Who wants to haul around a keyboard with them everywhere they go? Who would have full-time access to a piano or organ to create the real, richer sounds that they make? It is physically impossible to always have these instruments around. However, there is a way that you can have access to these instruments 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, without all of that hassle. What’s the secret? Free piano VST plugins.
A VST (or virtual studio technology) plugin allows you to create music using a digitally formatted recreation of different instruments. VSTs are one of the most useful pieces of software you could include in your repertoire as a music producer.
In this case, we’re talking about piano VST plugins. Searching through the hundreds of piano VSTs on the internet can be intimidating. Not to mention, many of them can force you to pay a pretty penny. Fortunately, we’ve created a solution to both of these problems. We’re good like that.
Listed below you’ll find the 5 best FREE piano VST plugins for all your music making wants and needs.
Piano One by Sound Magic
Sound Magic’s Piano One plugin derives its genuinely beautiful tunes from the classic Yamaha C7 Concert Grand piano. This is a traditional instrument known for producing a rich and soulful sound. Piano One will blow you away with its easy to use framework. This quality of music won’t be found anywhere else.
link : Sound Magic
Free Piano by RDG Audio
RDG Audio’s Free Piano plugin makes a fantastic next addition to our list. It includes a side panel of controls to add in strings and pads with your piano music, as well as having an amp and level meter in addition to many other amazing features. Available for both Mac and PC, this VST is extremely accessible and user-friendly.
link : Get Piano
Salamander Piano by Bigcat Instruments
Bigcat Instruments’ Salamander Piano plugin is an upfront and clear piano VST. While there aren’t many bells and whistles included with this one, that can be an upside. Too many details can grow fuzzy, and Salamander Piano keeps things straightforward and efficient.
link : Piano by Bigcats
Keyzone Classic
The Keyzone Classic plugin is a recently upgraded piano VST that has been through many changes. Including 5 different presets, it contains a variety ranging from Yamaha to Rhodes that will satisfy any and all of your piano desires.
link : Keyzone VST Piano
Versilian Upright
The Versilian Upright plugin is last, but certainly not least, on our list. This VST was created by a Berklee student recording on upright pianos (hence the appropriate name). Producing a clean yet realistic sound, Versilian Upright is by far the best plugin based on an upright piano set. With options to add reverb and sustain, this is a great choice for anyone looking to produce that old-school piano sound.
link : Verilian Upright
At the end of the day, finding the right piano VST plugin can be difficult, but it shouldn’t have to be. That’s why we spend our time compiling lists of the best software (including, but not limited to VSTs) for you as music producers to utilize. Check back here for more tips and tricks of the trade!
