Pianology: Piano Plugin with Grand, Upright and Electric Grand by Rhodes

The American grand is a classic Model D with a warm, vibrant tone, a wide dynamic range and spacious resonance. Rhodes positions it for everything from delicate solo passages to full-bodied performances.

The Japanese upright is a U-series instrument with a bright but earthy tone and an intimate, tactile response. It suits contemporary scoring, jazz and understated songwriting.

The Japanese electric grand uses real strings and pickups. Its direct, shimmering sound is the one associated with much 1980s pop, rock and electronic music, and it cuts through a mix easily.

Global controls include Timbre Shift, Global Tune, Mechanical Noise and Lid Position (grand only). Timbre Shift is the most dramatic: according to Rhodes, it can darken a bright grand, add metallic cut to an upright or soften a harsh electric grand.

A dedicated Amp and Mic section offers classic Rhodes V8 Pro amplifier models and microphone choices, from natural acoustic depth to amped tones. The signal path also includes a preamp with volume and drive, a 3-band EQ with a sweepable mid, and a piano-specific compressor.

Modulation and space come from chorus, phaser, delay (syncable to the DAW), a CP-style stereo tremolo/panner and Rhodes reverbs. Grand and upright use Stage, Arena, Room and Hall; the electric grand uses Spring, Plate, Room and Hall.