Studio German Upright 1904

A distinct vintage charm defines this digital recreation of a C. Bechstein upright piano from 1904, bringing a unique, nostalgic vibe to your studio. It breathes the air of a bygone era with a tonal character you cannot find in modern pianos. Representing the finest in German piano craftsmanship, this upright is a true retro gem in the best sense – mellow yet clear, with a warm, rich, and sonorous bass, all the while blessed with a beautifully singing mid-range. Despite its historical roots, it is far beyond just a playable piece of history. Its even tonal character makes it perfectly suited for projects in any genre. Recorded in the tight and controlled ambience of Stage B of Synchron Stage, thus allowing for customizable reverb options, this upright doesn’t just revive the sound of 1904, it infuses every musical project with the unmistakable Bechstein tone.

Overview

• C. Bechstein upright piano built in 1904
• Vintage character
• Recorded at Stage B of Vienna Synchron Stage
• Eight microphone positions for a multitude of timbral variations
• Pre-configured main presets, signature and FX presets

Historic Sounds for Today
The upright’s very smooth action allows you to express the finest gradations from pianissimo to fortissimo. In the main playing range its sound is more reminiscent of a small concert grand, rather than of an upright piano. With its clear and accurate tonal development it conveys the intimate atmosphere of a small concert hall. The instrument’s mid range is very pronounced and focused, while its timeless character clearly asserts itself in all registers.

The Piano’s Journey
This specific C. Bechstein upright piano was built in Berlin Kreuzberg in the early 20th century. Its distinct vintage character, owing to its generous proportion of resonating wood, was captured with a multi-microphone setup at Stage B of Vienna Synchron Stage.

Brought to Stuttgart by pianoforte maker and dealer B. Klinkerfuss, Württemberg’s sole representative for C. Bechstein and J. Blüthner, the instrument has always been in residence with families in the Stuttgart area. It was played by pianist and film composer Mick Baumeister, co-creator of the Hornberg breath controller, during different stages of his life. The upright was owned by Martin Friz who taught a young Mick improvisation on this instrument. Decades later, Mick purchased the piano from German actor Holger Daemgen’s family, and – in his words – it never ceases to inspire him and to find “the truth”.

Sampling Precision
To accurately digitalize the C. Bechstein upright with all its subtleties, Vienna’s engineers developed an exceptionally precise motion-control system based on a solenoid that controls a perfectly silent “robot finger”. The micro-controller moves the finger with super-human precision, providing flexible curvatures for down-strokes and release movements, the latter corresponding with the preceding note length and various release speeds.