Imperfect Samples has recently released a sample library featuring the sounds of a Braunschweig Upright Piano.

Imperfect Samples Schimmel Braunschweig Upright Piano

The Braunschweig Upright Piano, FX and Staccato instruments in Kontakt

From the product page:

The Braunschweig upright piano has a distinctive sound character that’s far more intimate than a grand piano, making it desirable for certain situations where you don’t want the polished and precise sound of a nine-foot grand in a concert hall.

Matt at Imperfect Samples recorded an original Schimmel Braunschweig upright piano for this sample library (24 bit).

The instrument has multiple velocity layers and release samples, resulting in a 1.38GB library that includes:

  • Schimmel Braunschweig Upright Piano
  • Schimmel Staccato
  • Schimmel Fantasy Piano
  • Schimmel Piano FX

The Braunschweig upright was originally released for EXS24, and is now also available for Kontakt for £39.99. I believe Matt is considering other formats such as sfz and Wusik as well.

So what do I think?

The sound is — as Matt put it — raw and distinctive. It has a really dark, intimate feel to it. There’s a lot of expression in the velocity layers (an updated version with even more velocity layers is in the works). I really like the Staccato, which is also available in a split patch, and the Piano FX program is simply adorable.

I was going to post a little audio snippet to show how great this piano sounds, but since I’m not much of a pianist you should just check these demos instead.

I highly recommend this sample library to anyone looking for a different kind of piano. Its imperfect sound is full of life and the instrument is an absolute joy to play.

More information: Impact Samples / Schimmel Braunschweig Upright Piano