Woodchester Piano: A Unique 88-Key Felt Piano for Composers

Welcome to the world of the Woodchester Piano, a remarkable instrument from the Signature Collection by Fracture Sounds. This 88-key felt piano, developed in partnership with renowned British composer James Everingham, brings an unparalleled intimate sound to your compositions. Whether you’re a professional musician or an aspiring songwriter, this piano library offers a deeply personal and expressive tone that’s perfect for creating captivating music. In this article, we’ll explore the features, sound profile, and innovative tools of this exceptional instrument.

A Signature Collaboration with James Everingham

The Woodchester Piano marks the inaugural release of the Signature Collection, a series of specialized sound libraries crafted with input from talented composers and musicians. This particular instrument is a cornerstone of James Everingham’s creative toolkit. A celebrated composer for film and television, Everingham has worked on notable projects like the BBC’s Frozen Planet 2 alongside Hans Zimmer. His expertise in blending orchestral traditions with modern sound design shines through in this meticulously designed piano library.

Every element of the piano, from the delicate whispers of the softest notes to the subtle mechanical sounds of hammers and keys, has been captured with precision. Even the faint creaks of the pianist’s movements are included, adding a layer of authenticity that can be fine-tuned directly from the user interface.

Intimate and Warm Sound Profile

What sets the Woodchester Piano apart is its uniquely intimate sound. Recorded in the personal studio of James Everingham, this 88-key felt piano produces a dry, close-up tone. A soft felt layer placed between the hammers and strings enhances the warmth, creating a palette that feels deeply personal and emotionally resonant. This makes it an ideal choice for composers seeking a sound that connects with listeners on a profound level.

Customizable Mechanical Details

One of the standout features of this instrument is the ability to customize its character. Users can adjust the mechanical noises, such as key and pedal sounds, to match their desired level of realism. Additionally, a dedicated Pianist Noise control introduces subtle human elements, making each performance feel alive. Further tailor the tone with settings like Response, Colour, and Timbre Shift, which allow you to shift the sound from dark and ambient to bright and vivid.

Immersive Atmospheric Layers for Creative Depth

The Woodchester Piano goes beyond traditional piano sounds with 11 distinct atmospheric layers developed by the Fracture Sounds team. These layers, crafted from processed raw samples, add a rich, evolving texture to the core piano tone. Controlled via the Atmosphere Intensity setting (linked to the CC1/Mod Wheel), they enable seamless blending and customization. Whether you’re scoring a cinematic masterpiece or crafting a soulful ballad, these layers transform the instrument into an inspiring tool for creativity.

Enhanced Features and User-Friendly Interface

Recent updates to the Woodchester Piano have introduced a larger, more intuitive interface alongside cutting-edge tools. Fans of the Homestead Piano will appreciate the new Character control, which integrates EQ, compression, and saturation for a polished, ‘crafted’ sound. The update also expands the atmospheric offerings with eight new layers, bringing the total to 11, and includes eight expertly designed presets to showcase the enhanced capabilities.

Key features include:

Pedal on/off samples for authentic string resonance.
Adjustable key, pedal, and player release noises for added realism.
Full NKS support for seamless integration with Komplete Kontrol hardware.
A versatile sound that ranges from warm and distinctive to bright and dynamic.

Why Choose the Woodchester Piano?

For composers and songwriters looking for a piano library that combines emotional depth with technical precision, the Woodchester Piano is an essential addition to your toolkit. Its intimate felt piano sound, combined with customizable controls and immersive atmospheric layers, offers endless creative possibilities. Whether you’re working on a film score, a television project, or a personal composition, this instrument provides the warmth and versatility needed to bring your vision to life.

Conclusion

The Woodchester Piano, born from a collaboration with James Everingham and Fracture Sounds, redefines what an 88-key felt piano can offer. As part of the Signature Collection, it stands as a testament to the power of combining artistry with innovation. Explore its intimate sound, experiment with its atmospheric layers, and create music that resonates with depth and emotion. Ready to elevate your compositions? Dive into the world of the Woodchester Piano today.