Let’s take a look at the 12 best free piano plugins available in 2023.
The piano’s popularity has been enormous since its conception, covering many different styles. From Beethoven to Elton John, you can find this iconic sound in classical pieces and hit songs alike.
The extensive versatility behind their black and white keys is the main reason for that character, displaying all notes in an organized and clever way.
However, not everyone owns such an instrument, and, even worst, not everyone has the appropriate means to capture its full sonority. Glady, we’re living in the 2020s and can use sampling technology in our favor.
Many sample libraries focused on capturing the piano’s essence are available, with superb quality and multiple settings available to further tweak your sound.
Although these libraries can fetch expressive price tags, there are also freeware options available out there.
Modern tools like the aforementioned sampling technology and even sound synthesis are the main engines behind such freeware plugins, and our list intends to showcase the best options for free piano VSTs available in 2023.
Let’s now take a deep look at our options.
Top 12 Free Piano Plugins For Musicians 2023 That Sound Like Paid
1. audiolatry GrandPianoXXL
More Info & Download
A faithful recreation of the iconic Yamaha C5 Grand Piano.
The Yamaha C5 is a grand piano suited for the best concerts and symphonic performances, with excellent building quality and crafted to withstand a lifetime of constant use (with the proper regular maintenance, of course). One of the unique characteristics of this model is its length of 2m (or 6’7″), thus providing a very rich and deep tone.
Key Features:
-
- Nice samples
Alexander Holm recorded the samples included in GrandPianoXXL in the best way possible: he used two AKG C414s placed in AB position at 12cm from the Yamaha C5’s strings, resulting in an intimate sound with lots of detail in each recorded audio file that captures the essence of this beautiful grand piano. - Velocity layers
If the most realistic representation of such an instrument is required, a decent number of velocity layers is imperative for an organic and natural sound in this virtual instrument. Each velocity layer captures a specific value in dynamics or volume – for instance, lower values can represent a soft and delicate playing – and GrandPianoXXL features 16 different layers for each sample file, which have 48kHz 24bit quality. - Key release noises
Another cool feature that makes GrandPianoXXL even more realistic than other options is the noise from released keys. In a genuine piano, all keys have considerable weight and will resonate when played or released. To simulate this effect and provide a more realistic performance, you can tweak the key release noises by turning the “Key” knob around, which sets the gain level for the effect. - Tremolo
The dedicated “Tremolo” section contains one of the many effects inside this plugin. You can set the basic configuration for it via the “Speed” and “Depth” knobs, but there are also three small selections to tame it further: “WVF” for altering the waveforms, “DST” to choose the distortion type, and “SRC” to set the source. - Filter
Want to trim the frequencies in your virtual instrument better? This is the option to do that. The “Filter” knob offers a cutoff, with a selectable low pass or high pass configurations that can set the precise amount of high or low-end in your piano’s sound.
- Nice samples
Compatibility:
This plugin is available for macOS 10.11 or higher and Windows 8.1 or higher. It runs in VST2, VST3, and AU plugin formats.
Summary:
GrandPianoXXL is a reliable tool to get nice piano sounds quickly. The clean look is one of the best features of it, providing simple and clear controls in the main design interface, but the sounds are also another great point to consider, thanks to the special care taken during the recording process.
The effects can also make it more versatile, clearly stating that it’s a great option for a reliable grand piano sound.
Also, consider checking another fabulous plugin by audiolatry – Upright Piano, great for Trap, Hip Hop & RnB to add a vibe to your tunes. You can get it here. Here is how it looks:
2. SINEfactory Spindle By Orchestral Tools
More Info & Download
The most delicate sounds coming from an upright piano are included in this plugin.
Orchestral Tools brings innovation with their SINE Player, available for Windows and macOS. This player provides a “free subscription” of great virtual instruments without any cost to the current models and any future creations.
One of these is the Spindle, which is a Rösler grand piano recorded with soft-felt hammers that provide a smooth, muted sound.
Key Features:
-
- Historic instruments
The piano chosen to be sampled is from Rösler, which might be a new and unheard manufacturer. This company was founded by Gustav Rösler in the late 19th century, around 1878, and began making good impressions in the then Austro-Hungarian empire. After his passing in 1891, his brother-in-law Ludwig Gatter gradually expanded the company to more countries, where their pianos have become a staple of good sound and fine building quality. - Meticulous recording process
Orchestral Tools recorded the samples in this plugin from four up-close microphone positions, ideal for an intimate sound that such a delicate instrument requires. The result is a warm tone, round low-end, and detailed high notes. - Velocity layers
Spindle contains three velocity layers in every sample audio file, providing an authentic feel and realism to anything played. The three round robins per note also contribute to this effect, great for ostinatos and austere piano arrangements. - Perfect for chords
Although you can use this virtual instrument however you prefer, the intimate quality behind the soft sonority is perfect for creating a nice atmosphere with harmonies. Every chord can sound very tight and warm, being the best choice for cinematic productions and tracks that require a soft ambiance.
- Historic instruments
Compatibility:
This plugin is available for macOS 10.13 or higher (64-bit only) and Windows 10 or higher (64-bit only). It runs in VST, VST3, AAX, and AU plugin formats.
Summary:
Spindle it’s all about softness. The soft-padded hammers used on this specific Rösler upright piano create an authentic delicate sound spectrum that is very solid and warm.
