The Reality Behind Synth Pianos: Why Some Keys Have Sounds Resembling Pianos but Fall Short

In the mid-90s, when E-Line Music offered Hot Foot Distortion 2 foot pedals that could emulate a piano, many musicians found themselves in the fascinating world of synthesizers. These devices, even when configured to perfection, can only come close to the full range of sounds and nuances provided by a real piano. This article explores the reasons why some keyboards have sounds that resemble pianos but do not match the quality and complexity of an actual piano.

The Foundation of Synthetic Music

The foundation of a synth trying to emulate a real-world instrument lies in the detailed sampling and synthesis techniques used. Each sampled note is divided into its initial attack, the decay from the attack, the sustained sound loop, and the release sound. The more a synth note is played, the more times the sustain portion is repeated in a loop. However, unlike a real instrument where holding a long note produces nuanced variations due to vibrations and complex interactions, a synth lacks these subtleties.

More sophisticated synths can introduce more nuances even randomly, but these are still far from replicating the intricate interactions and vibrations of a real piano. It's important to note that many synths use actual instruments as their foundation and can add some nuances, but the limitations of their internal workings often fall short of the real thing.

The Myth of Perfect Sound Recreation

One might wonder how much one would pay for a stereo system that could fool them into believing the sound was coming from a real piano three feet away. In the world of digital pianos, achieving this level of sound quality is similarly challenging. Some digital pianos come close, but they usually have a high-end sound system, making them expensive. Most individuals do not want to pay this premium, so they opt for pianos with sound systems similar to a boom box, which sound more like a boom box than a real piano.

Real Piano Experiences

A real piano has very complex interactions between its many strings, sympathetic resonances, and the vibration of the frame and soundboard. Cheap synthesizers, in contrast, can only replicate a fraction of this complexity with relatively small loudspeakers. Even high-end models, such as the Yamaha AvantGrand N3X, can approximate the sound of a real piano, but this is achieved through a sophisticated combination of keyboard action, high-quality sample-based digital sound synthesis, and complex cabinet and speaker systems.

Cost is a significant factor in the choice of a keyboard. Cheaper keyboards may offer a piano-like sound that is recognizable, even when played alone, but they cannot fool anyone in a blind test. These instruments provide a more accessible yet still recognizably piano-like experience for those who wish to practice or experiment without the full cost of a high-end digital piano.

Conclusion

While the technology has advanced, achieving the nuanced and complex sound of a real piano on a keyboard remains a challenge. Whether it's through sampling, synthesis, or a combination of both, the goal is to provide a piano-like experience that is both affordable and accessible. Understanding the limitations and capabilities of these instruments can help musicians make informed decisions based on their needs and budget constraints.