Vienna Symphonic Library Releases Historic Studio Concert D 1887 and Two New Essentials Pianos

Vienna Symphonic Library has announced the release of three new virtual piano instruments. The highlight is the Studio Concert D 1887, a detailed sampling of a rare, historic Steinway grand. It is joined by two new streamlined collections, Bösendorfer Imperial Essentials and Yamaha CFX Essentials. To coincide with the releases, VSL is running a 'Piano Celebration,' offering a 40% discount on most of its Synchron and Studio Pianos. A Voice from the Past: Studio Concert D 1887 The new Studio Concert D 1887 library brings the sound of a unique early Steinway D concert grand to life. This particular piano, with serial number 62523, is the only known instrument from its series (1884–1892) to have survived in its original condition before being professionally restored. It represents a specific point in Steinway & Sons' manufacturing history, featuring design elements like an additional duplex scale and angled bridge pins. These components create different string lengths for each note, contributing to what VSL describes as a lyrical, singing tone distinct from later Model D pianos. The instrument was found in exceptionally original condition. During its restoration, the original hammerheads were reworked to preserve the piano's authentic 1887 sound. Only the strings, tuning pins, and bearing felts were replaced with historically appropriate parts, keeping the instrument's original substance almost entirely intact. VSL captured this piano in the more intimate Stage B of its Synchron Stage facility, using its proprietary piano robot for precision. The library offers a variety of microphone positions to provide tonal flexibility. Key Features of Studio Concert D 1887: Sampled from a rare Steinway & Sons Concert D from 1887. Recorded in Stage B at Synchron Stage Vienna. Multiple microphone positions including close condenser, sphere, tube, mid, Decca Tree, and surround configurations. Features a unique, lyrical tone due to its historic construction. The Essentials Collection Alongside the historic Steinway, VSL has introduced two 'Essentials' editions, offering focused, ready-to-use versions of its premium piano collections: Bösendorfer Imperial Essentials: This is a streamlined version of the full Synchron Bösendorfer Imperial library. It captures the sound of Bösendorfer's 290 Imperial, famous for its 97-key, eight-octave range. Recorded in the large Stage A of Synchron Stage, it aims to deliver the instrument's characteristic warmth and powerful bass in an accessible format. Yamaha CFX Essentials: A distilled edition of the Synchron Yamaha CFX collection, this library focuses on the clarity and versatility of Yamaha's flagship concert grand. Also recorded in Stage A, it provides a mix-ready sound suitable for a wide range of musical styles, from classical to pop and film scoring. Pricing & Availability The new instruments are available now from the VSL website with introductory pricing: Studio Concert D 1887: Standard Library: $256 (regularly $335). Full Library: $424 (regularly $559). Bösendorfer Imperial Essentials: $99. Yamaha CFX Essentials: $99. The general Piano Celebration promotion, with 40% off most other piano libraries, is also active for a limited time. Read More