Its functions are as straightforward as possible, and each sample bears substantial audio quality that defines the overall instrument’s sound. Although it’s not clear which exact model was used, you can tell that the awesome sounds come from a balanced, well-built piano, and to have that library inside your DAW is truly helpful.
3. RDG AUDIO Free Piano 2
More Info & Download
A hybrid piano and strings virtual instrument like this can be a handy tool.
Bringing a simple configuration, RDG Audio Free Piano 2 is as straightforward as possible: it features a solo grand piano sound and a hybrid formation with a looped strings section. You can alternate between these two modes, and the most direct controls are distributed along the main interface.
Key Features:
-
- Sampled sections
The piano chosen to capture the sample files was an Asian Type D Cottage Piano, with four specific microphone positions to fully capture its sound profile. The strings were captured similarly, bearing a distinctive good quality in each audio file. - Many samples
What makes such a virtual instrument so precise in terms of sound quality is the quantity of sample audio files included: the more samples, the more definition is present in every note played. The extensive capturing process in Free Piano 2 produced over 600 samples, covering the full length of the grand piano’s tonalities. - Sustain MIDI CC
The sustain pedal is one of the key elements in any piano sound due to the characteristic responsiveness every note suffers when this pedal is activated. In essence, every note has a higher sustain value when this pedal is pressed, and you can include that in the MIDI CC value 64. - Articulations
Aside from more than 400 articulations included, which can substantially increase the instrument’s authenticity, you also have three different velocity layers for each note and four round robin, which can make the overall virtual instrument sound more realistic. - Master controls
You can adjust the overall sound, even if the strings section is included, via three knobs on the right side of your interface. The “Tune” knob is responsible for detuning the notes, while the “Volume” sets the overall volume and “Pan” adjusts the stereo imaging of your instruments. - Envelope and filter
As simple as possible, the “Envelope” and “Filter” sections feature fewer configurations than other sections. The first one has only “Attack” and “Release” controls, while the latter offers “Reverb” and “Cutoff” knobs, with the additional selection of a high or low pass filter type.
- Sampled sections
Compatibility:
This plugin is available for macOS 10.14 or higher (64-bit only) and Windows 7 through 10 (64-bit only). It runs in VST3 and AU plugin formats.
Summary:
Although it features a simple display of controls, Free Piano 2 is a basic tool with basic sounds. The nice addition of a string section can be one cool attraction – if your track needs both instruments, then you don’t need to download any more software! – but all samples might not offer the best velocity layers and quality possible.
Even so, this can be a fun virtual instrument to play around with.
4. Sound Magic Piano One
Piano One is one of the best free piano plugins, especially if you are a pop musician.
This plugin features a deeply sampled Yamaha C7 concert grand piano. Over the audio samples, Piano One also utilizes a hybrid modeling engine to offer even more playability. However, since this is a free version of Sound Magic’s Neo Piano, some features are limited.
The limitations aren’t debilitating, though. The modeling engine’s sympathetic resonance feature is missing, and the piano samples are limited to 18 seconds. Neither should create any issues unless you intend to use the piano in a professional solo performance.
Key Features:
- Piano Tweaks
The plugin features overtone controls from the Harmonics section. You can shift the harmonic frequencies or change their level. Similarly, the Tone section lets you control the low and the high frequencies, and the Lid fader adds a low-pass filter to simulate the piano lid position. Furthermore, you can change the amount of hammer dampness, dynamic range, release amount, and so on. - Built-in Reverb
Piano One has a dedicated reverb section, where you can adjust its parameters. It’s a relatively simple digital reverb, but it offers all the critical parameters. So, it’s fine for mixing with other instruments. If you are playing the piano solo, though, I’d suggest trying an outboard convolution reverb. - Performance
Piano One has a Perspective section to mix between the player and the audience’s perspective. I found that a blend between the two can result in a wider stereo space. And similarly, the Noises section features pedal, string, and hammer-off noise generators, which can add to the realism of your performance.
The following video by Kenny Gioia demonstrates the sound of Piano One. If you are using REAPER, the video also shows how to load the plugin in your DAW:
Compatibility:
The plugin is available for Windows 10 or higher and macOS 10 or higher, both 32-bit or 64-bit. It comes in VST 2 and AU formats.
Summary:
Sound Magic Piano One is the free version of their paid Neo Piano plugin. And that means you will get premium-sounding samples but with somewhat limited features.
However, I don’t think the limitations are problematic; you’ll be hard-pressed to find similar quality for free elsewhere. Overall, I think it’s a worthy download.
5. SINEfactory Ratio By Orchestral Tools
More Info & Download
The beautiful sounds of a classic grand piano model are available to you for free.
As previously mentioned, Orchestral Tools counts on the SINE Player to deliver great and free sample libraries, all with extreme quality and relevance. This time, we have a Steinway B grand piano used by the likes of Earth, Wind & Fire, Stevie Nicks, and the great Prince himself.
These pianos are excellent on their own, and now you can add this iconic sound to your tracks.
