Modartt Pianoteq Instrument Pack: Shigeru Kawai SK-EX — Free Download

Purpose and Origin

The Shigeru Kawai SK-EX Instrument Pack for Pianoteq brings the flagship concert grand from Kawai’s handcrafted line into a virtual environment. Developed in collaboration with Kawai, this model replicates the instrument’s distinctive voice, including the hand-wound temaki bass strings and the brilliance of its duplex scale. It aims to deliver the experience of playing this prestigious piano for recording, live performance, and practice.

Unlike sample libraries, this is a physical model that simulates the entire instrument, including all strings, the soundboard, and microphone placement. The sound evolves naturally as you play, providing a seamless dynamic response. The pack includes fifteen presets with unique voicing, miking, and effects to suit various musical contexts. Its design emphasizes lightweight performance and quick loading times, fitting seamlessly into the Pianoteq workflow.

Key Capabilities

The virtual instrument models a 278 cm grand piano with all strings and soundboard represented. Its physical modeling approach means the tone responds in real time to playing nuances, offering an expansive dynamic range and the instrument’s characteristic transparent power. This makes it suitable for classical repertoire and recording work where subtle expression is paramount.

Fifteen presets are included, each voiced to ensure consistent tonal response across the keyboard. They range from warm and intimate settings like Warm and Prelude to recording-oriented presets such as Classical, Jazz, and Chamber Recording. For creative exploration, presets like Cosmic, New Age, and Bass & Piano offer unconventional textures, including felt-muted tones and string pad layering.

Workflow and Integration

As a Pianoteq instrument, this pack integrates with the host’s existing framework. Users of Pianoteq Standard or Pro can access advanced controls for custom tuning, microphone repositioning, and instrument morphing or layering. This allows for deep sound shaping beyond the presets, adapting the piano to specific projects or performance needs.

The physical model is regularly updated by Modartt, reflecting ongoing refinements in virtual soundboard modeling. This means the instrument can evolve over time, potentially offering improved realism and immersion. For producers, the Mix preset is designed to sit well in a mix, while split presets like Bass & Piano provide instant creative setups. The lightweight design ensures efficient operation in a DAW, with quick loading compared to sample-based alternatives.

Practical Applications

This piano is well-suited for classical recordings and recitals, where its broad dynamic spectrum and transparent tone can shine. Composers and improvisers can use its distinctive presets to spark creativity, from soft felt textures to bold, heroic voicings. Live performers benefit from its responsive action and reliable behavior in a software or plugin setup.

For music producers, the mix-ready preset simplifies integration into modern tracks, while the split and pad options offer unique sound design possibilities. Practicing musicians can enjoy a consistent, high-quality piano tone daily. The inclusion of multiple voicings means a single user can cover diverse styles, from intimate solo pieces to layered, experimental sounds, without needing multiple libraries.

Key features

• Models all strings, soundboard, and microphone placement
• Seamless dynamic response with evolving sound
• Fifteen presets with unique voicing and effects
• Collaboration with Kawai for authentic tone
• Lightweight design with quick loading times
• Advanced controls in Pianoteq Standard and Pro

Best for

This instrument is ideal for pianists and producers seeking a physically modeled concert grand with expressive control and creative presets. It suits classical recording, live performance, modern production, and sound exploration, offering a portable alternative to sample libraries without sacrificing tonal depth.