Garritan Announces Release of the Authorized Steinway Virtual Model D Piano

[Garritan]

GARRITAN ANNOUNCES RELEASE OF THE GARRITAN AUTHORIZED STEINWAY VIRTUAL MODEL D PIANO

First and Only Sampled Piano Authorized and Endorsed by Steinway & Sons

NAMM Convention, Anaheim, CA (January 17, 2008) - Garritan announces the release of the Authorized Steinway Virtual Model D Piano, a sample-based software instrument developed in collaboration with Steinway & Sons, maker of the world's finest pianos.

The Authorized Steinway Virtual Model D piano accurately captures the distinctive sound of the hallmark Steinway & Sons concert grand piano. This new software instrument will allow the musician to play a virtual Steinway Model D concert piano with unprecedented authenticity and musicality.

The library comes in three versions: Professional, Standard and Basic. The Professional version offers the superb Steinway Model D piano with five different listening perspectives, including a player perspective from the bench, a classical recording perspective, an under-the-lid perspective, a stage perspective and a close audience perspective. The Standard version offers the under lid and classic perspectives. And the Basic version, ideal for students, amateur musicians, and educators, is a light version that offers a single perspective. The Basic version will also be available in downloadable format.

At the heart of the Authorized Steinway Virtual Piano sample library is the warmth and brilliance of the renowned Steinway Model D grand – overwhelmingly the “piano of choice” for the world’s greatest performers. Captured with state-of-the-art recording technologies, the rich essence of the Steinway piano springs forth with realism never before possible. The Steinway concert grand piano chosen for the sample set is among Steinway's finest Model D’s – newly voiced, regulated, and meticulously tuned by a master Steinway technician. The “perfect instrument” – it was hand-picked by Steinway & Sons and delivered for recording to one of the finest venues in the world, The Troy Music Hall.


Powered by the robust and reliable ARIA Player, the Garritan Authorized Steinway Virtual Model D runs on these platforms: MAC OS X 10.4 and higher and Windows XP/Vista (both 32 and 64 bits). A Linux version is being developed. Standalone, Plug-in (VST 2.4 -VST 3.0 – Audio Units -RTAS), as well as supported notation programs.

The Authorized Steinway Virtual Model D has unique virtuosity and versatility. Advanced programming also makes this a truly “playable” and responsive library. Among its many features: Sustain/Sostenuto/Soft pedal support, animated perspectives (listener positions zoom into place), multiple-stage tracking release triggers, sustain resonance and sympathetic resonance using convolution-based DSP modules, adjustable mechanical noises, adjustable velocity curves, recorded soft pedal samples including releases, adjustable polyphony, a variety of historical tunings and Scala file import, MIDI playback and record in standalone, ambience reverb, 3 band EQ, proportional sustain pedaling, Graceful Copy Protection (no dongles or challenge response) and more.


"This was a very important project for Steinway & Sons,” states Gary Green, Vice President Business Development and Customer Satisfaction. “We have long recognized the need for a Steinway sampled sound set that would best reflect the complex architectures of the Steinway sound. We also understand the importance of quality samples and their use by amateur music enthusiasts, as well as prominent producers, composers, recording studios and other venues. We were extremely lucky to have Gary Garritan work with us on this technically and musically complex project. Although both Steinway & Sons and Gary Garritan recognize that nothing can replace the actual Steinway piano, we are extremely delighted that there is now a sampling product that comes closest to capturing the distinctive Steinway sound that we are proud to endorse."

"The world has come to recognize the legendary Steinway Model D as a benchmark for excellence in engineering, craftsmanship and musicality" said Gary Garritan. "We believe the Garritan Authorized Steinway Virtual Model D Piano library has captured the essence of this great piano and will set the new standard in quality, performance and innovation in software instruments." More Virtual Steinway models are being developed.