Key Features:
-
- Excellent brand
Steinway & Sons is arguably one of the best, if not the best, piano manufacturers in the world. All their models, since the company’s foundation in 1853, offer superb building quality that should last many lifetimes. The piano chosen to be sampled was the Model B from Sunset Sound Studios in Los Angeles. The 211cm (or 6’11”) length provides amazing sounds and textures, ideal for any musical style you can think of. - Main menu
The main menu, where the “Library” display is shown, brings all virtual instruments you own into a single window. The sounds are ready to be played with, but you can further tweak them with the assistance of some tools on the lower right side of the screen: you have “Legato” and “Velocity” configurations, aside from setting the key switches to your taste. - Mixer section
The dedicated “Mixer” window displays a single fader responsible for the master volume control. Unfortunately, you don’t get many options to customize the sound of your piano, but this master volume fader might come in handy when dealing with the overall dynamics. - Envelope
To make things even more realistic, an envelope control allows you to adjust settings like “Attack” and “Depth” so every note you play can bear a significant resemblance with the genuine instrument. Although it’s a simple section, the sonic results can be significantly improved by twisting the knobs to your taste.
- Excellent brand
Compatibility:
This plugin is available for macOS 10.13 or higher (64-bit only) and Windows 10 or higher (64-bit only). It runs in VST, VST3, AAX, and AU plugin formats.
Summary:
The classic piano sound is contained within this box. This is the perfect description for Ratio, one of the multiple Orchestral Tools free offerings. The audio quality is insanely good, closely resembling the iconic Steinway & Sons Model B piano used to sample the notes.
There are not many controls to mess around with, and this can be a good thing for having a focused, solid sound coming out of this library. A few other options, such as having multiple microphone positions, would be good to expand its quality even further.
6. Agus Hardiman Golden Piano
Fans of late 80s pop music will love this free piano plugin.
Golden Piano is a simple piano plugin that features a decent grand piano sample library alongside an electronic piano and pad. Furthermore, various other features can help you adjust the sound to your liking. Although there isn’t a massive possibility for sound design, the plugin is excellent for what it does.
Key Features:
- Samples
The plugin features a grand piano with 8 velocity layers per note. While it isn’t an awful lot, it’s pretty decent enough for production. Furthermore, you can add FM synth (DX) tines and a soft pad to recreate the renowned pop e-piano sound. You can adjust the levels of the tines and the pad with a volume knob each. - Reverb & LFO
The big knob at the center of the interface controls the reverb amount. And the two knobs to the right control the pitch LFO depth and rate. You’ll probably want to avoid overdoing the latter effect unless a retro sci-fi style sound is what you’re after.
Have a listen to this groovy track featuring the dry sound of Golden Piano. Note that it doesn’t utilize the tines or the pads:
Compatibility:
The plugin is available for Windows 7 or higher 32-bit and 64-bit and macOS 10 or higher 64-bit. It comes in VST 2, and AU formats.
Summary:
While most piano plugins attempt to remain universal and applicable for multiple genres, Golden Piano aims to capture the sound of 80s and 90s pop music.
And it does so very well while barely consuming any RAM or CPU. If you are a fan of such piano sounds, go right ahead and download it.
7. Sample Science Room Piano v3
If you are after a simple piano sound reminiscent of the 90s keyboards, you’ve come to the right place.
Room Piano is a piano plugin dedicated to giving your tracks a Lo-Fi feel. The plugin uses samples of a living room upright piano, sampled every 3 semitones in 2 velocities.
So, don’t expect a realistic sound. But if you are making hip-hop or similar genres, you can use this piano alongside one of the best Lo-Fi plugins and create a nostalgic piece of music.
Key Features:
- Lightweight
The plugin only consumes around 60 megabytes of your disk space. So, you can use this plugin in your productions as a retro sound. Or, you could use it as a placeholder when composing and later replace the plugin with a heavier library. - Effects
While the effect plugins aren’t flexible, they are still handy for manipulating the sound quickly. Room Piano v3 features a simple room reverb, a low-pass, and a high-pass filter. And the plugin also features an amp envelope and glide feature. - Modulator
The plugin features an LFO modulator that you can assign to pitch, volume, and filter. You can select various waveforms for the LFO and assign an LFO source such as your modulation wheel.
Have a listen to how Room Piano v3 sounds and how you could incorporate it in a mix as a Lo-Fi sound:
Compatibility:
Room Piano v3 plugin is available for Windows 8.1 or higher and macOS 10 or higher, both 64-bit only. It comes in VST 2 and AU formats.
Summary:
I wouldn’t recommend this piano plugin for a pianist. It’s designed to sound as retro as possible, what with the strange inclusion of a pitch glide! But for an experimenting artist who enjoys adding effects to complicate sounds, this plugin could be what you are after.
8. Spitfire Audio LABS Soft Piano
True to its name, Soft Piano delivers an intimate tone that works well for ambiance.
Spitfire Audio recorded the Soft Piano on a dry stage at Air Edel Studios in London. It features a grand piano with a thin strip of felt cloth placed between the hammers and the strings.
The fabric helped reduce the high frequencies of the piano and create an intimate, soft tone that is ideal for many uses, including film scoring, hip-hop, and pop music.
Key Features:
- Simple
As with any of the LABS instruments by Spitfire Audio, this plugin’s interface features two faders and a knob. That’s it. One of the faders is volume control, whereas the other controls dynamism. And the large knob controls the amount of reverb. - Effective
There aren’t many places for a piano as soft as this one. It doesn’t stand out well in a busy mix. However, Spitfire Audio has nailed it with Soft Piano when you want something that stays in the background and provides a soft ambiance. I find it helpful in creating intros and outros in a song.
