinking in portuguese, trying to find the best word to translate into english) and loved EX brighter character. But now it is the other way round, I love SK-5, like SK (modified) and dislike EX (SKs are better ballanced).

I owned MP7 (not SE) and it caused my strong dislike for EX and later I found relief in ES8 SK.

My Pianoteq pianos are...
Steinway B
Steinway D
Steingraeber
K2

...and I prefer them I that order.

It's all a matter of taste of course, but for me, I like the C Bechstein the most for its clear and distinct upper register. The bottom however leaves a bit to be desired, which can be elevated though EQ. I mostly use it for classical and the top half for soloing in a mix.

For jazz I like the Blühtner the most, also added EQ. I like the resonance on the Blühtner grands so much.

I use a MP11SE as controller. For the Bechstein I use a standard Normal touch curve. For the Blütner Unlike a more mellow and dark sound and use a modified Heavy+ touch curve.

Least favorite for me are both Steinways too. They just don't sound right.