Jordan Rudess A.Piano sound

ElevenPhingahz · Post by **ElevenPhingahz** » Sun Mar 08, 2020 11:49 am

Does anyone know which A.Piano sound JR uses? Is it stock or wizard custom? Thanks

SKung · Post by **SKung** » Sun Mar 08, 2020 3:00 pm

In a band you have to fit the piano sound into the mix. Bring down the low-end, enhance transients, remove damper noise etc.
Therefore it is unlikely that he just uses a stock sound.

Here's a good explanation:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pLyDGWl337s

GregC · Post by **GregC** » Sun Mar 08, 2020 3:24 pm

Kronos has a Rudess AP- I recall its the Japanese grand. So thats an indicator.

I don't recall if JR was asked about his favorite AP's, etc

He is diverse with his programmed sounds. A Dream Theater song could have 44 program or patch changes.

Maybe go to his web page, and email him your question. I think he is responsive.

fomalhaut · Post by **fomalhaut** » Wed Mar 11, 2020 10:55 am

Do anyone know what are the specific tweaks that the signature sounds have? For example the J. Rudess or Lyle Mays have their own SGX-2 "engine", so it's something beyond effects.

GregC · Post by **GregC** » Wed Mar 11, 2020 1:39 pm

I think we will need some examples in Hi def audio since JR is immensely diverse in his approach to sound programming.

For example, he uses software in his studio. Live, he is 95% Kronos.
with that he could be using the SGX pianos [ there are several ] plus the Kapro pianos. I would bet he is tweaking all to meet his expectations.

My prior suggestion is to contact him directly for specifics. I think he is open to any questions about his sound programming.

enigmahack · Post by **enigmahack** » Wed Mar 18, 2020 5:36 pm

Finally - something I can answer with some actual authority!

Jordan uses the Oasys piano sounds (that he modified) - His Kronos setup actually is pretty much all HD-1 engine stuff, since he did the majority of his programming on the Oasys.

Check out the Oasys pianos, his is a custom variation of those. (Leaning towards the 3-way Stereo)

GregC · Post by **GregC** » Wed Mar 18, 2020 6:13 pm

its about time

I really like the 3 way piano. It records beautifully.

ElevenPhingahz · Post by **ElevenPhingahz** » Wed Mar 18, 2020 11:42 pm

Very cool! I wasn't too far off on my AP approach, I use three layers: Oasys mono (primary & it cuts nicely in a mix), German Grand on the bottom octave only & J. Rudess Japanese Grand to round it out. Makes for a full sounding AP.

Moonglow · Post by **Moonglow** » Thu Mar 19, 2020 3:09 am

Thanks for the information regarding JR’s piano. Always wondered why the Kronos stock Rudess piano did not sound like what I was hearing him play in live recordings, which sounded phenomenal. IIRC, this guy named Keith Emerson used the Oasys for piano, as well.

While I have since been using the (third party) Epic Grand pianos live, I previously obtained the most favorable results, per our sound engineer, when I used the Oasys pianos in my classic rock band.