The following video shows the interface and also lets you see how it can sound with a variety of effects:
Compatibility:
The plugin is available for Windows 7 or higher and macOS 10.10 or higher, both 64-bit only. It comes in VST 2/3, AU, and AAX formats.
Summary:
Clearly, Soft Piano isn’t a universal piano. However, its intimate sound is unlike anything else. And the instrument is well-sampled and features multiple velocity layers. For a free plugin, it’s not bad at all.
9. Micronissimo A73 Piano Station
More Info & Download
The multiple keyboards included make this one of the most versatile options on this list.
Bearing an interface resembling the great synthesizers of the 1980s, A73 Piano Station includes over 100 instrument options, and the pianos included are awesome-sounding, just like the other instruments.
The clean design and intuitive controls provide a great user experience, with instant good sound results.
Key Features:
-
- Master section
In “Master,” you can set the usual “Master,” “Lead,” “Bass,” and “Rhythm” configurations, which configure the individual volumes for the “Bass” and “Lead” keyboard areas, the drum machine section, and the overall plugin’s volume. In addition, you can record whatever you’re playing by hitting the “Record” button. A master “Mute” button is also included. - Three at once
The middle section permits to run three different virtual instruments simultaneously. Divided between “A,” “B,” and “C” sub-sections, each can load any of the 100+ options included, from grand pianos to helicopter sounds. - Drum machine
The last section is the “Base” module. It’s a drum machine that deals with everything related to the rhythm, with different tempo styles and “Tempo” and “Shuffle” faders that can alter the swing of any rhythm selected. - Arp mode
Inside the middle section, an “Arp” button enables the arpeggiator mode, thus playing consistent arpeggios from whatever note you play. Other than that, there are 60 patterns to choose from, way beyond the common “Up” and “Down” sequences. - Rhythmic styles
If you want ready-to-use rhythms while you do your daily practice routine, A73 Piano Station includes 40 different of them. You can select between “Piano Peace,” “Ballad,” “Piano Blues,” “Rhumba,” “Rock and Roll,” “Soft Jazz,” “Ballad,” and many more.
- Master section
Compatibility:
This virtual instrument is available for Windows XP through 10. It runs in standalone mode.
Summary:
This excellent freeware virtual instrument offers multiple variations in music styles and sonorities for the piano sounds.
Of course, you can have many other instruments running alongside – for example, a piano in sub-section “A” and a drum machine in another – but the piano sounds are authentic by themselves, and the interface helps to refine the perfect sonority with straightforward controls and elegant design.
A huge downside is that it runs only in standalone mode, but even with MIDI configuration, it restrains a lot of its capabilities by not being able to run inside any DAW.
10. Bitsonic Keyzone Classic
More Info & Download
Multiple grand piano profiles are contained inside one single window.
Free virtual instrument plugins are usually a great treat to beginner audio producers starting to get used to this professional area. They are mostly lightweight (meaning they probably can run in slower CPUs), and it isn’t uncommon to see more than one instrument or effect in the same package.
Bitsonic Keyzone Classic can be defined just like that, bringing a light software that contains five different piano profiles inside the same window.
Key Features:
-
- Envelope controls
On the left side of your interface screen, you’ll see four knobs that control the “Attack,” “Decay,” “Sustain,” and “Release” of your sound. By messing around with these values, you can simulate a specific resonance associated with a famous model in seconds, thus developing a more natural atmosphere to the sound profiles. - Five distinct profiles
Keyzone Classic is a nice plugin to have close by. If you need to use the most common piano sounds, you can rest assured it will be there. The five profiles are “Keyzone Piano,” “Yamaha Grand Piano,” “Steinway Piano,” “Basic Electric Piano,” and “Rhodes Piano.” Each can be viewed as a “preset” saved with the overall configurations tailored to mimic a certain piano sound profile. - Detune knob
In certain electric pianos, it’s natural to expect some kind of detuning when playing. These instruments work with metal bars designated for each key, and sometimes this metal could expand or contract, thus resulting in one of the causes for such detuning. You can easily simulate this effect via the dedicated “Detune” knob. - Velocity curve
If you want to adjust the velocity curve (in other words, how exactly most segments of your note’s velocity will sound), you can switch between three different profiles. You can opt for “Normal,” “Weak,” and “Strong” velocity curves, resulting in different playing styles and dynamics. - LFO profiles
On the far-right section of the interface, you’ll see two faders called “LFO Rate” and “LFO Depth.” These can control different rate and depth modulation parameters according to which profile you select on the box above it: “Pitch,” “Expression,” or “Pan” are available, or even “None” if you don’t want to have a modulation going on.
- Envelope controls
Compatibility:
This plugin is available for macOS 10.16 or higher and Windows 7 or higher. It runs in VST2, VST3, and AU plugin formats.
Summary:
This nice collection of different piano profiles can be very handy, covering five distinct sonorities that are commonly used in any audio production situation.
Bitsonic Keyzone Classic is a very straightforward virtual instrument in the sense that you don’t have much distraction going on on the main screen, so it’s easy to focus on the tones you want in a matter of seconds.
In addition, the different piano profiles are very useful and can be modified if needed.
11. 99Sounds Upright Piano
Upright Piano is a generic piano plugin that can also create some pad sounds.
