Review: VSL German Upright 1904 – Vintage Piano Library

Vintage is the name of the game with the VSL German Upright 1904. With this 1904 C. Bechstein upright, you can look forward to a charming and timeless piano sound.

Like other VSL Synchron Piano instruments, the VSL German Upright 1904 is available in both Standard and Full versions. The 64GB Standard version includes four microphone signals, while the optional Full library expands to eight microphone signals and requires 136GB of hard drive space. Apart from a few additional presets, the content of both versions is largely the same.

The VSL German Upright 1904 is loaded into the free Synchron Piano Player from the Vienna Symphonic Library, which offers a wide range of options, including a mixer with multiple effects and sound shaping functions to adjust both the sound and the playing characteristics.

Flexible Sound

The most important functions are conveniently located in the Play menu. Here, you can adjust not only reverb and dynamics but also control the volume of pedal noise and the body and string resonance.

The German Upright supports una corda, sostenuto, and sustain pedal functionality, including half-pedaling. More detailed options, such as precise half-pedal values, can be found in the Edit menu. In addition to adjusting the velocity curve and other advanced settings, you can even fine-tune volume, dynamics, frequency, and tuning for each individual key.

What Makes the Sound of the Synchron Pianos So Exceptional?

Impressive numbers like 127,112 samples and 136 gigabytes of data are certainly eye-catching, but sheer quantity alone doesn’t make a high-quality piano library.

It all begins with the choice of instrument, along with expert restoration and voicing. It’s clear that VSL has brought out the best in the source material. Equally important is the recording environment: All Synchron Pianos contain separate microphone signals that capture the acoustics of the renowned Synchron Stage reverb chamber.

A key factor in the consistency and realism of the sound is VSL’s proprietary robotic system, which strikes each key with absolute precision across a wide range of velocities and articulations.

For the German Upright 1904, eight different microphones were used to capture not only the instrument but also the room around it from multiple perspectives. This meticulous recording process gives the Synchron Piano libraries their unmistakable depth, dimension, and realism.

The Sound of 1904

You can definitely hear the age and character of the instrument in this library but don’t expect a worn-out antique. VSL has applied its signature sonic precision to the German Upright 1904, and the result is a top-notch sound.

From the first note, the piano reveals its natural affinity for the midrange. The warm tone and soft string attack blend beautifully with the more intimate acoustics of the Vienna Synchron Stage B. This creates a sound that feels present and yet never boxed in. Add a touch of reverb and the piano begins to evoke an almost grand piano-like spaciousness. Thanks to the expertly placed microphones, the sound opens up confidently even in larger virtual spaces.

With over a century of history behind it, the German Upright 1904 offers a distinct and characterful sound that is far from sterile or overly polished. Players who enjoy a more forceful touch will be rewarded with a pleasing metallic bite, especially in the lower registers. At the same time, there’s no need to fear harshness in the upper octaves: this upright’s smooth attack and warm timbre ensure a consistently musical and enjoyable playing experience throughout the entire range.

However, the German Upright 1904’s rich midrange and low-end presence can make it a less-than-ideal ensemble player in certain settings. Personally, I find it doesn’t blend as naturally with rhythm guitars or cellos. On the other hand, it really shines when accompanying vocals or saxophone.

For those looking for more experimental textures, the library also includes eleven FX presets. These are tastefully crafted and subtly reshape the piano’s sound in musically appealing ways.

VSL German Upright 1904 – Full Library

Opting for the Full Library unlocks four additional microphone signals, as well as six exclusive Surround to Stereo Downmix presets. These presets offer a slightly softer overall sound and a wider stereo image. High frequencies are rendered with more clarity, especially in the upper registers. Depending on the preset selected, the lows also gain a touch of fullness.

I wouldn’t necessarily say the Full Library presets sound better, they simply offer a different flavor. While they add more flexibility through the additional microphone signals, the core instrument remains the same. If you’re primarily looking for a high-quality upright piano sound, the Standard Library has everything you need.

Conclusion: Distinctive, Timeless, Vintage

The VSL German Upright 1904 is a high-quality upright piano library that impresses with its sound quality and timeless vintage character. Even the Standard library is more than enough to fully enjoy the charm of this instrument.

As the second upright in the Synchron Pianos series, the German Upright 1904 fits in perfectly. Its rich mids and lows deliver a warm, full-bodied tone, while the softer string attack ensures a refined and smooth playing experience. The finely nuanced velocity layers provide excellent playability, just as you’ve come to expect from other VSL Synchron Pianos.

VSL German Upright 1904 – Overview

Release date: January 1, 2023
Platform: Standalone (Windows 8.1 or 10/macOS 10.14 or later), AU, VST, AAX
System requirements: Medium to high
Disk space: Standard Library: 64 GB SSD/Full Library: 136 GB SSD (SSD strongly recommended)
Manufacturer/Distributor: Vienna Symphonic Library/best service