Shigeru Kawai SK-EX instrument pack released for Pianoteq software
Shigeru Kawai SK-EX instrument pack released for Pianoteq software Kawai Japan is pleased to announce that the stunning sound of the Shigeru Kawai SK-EX concert grand piano has been added to the acclaimed Pianoteq software, developed by French company Modartt S.A.S.
Developed in collaboration with Kawai, the newly released Pianoteq instrument pack uses advanced physical modelling technology to reproduce the unique tonal characteristics of the Shigeru Kawai SK-EX concert grand piano. This high fidelity sound profile within Pianoteq software, now give music producers the opportunity to utilise the entire pianos magnificent range of sounds in much greater depth. This remarkable instrument, meticulously handcrafted in Ryuyo Japan and prepared to perfection by Kawai’s elite Master Piano Artisans, has graced the stages of concert halls around the world, and was previously selected as one of the official pianos of the 18th International Chopin Piano Competition. The SK-EX instrument pack for Pianoteq marks the first time that a software development team has visited the Shigeru Kawai R&D Laboratory in Ryuyo to record and analyse the SK-EX grand piano. This special collaboration between Kawai and Modartt engineers has resulted in a high-quality, physically modelled instrument that Pianoteq’s community of pianists, producers, and composers is sure to appreciate.
Philippe Guillaume, Modartt founder and CEO: “Philippe Guillaume, Modartt founder and CEO: “For many years, the mutual interest between Kawai and Modartt has steadily grown. Today, it takes shape through a collaboration on the first physical model of the Shigeru Kawai SK-EX concert piano. Virtually reproducing an instrument of such exceptional quality was a challenge that the Modartt team embraced, and on behalf of our users, we warmly thank Kawai for their trust.”
Philippe Guillaume and Kentaro KawaiPhilippe Guillaume, Modartt S.A.S. founder and CEO greeting Kentaro Kawai, President, Kawai Musical Inst. Mfg. Co., Ltd.
Kentaro Kawai, President, Kawai Musical Inst. Mfg. Co., Ltd.: “Modartt’s passion for creating excellent piano sounds aligns with Kawai’s dedication to piano craftsmanship. We are delighted to have been able to collaborate on the development of the physically modelled Shigeru Kawai SK-EX.”
Kohtaro Ilimura, lead developer, Technology Planning Group, Kawai Japan: “Our friendship with Modartt began with the planning and development of the VPC1. At that time, Philippe and I discussed the idea of incorporating the sound of the SK-EX into Pianoteq. I am thrilled that we were finally able to bring this vision to life, and hope piano enthusiasts enjoy the sound of the Shigeru Kawai SK-EX modelling in Pianoteq.”
Kawai and Modartt staff analysing the tonal characteristics of the Shigeru Kawai SK-EX concert grand piano.
The Shigeru Kawai SK-EX instrument pack can be purchased via the Modartt website, and is included for evaluation with the latest Pianoteq v8.4, compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux desktop systems, as well as iOS/iPadOS devices. Kawai Japan recommends pairing Pianoteq with the VPC1 virtual piano controller, which features a custom touch curve designed specifically for the software
Shigeru Kawai SK-EX concert grand piano
Unveiled in 2001 as the flagship instrument of the Shigeru Kawai line, the SK-EX concert grand piano is hand-crafted in limited numbers following a unique ‘prototyping’ creation process. In order to achieve the supreme range of expression required in a concert piano, each instrument utilises a variety of carefully selected materials, with premium aged spruce soundboards. Shigeru Kawai instruments adopt the advanced Millennium III keyboard action, featuring extended wooden keys and advanced ABS Carbon action parts, providing superior speed and responsiveness than conventional wooden action parts, allowing pianists to express a greater range of feeling and emotion in their performance.