This piano plugin employs a very straightforward interface with the appropriate sound. It’s a dry piano that you can use for general music production like hip-hop and trap. There are four sampled notes per octave and six velocity layers per note, so it sounds pretty smooth.
Key Features:
- Effects
The piano plugin features a tremolo, a damper, and a reverb. The damper is essentially a low-pass filter that softens the piano sound. And the reverb is a simple digital reverb that can add space to your sound. - Envelope
The envelope features an attack and a release knob. You can use these to soften the piano sounds or create a pad-like sound. The pad sound works incredibly well when you combine it with the reverb and a slight tremolo.
In this video, Bedroom Producers Blog demonstrates Upright Piano and also shows you how it can sound when used as a pad:
Compatibility:
The plugin is available for Windows 10 or higher and macOS 9, both 32-bit and 64-bit. It comes in VST 2 and AU formats.
Summary:
Overall, it’s a pretty simple piano plugin that you could use either as a placeholder or even for production. I wouldn’t recommend it for solo classical performance, but you should be able to get away with it if you add in some reverb. Try adding some chorus to create a bar-piano style sound or to improve the pad-like tone.
12. DSK Akoustik KeyZ
More Info & Download
The great tones of a grand piano are within this free virtual instrument.
DSK is known for developing freeware plugins and virtual instruments that are popular among producers and musicians alike. This time, Akoustik KeyZ focuses on getting the distinct profiles of some grand piano models nailed down, with some cool controls and in a light format.
Key Features:
-
- Three profiles
You can choose between three piano profiles inside AkoustiK KeyZ: there’s “Grand Piano,” “Concert Piano F,” and “Concert Piano P.” The general settings don’t change as you switch between profiles so you can expand different sonorities in many distinct ways. - Filter
The “Filter” section presents “Cut” and “Res” faders, related to cutoff and response, respectively, and two modes – low or high pass. There’s also an on/off switch to activate the effect when desired. - Envelope
This section controls how your sound will resonate through the instrument and, consequently, the ambient. The common “Attack,” “Decay,” “Sustain,” and “Release” faders control those parameters, and a “Fine” extra fader helps get everything glued together with a fine-tuning of the sound’s dissipation. - Flanger
Uncommon to most piano plugins and sample libraries, a flanger is present in AkoustiK KeyZ. The controls are fairly simple – “Mix,” “Rate,” and “Feedback” – and provide all basic configurations to make the “wooshing” sound of a flanger resonate through your chosen piano model. - Reverb modes
Activating a reverb can help determine your instrument’s ambiance, and here we can choose between some different modes. There are “Normal,” “Freeze,” and “Gated” profiles, each with specific sonority and response, and all are affected by the “Mix,” “Width,” “Size,” and “Damp” fader controls.
- Three profiles
Compatibility:
This plugin is available for Windows 7 or higher (32-bit only). It comes in VST plugin format.
Summary:
DSK AkoustiK KeyZ is a minimalistic rendition of common upright pianos, with easy-to-follow controls and unique sound profiles that render the classic sound of this instrument lightly.
Although it’s a simplistic virtual instrument, it can achieve certain good sounds, but mostly it’s a junior version of bolder and more complete VSTs and libraries.
Bonus
DSK The Grand
More Info & Download
A simple design that houses the classic sounds of a grand piano.
A bonus from DSK, The Grand gets the job done with a minimalistic interface that bears handy controls. You don’t have presets here, just knobs to tweak your sound exactly what you want.
Such simplicity may not be what beginners look for, but it doesn’t stop the plugin from being versatile and useful.
Key Features:
-
- Velocity layers
As discussed in this list, velocity layers are responsible for making your virtual instrument sound more realistic, exploring all dynamic layers present in every single instrument’s key. The Grand features four different velocity layers in each note, with about four to six samples per note. - Reverb
The single knob that represents the “Reverb” effect is as straightforward as possible: here, you can set the precise amount of ambiance your virtual instrument needs without further tweaks. - Simple interface
Differently from other items on this list, The Grand showcases a clean and simple design interface. You have only the knobs designated to alter your sound (“Attack,” “Decay,” “Sustain,” “Release,” “Reverb,” and “Level”) and the virtual keyboard that expands through eight octaves. - Envelope
Four of the six knobs included control of the envelope effect. In essence, it deals with the overall dynamics in your plugin, making it sound more realistic. With the help of the “Reverb” knob, you can make your virtual instrument come to life with delicate aspects of its resonance.
- Velocity layers
Compatibility:
This plugin is available for macOS 10.9 or higher and Windows 7 or higher. It runs in VST and AU plugin formats.
Summary:
A simple yet useful plugin, DSK The Grand focuses on instantly getting the most famous grand piano sounds without much tweaking from the knobs. This simplistic interface may not be the most welcoming to new users and producers, thanks to the lack of presets that can save specific configurations. However, it can be a good plugin when other options are unavailable.
Conclusion
Pianos are essential to modern music the same way they are essential to the styles of the past. Think of classical music, jazz, and even early rock and roll. The piano was always there, in one form or another.
The easy way notes are displayed, allied with the characteristic and versatile tone it provides, has made its reputation enormous among music producers and sound engineers. Some musicians even prefer to compose on the piano due to how easily the notes are organized.
The best way to capture a piano’s essence is to play a genuine one. Yes, they can be quite big, but there are solid electric options out there, mainly because not everyone has enough room to house a grand piano in their homes.
