8Dio Productions has launched a new version of Plucked Piano, a Kontakt instrument library dedicated to deep sampling of plucked and hammer struck grand piano strings.

We took a world class piano through the process of recording every string with a custom plectrum. The instrument is best described as a hybrid between a harp, clavinet, guitar/lute and the unforgettable sound of the harpsichord. In addition, we added a bonus hammered articulation, using a custom miniature hammer. The sound has some resemblance to a hammered dulcimer.

We used a massively over-sized nylon guitar pick for the “Plucked” articulation. We then continued to use a small 1-ounce stainless steel hammer to strike each string for the “Hammered” articulation.

Once we completed our little masterpiece, we tunneled even deeper into the usability of the sound, importing it into an interface packed full of features, giving you all the creative freedom you could ever need. The unique thing about plucking or hammering a piano string is that it creates such a starkly different sound from simply playing it normally as you only strike a single string. Even though the other strings resonate sympathetically with the primary string being struck or plucked, the sound is much more singular, focused and narrow, with more buzz and “wah” in the sound. It’s much more like a harp crossed with a gigantic 88-string guitar, yet in itself completely unique.

The new Plucked Piano is available at an intro price of $79 USD until June 27th (regular $99 USD).

8Dio is also celebrating its upcoming 6th anniversary with a Summer of Creation Sale.

8Dio Summer of Creation Sale

You can get a 40% discount with coupon 8DIO40 at checkout.

The sale excludes the Century Series, Insolidus Choir, CASE Series and the already 70% discounted Adagio and Agitato series.

The offer ends July 14th, 2017.

More information: 8Dio Productions