Pros and Cons
These days, anyone looking for a free piano sample library will find it surprisingly quickly. However, fans of the Rhodes piano have far fewer options. Fortunately, that’s about to change, as Fracture Sounds presents “Blueprint: Electric Keys,” a high-quality Fender Rhodes Mark 1 sample library for an unbeatable €0!
Blueprint: Electric Keys is the first in a new series of free instruments from Fracture Sounds, featuring one of the most iconic vintage electric pianos of all time. This 2.3 GB Fender Rhodes Mark I library includes a range of effects and sound shaping options and runs in Native Instruments free Kontakt Player.
You can switch between direct and amped signals, adjust the instrument’s mechanical noise, and even tweak the sample start time.
Blueprint: Electric Keys is a Kontakt Player library, which means it can be used as a standalone instrument or within a DAW. Owners of Native Instruments KONTROL S series keyboards will be happy to know that NKS support is included.
The four built-in effects in Blueprint: Electric Keys were a pleasant surprise. Stereo Spread lets you widen the low and high notes across the stereo field, creating the sensation of sitting right in front of the electric piano. Cranked up fully, the effect takes on a more artistic, almost experimental character.
The chorus is relatively simple but adds a soft, pleasant shimmer to the Rhodes sound. In contrast, the reverb offers far more depth. Not only does it sound great, but it also includes several adjustable parameters.
You can switch between hall and room settings, and fine-tune size, damping, and modulation. It’s a reminder that even a compact reverb with a handful of controls can be impressively versatile.
My personal favorite among the four effects is definitely Atmosphere. It’s a unique blend of reverb, delay, and an arpeggiator of sorts, with inverted sounds and an unpredictable, evolving texture.
Both the download and installation process are straightforward and relatively quick. Of course, you’ll need to allow for the download time of approximately 2 GB of sample content. To get started, you’ll need a Native Instruments account and the Native Access software.
Below, you will find the download links for Blueprint: Electric Keys, Native Access, and Kontakt Player, all of which are completely free.
Both the direct and amp signals of Electric Keys produce a pleasantly mellow yet slightly glassy tone. Combined with the high-quality effects included, the result is a beautifully nuanced Rhodes sound.
While playing, I occasionally noticed some transitions between velocity layers. The dynamic gradations could be a touch smoother, but on the plus side, the inclusion of multiple round-robin samples adds a welcome degree of sonic variation.
All in all, Electric Keys offers a somewhat mellow Rhodes character. Ideal for intimate solo arrangements, yet just as capable as a supporting voice in jazz, soul, and similar genres.
Blueprint: Electric Keys is an absolute no-brainer. With great effects, a solid sound, and a price tag of zero, there’s really no reason not to download and install it.
It’s exciting to imagine what Fracture Sounds will bring to the Blueprint series next.
Platform: Standalone (Windows 10 or later / macOS 10.15 or later) and plugin formats (AU, VST, AAX)
System requirements: Low
Disk space required: 2.3 GB
Developer/Distributor: Fracture Sounds
*Affiliate link. These “advertising links” help us finance our website. If you buy a product through such a link, we receive a small commission – at no extra cost for you. The PIANOO.com team says thank you for your support!
Pros and Cons
Jörg Sunderkötter
Easy to install, packed with great effects and a solid sound, all for free!
Blueprint: Electric Keys : Free
TO THE OFFER"All I want is to play the piano..." - a common phrase used by many beginners who are interested in a digital piano. Which are the most important digital piano features? Which ones are essential ...
There are several factors to consider when positioning your new digital piano. The playback systems of digital pianos vary greatly, so it is worth taking a closer look at the details. And there are a ...
Everyone knows the bell-like, cool FM piano sound, often enhanced with effects and found in nearly every digital piano. This sound was modeled after the legendary Fender Rhodes but has a much brighter, more artificial ...
You don't have to be a professional pianist to play the piano chords for the song Someone Like You. And yet it is one of Adele's most successful songs. In that sense, Someone Like You ...
The MIDI controllers of the SL series are popular not only for their affordability, but above all for their flexibility, intuitive design, high-quality keyboards, and robust construction. At NAMM 2025, the Italian manufacturer unveiled the ...
Speakers and piano sound—two things that don't necessarily go together. After all, an acoustic piano produces sound naturally, without the need for speakers. Replicating the complex interplay of action, strings, and soundboard electronically is a ...
In our "PIANOO Giveaway", Modartt is offering three full user licenses for Pianoteq. This physically modeled software instrument runs on MacOS, iOS, Windows, and Linux. You have the chance to win a license for one ...
The Kawai CN series of digital pianos could be considered the Japanese manufacturer's entry-level line. However, the CN models also meet the needs of advanced players with their high-quality feel and authentic piano sound - ...
Acoustic or digital piano? With a Yamaha TransAcoustic Piano, you don't have to choose! This special hybrid piano technology combines the best of both worlds. Volume control on an acoustic piano - normally reserved for ...
Digital pianos with acoustic soundboard, grand piano action, and wooden keys: A hybrid digital piano promises maximum playing comfort by combining a digital sound generation with acoustic piano features. Often, an elaborate casing with high-gloss ...
Want to play the piano in an apartment without disturbing the neighbors? A hybrid piano lets you do just that. While a mechanism mutes the acoustic part, you can play the piano with headphones, just ...
There is an age-old recipe for developing good timing: Practice piano with a metronome! When practicing on a digital piano, you have the advantage of a built-in metronome. Nevertheless, it is worth taking a look ...
You are currently viewing a placeholder content from Facebook. To access the actual content, click the button below. Please note that doing so will share data with third-party providers.
More Information