This is why sampling technology is one of the best aspects of our modern world: if you can’t own one, why not own its sample sounds and virtually play it? Most virtual instruments and sample libraries nail this, and this list is intended to bring the best freeware alternatives to paid plugins.
Among the most complete and immersive options, RDG AUDIO Free Piano 2 draws attention by gathering decent piano samples with a string section, being the perfect duo for immersive and heartwarming pieces.
Micronissimo A73 Piano Station is another cool option that features 100+ instruments (including different pianos) and provides three different instruments to be played together from the same screen. The only downside is that it works in standalone mode only.
The plugin with the best-sampled sound is undoubtedly Orchestral Tools Ratio, captured from a Steinway Model B grand piano. The excellence in every aspect of this piano makes this a remarkable free library, included in the SINE Player, and very adjustable.
To wrap it up, an honorable mention is Bitsonic Keyzone Classic, which brings some cool different piano models on the same screen and offers some nice configurations in the final sound as well.
All plugins listed here are free to use, and this can be a positive treat for beginner producers and amateur songwriters who need a reliable virtual instrument to produce their tracks.
Even though they won’t cost you anything, it’s nice to download each and try them out before choosing the ideal one for you.
See you next time!
Readings that you may like:
Other Plugin Roundups:
Genre Focused:
Top 10 EDM Plugins (And 10 Best FREE Plugins For EDM)
Top 10 Plugins For TRAP Beats (And 5 Best FREE Trap Plugins)
20 Best Plugins For Rock Musicians (+ 6 FREE Plugins)
Top 14 Trance Plugins (Uplifting, Tech, Progressive, Vocal, Dream, Hard)
Top 10 GOA & PsyTrance Plugins (Best Psychedelic Trance Tools)
Top 7 Plugins For Dubstep (With 10 Best FREE Effects & Synths)
Top 20 Synthwave Plugins (+ 11 Best FREE Plugins)
Top 15 Plugins For Techno, House, Electro, Tech House, UK Garage
Top 6 Plugins For Latin Music (And 4 FREE Tools)
Top 12 Plugins For Hip-Hop (+ Best Kontakt Libraries)
Top 7 Plugins For Game & Film Scoring (+ 6 Best Kontakt Libraries)
Top 10 R&B And Pop Music Plugins & KONTAKT Libraries
30 Best Free Plugins For DnB, EDM, IDM & Experimental Music
EQ Plugins
Top 12 Free EQ Plugins For Precise Mixing & Mastering
Top 9 Mid/Side EQ Plugins For Mixing & Mastering (+ 2 Free Tools)
Top 7 Graphic EQ Plugins (With 3 Best Free EQs)
Top 7 EQ Plugins For Mastering In | And Best FREE Mastering EQs
Top 6 Passive EQ Plugins (Klevgrand, SPL, UAD, Waves, IK Multimedia)
Top 11 Plugins For Making Metal (Best Guitars, Drums & Effects)
Metering:
Top 5 Audio Metering Plugins (LUFS, RMS, LRA, True Peak)
Top 6 Spectrum Analyzer Plugins – Spectral Analysis Tools
Top 6 Oscilloscope Plugins To See The Waveforms
Top 5 Key Detection Plugins & Software (+ Best FREE App)
Kontakt Libraries
20 Best Kontakt Libraries For All Categories (Synths, Drums, Vocals)
Top 7 Drum Libraries For KONTAKT (And 4 Freebies)
Top 7 Trap Music Kontakt Libraries (And Best Lo-Fi Kontakt Library)
Top 7 Metal & Rock Kontakt Libraries (Best Guitars & Drums)
Top 10 Guitar Libraries For Kontakt (Acoustic, Electric, Bass & Freebies)
Top 7 Trailer Scoring Plugins & Kontakt Libraries
20 Best Free KONTAKT Libraries For Various Instruments
Top 9 Piano Kontakt Sample Libraries (And 5 Best Free Pianos)
Top 10 Percussion KONTAKT Libraries (And 3 Freebies)
Top 7 Kontakt Libraries For Horror & Thriller Scoring (No VSTs)
Audio Restoration, Calibration & Utility:
Top 6 Noise Reduction Plugins (And 3 Best Free Tools)
6 Best Audio Restoration Plugins & Software
Top 7 Phase Alignment Plugins To Fix Your Bass & Drums
Top 10 Room Calibration & Headphones/Speakers Correction Plugins
Instrument Plugins:
Top 6 Vocoder Plugins (Effects & Synths + FREE Vocoder)
11 Best Rhodes VST Plugins (AND 5 Free Rhodes Plugins)
Top 12 Randomizer Plugins Including FREE Plugins
Top 6 Kick Drum Plugins (Best Kick Designer Tools)
Top 12 Woodwind Plugins (And KONTAKT Libraries)
Top 10 Double Bass Plugins (Best Upright Basses)
Top 5 Strings VST Plugins (AND 4 Best Free Instruments)
Top 6 Sampler Plugins (And 3 Best FREE Plugins)
Top 6 Classical Guitar Plugins & Kontakt Libraries (And FREE Guitars)
Top 12 Sub Plugins (Best 808 & Bass Tools For Massive Low End)
Top 10 Plugins On PluginBoutique (And 7 Best Free Plugins)
Top 11 Plugins On Plugin Alliance
Top 7 Acoustic Guitar Plugins (And 4 Best Kontakt Libraries)
9 Best Bass Guitar Plugins (And 2 Best Freebies)
Top 6 Electric Guitar Plugins (Best PAID & FREE Picks)
Top 10 Arpeggiator VST Plugins (Best Synths, MIDI Effects & Tools)
Top 10 Modular Synth Plugins (And 3 Best FREE Plugins)
Top 6 Choir Plugins & Sample Libraries (And 3 Best Free Plugins)
11 Best Percussion & Drum VST Plugins (And FREE Plugins)
Top 8 Piano Plugins (Best Sounding Pianos & 5 FREE Piano Plugins)
Top 6 Organ Plugins Ever Made (And 3 Best Free Organs)
Top 14 VST Plugins For Beginners (And 9 FREE Plugins)
Top 9 Drum Machine Plugins (And Groovebox Plugins)
4 Best Banjo Plugins (Best Banjo Instruments)
The 5 Best Ukulele Plugins & Kontakt Libraries
Top 13 Synth Plugins (And 5 Best FREE Synths Plugins)
Top 13 Sequencer Plugins (Synth, MIDI & Step Sequencers)
The 10 Best Multi-Effect Plugins (And 3 Best Free Plugins)
Top 12 Plugin Bundles For Musicians (Synths, Mixing & Mastering)
Processing & Sound Design:
8 Best Lo-Fi Plugins (PAID & FREE)
Top 11 Plugins For Mixing Vocals (For Home Studio)
Top 12 Saturation Plugins (Best Mixing & Mastering Tools)
Top 6 Pitch Shifter Plugins (And 3 Best FREE Pitch Shifters)
Top 6 Chorus VST Plugins For Musicians (And 3 FREE Plugins)
Top 6 Limiter Plugins For Precise Mastering & Mixing
The 8 Best Filter Plugins For Precise Cuts & Boosts (+ 5 Free Filters)
6 Best Autotune Plugins To Improve & Enhance Your Vocals
Top 10 Transient Shaper Plugins (VST, AU, AAX)
Top 7 Enhancer Plugins (For Bass, Drums, Vocals & Harmonics)
Top 6 Flanger Plugins (And 5 Best FREE Flanger Emulators)
Top 7 Phaser Plugins (And 3 Best FREE Phasers)
Top 10 Plugins For Mixing Drums (And 3 Best Free Plugins)
Top 7 Bitcrusher Plugins (And 4 Best FREE Bitcrushers + 3 Bonuses)
Top 6 Plugins For Voice-Over & Dialogue Cleaning (Post Production)
Top 10 Stereo Imaging Plugins (Best Old & Modern Picks)
Top 5 Multiband Limiter Plugins
Top 7 De-Esser Plugins For Better Vocals (And 4 FREE Plugins)
Top 7 Clipper Plugins (Best Limiter Alternatives)
Top 6 Chord Generator Plugins That Inspire Melodies (+ FREE Tools)
7 Best Exciter Plugins For Mixing & Mastering
Top 7 Channel Strip Plugins (And 2 Best Free Plugins)
Top 11 Distortion Plugins (And 4 Top Free Plugins)
Top 5 Comb Filter & Resonator Plugins | Melda, Kilohearts, Tritik
The 7 Best Vibrato VST Plugins | Audec, Audiority, Melda
The 7 Best Tremolo Plugins | Eventide, Melda, SoundToys, Kuassa…
The 7 Best Harmonizer Plugins | Eventide, Melda, Aegean Music
7 Best Sidechain Plugins (VST, AU, AAX) | Xfer, Cableguys..
Top 10 Noise Gate Plugins (And 6 FREE Free Gate Tools)
The 6 Best Ring Modulator VST Plugins | KiloHearts, Melda
7 Best Autopan VST Plugins | CableGuys, Melda, Waves, Soundtoys
The 6 Best Frequency Shifter VST Plugins
Top 11 Granulizer Plugins For Future Sound Design
29 Best Sound Design VST Plugins
Compressor Plugins
Top 11 Free Compressor Plugins (VCA, Vari-Mu, FET, Digital)
Top 7 Multiband Compressor Plugins (And 4 FREE Plugins)
Top 5 Diode-Bridge Compressor Plugins
Top 6 Mastering Chain Plugins: Complete VST Solutions
The 7 Best VCA Compressor Plugins (VST, AU, AAX)
Top 11 Mastering Compressor Plugins (And 2 FREE Plugins)
Top 10 Opto Compressor Plugins For Transparent Sound
The 7 Best Vari-Mu Compressor Plugins (And 2 Best FREE Tools)
Reverb & Delay Plugins:
Top 12 Reverb Plugins (And 5 FREE Reverb Plugins)
The 6 Best Spring Reverb VST Plugins | AudioThing, GSi, u-he, Eventide
Top 12 Delay Plugins For Music Production In (VST, AU, AAX)
Top 10 FREE Delay Plugins (VST, AU, AAX)
The 10 Best Convolution Reverb Plugins
Amps & Preamps:
Top 10 Guitar Amp Plugins (And 5 Best FREE Simulators)
Top 10 Bass Amp Plugins (And 5 Best Free Simulators)
Top 9 Preamp Plugins (For Vocals, Guitars & More!) + Free Preamps
Other Recommended Gear:
Top 12 NearField Studio Monitors On Any Budget
Top 10 Midfield Studio Monitors For Home Recording
Best Biggest Studio Monitors (FarField Monitors)
Top 10 Guitar Pickups for Low Tunings
Top 10 Analog Compressors For Mixing & Mastering (On Any Budget)
Top 12 USB Audio Interfaces Under 150$, 200$, 300$ 400$ (Any Budget)
Top 12 Hardware Equalizers (Analog EQs For Mixing & Mastering)
Top 6 Analog Hardware Limiters
Top 6 Solid State Bass Amps (On Any Budget)
Top 6 Ribbon Mics On Any Budget (For Vocals, Drums & Guitars)
Top 6 Cheap Dynamic Mics For Vocals Under 50$, 100$, 200$ & 300$
Top 6 Chorus Guitar Pedals (On Any Budget)
6 Best 61-Key MIDI Keyboards (On Any Budget)
9 Best 49-Key MIDI Keyboards Under 100$ & 200$
Top 5 Best 25 Key MIDI Keyboards (On Any Budget)
Top 12 Acoustic Drums (Best Kits/Sets On Any Budget)
Guitar/Amp Focused:
Can I Put Nylon Strings on a Steel-string Guitar?
Do Electric Guitars Sound Good Unplugged?
Buying Your First Guitar: 2 Things To Know
Are Tube Amps Worth It? (Tube vs Solid-State Amps)
How Often Does A Guitar Need a Setup?
Can I Play Classical Guitar On A Steel-String Guitar?
How often guitar necks need reset?
Can You Play Two Guitars Through One Amp?
Can a 6 String Bass Be Tuned Like A Guitar?
Can I leave My Guitar Tuned Down a Step? Yes, But Is It Safe?
Should I Learn 4, 5 Or 6 String Bass Guitar & Why?
How To Know If your Guitar Amp Is Broken?
How To Fix Distorted Bass Guitar Sound?
Do Fender Guitars Appreciate In Value?
Should You Put Stickers On A Bass Guitar?
How Acoustic And Electric Guitars Are Made?
Is Electric Guitar Too Loud for an Apartment?
Does a Preamp Improve Sound Quality?
If I Learn Acoustic Guitar Can I Play Electric Guitar?
How Many Hours A Day Should You Practice Bass Guitar?
Do I need an AMP/DAC To Run Bookshelf Speakers?
How to Record Electric Guitar Into Logic Pro X?
Do headphones get worse with age?
DAW Related:
Best DAWs For Musicians Available (With FREE DAWs)
What’s The Most CPU Efficient DAW? – 5 DAWs Compared
How To Make Music Without Using A DAW?
Pro Tools Guide: How To Use AutoTune & Pitch Correction?
Ableton Review: Is It Worth The Money? (Cons & Pros)
Logic Pro X Review: Is It Worth It? (Cons & Pros)
How To Use Auto-tune & Pitch Correction In Cubase?
How To Fix Ableton Crackling, Crashing & Freezing? Step By Step
Plugin Related:
What Are Audio Plugins? Different Types of Plugins Explained
What Are The Best Tools To Develop VST Plugins & How Are They Made?
Cost of Developing Audio VST Plugin: Several Factors (With Table)
VST, VST, AU and AAX – What’s The Difference? Plugin Formats Explained
Complete Guide To Noise Gate – What It Is, What It Does & How To Use It?
How To Clip My Drums? Here Is How & Audio Teasers (Before/After)
Complete Guide To Limiter: How To Use It (+ Best Plugins & Analog Limiters)
Mixing With Reverb: How To Add Life To Your Mixes
Linear Phase vs Minimum Phase EQ – Full Guide
Difference Between LUFS, RMS & True Peak Loudness Meters
How And When To Use Algorithmic And Convolution Reverb In Your Mix?
Difference Between Active EQ, Passive EQ and Dynamic EQ
Headphones & Studio Monitors:
Do headphones get worse with age?
Monitors vs Studio Headphones For Mixing & Mastering
Top 10 Room Calibration & Headphones/Speakers Correction Plugins
Are Noise-Canceling Headphones Good For Music Production?
Can Headphones Break in Cold Weather?
Why do headphones & cables get sticky?
Can Wearing Headphones Cause Hair Loss?
How Do I know If My Studio Monitor Is Blown?
Side Effects Of Sleeping With Your Headphones On
Do You Need Music Amplifier For Studio Monitors or Studio Headphones?
Do Headphones or Earphones Damage Your Brain?
Can Headphones or Earphones cause Deafness or Toothache?
FarField, MidField & NearField Monitors – Their Uses, Pros & Cons
MIDI & Synths:
Should I Buy A MIDI Keyboard Or Synth? (Are Synths Worth It Anymore?)
Why Is Audio Gear So Expensive? (Especially Synths)
Top 12 Synth Brands – Analog, Digital & Modular Synth Manufacturers
11 Tips How To Choose MIDI Keyboard
Should I Buy MIDI Controller Or Keyboard? Cons, Pros & Tips
Eduardo Cardoso is a musician and audio producer based in São Paulo, Brazil. He studied both music production and theory in college and has successfully launched his career as a solo artist in 2021. With over 10 years of experience with the music business, he currently acts as a session musician, music producer, audio editor, and content creator. Read more..