Pricing:

Authorized Steinway Virtual Model D Professional Version: $399
Authorized Steinway Virtual Model D Standard Version: $199
Authorized Steinway Virtual Model D Basic Version: $99

The Authorized Steinway Virtual Model D will begin shipping shortly after the NAMM show - late January/early February 2008


COME SEE US AT THE NAMM SHOW - BOOTH 6721 & 6919


About Steinway & Sons

Steinway & Sons, headquartered in New York, produces the world's finest pianos. Steinway pianos are sold by nearly 200 authorized dealers worldwide. The company's corporate parent is Steinway Musical Instruments, Inc., which also owns Conn-Selmer, the nation's leading manufacturer of orchestra and band instruments. Steinway Musical Instruments, Inc. is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol LVB for Ludwig van Beethoven. Steinway & Sons was founded on March 5, 1853 by German immigrant Henry Engelhard Steinway and his sons in New York City, one of the major centers of the piano-making industry in North America at that time. Henry, a master piano-maker, built his first piano in the kitchen of his home in Germany. Over the next forty years, Henry and his sons developed the modern piano, patenting the most significant technologies in the piano industry. www.steinway.com (http://www.steinway.com/)

About Garritan Libraries

Garritan is the worldwide leader and pioneer in sample libraries and soundware. Garritan Libraries are the recipient of numerous industry, education, and professional awards and accolades in the music press and among professional musicians. These same libraries are required for classes at leading music colleges and universities. Garritan has also developed the first sample libraries that integrate with popular notation programs, such as Finale and Sibelius. The Garritan Libraries are known the world over for quality, and are an indispensable staple in film, television and interactive productions, as well as live performances. www.garritan.com (http://www.garritan.com/).


http://www.garritan.com/Steinway/SteinwayWeb_Jan2008.jpg

[rwayland]

Whoopee!!!!!!!!!!!!! All my credit cards just reached zero balance, but I bet that will change shortly!!

Richard

[JonFairhurst]

Congratulations, Gary. And congratulations to Jeff!!!

I spoke with Jeff last year about the project, and it was really clear that he was looking at all of the angles and tradeoffs for getting just the right touch from the instrument. I have no doubt that he and the team captured the piano exquisitely.

[etLux]

Congratulations, Gary, and to the whole crew!

Best,



David
www.DavidSosnowski.com
.

[Michael_uk]

Well .. another congratulations Gary and this, again, proves that ARIA has reached a milestone. Now we can look forward to all your libraries being moved to ARIA.

Whilst I disagree with some of the accolades heaped on Steinway pianos, personally I loathe them, this most certainly does not detract from yet another phenomenal success.

As far as I know, this is the first time you have offered tiered purchase options (Basic, Standard and Professional) in any of your libraries. I think this is a good idea and I shall be watching with interest to see if any of your other products will follow suite.

Although I won't be purchasing this library I have no doubt it is superb and will be hugely successful.

[BenNichols]

Fantastic! Tiered pricing! Thanks Gary!

What does "multiple-stage tracking release triggers" mean tho?!

Ben

[rwayland]

Whilst I disagree with some of the accolades heaped on Steinway pianos, personally I loathe them, ....



Well, I prefer older model Baldwin pianos, but from the perspective of pianist and technician, I consider Steinway a superb instrument. To me, the most over rate piano is Bosendorfer.

What is your preference?

Richard

[Pingu]

Whilst I disagree with some of the accolades heaped on Steinway pianos, personally I loathe them, this most certainly does not detract from yet another phenomenal success.


What do you find works for you Michael?

I'm trying to find a piano I can be happy with. The problem is I've only ever really played Steinways and Yamahas. I find the action on Yamahas about 1000 times too heavy, and the sound on the cheaper ones (which is relative - up to about £15000, which isn't really cheap) is just downright tinny. I prefer the Steinways, but never really fell in love with them as a player. I have a Bluthner in my classroom, and love the action on it, but the poor thing is all but dead, and sounds dreadful. So what should I try?

[Nickie Fønshauge]

Congratulations with the new baby. It looks promising - I can't wait to hear demos ;) And the pricing doesn't seem unreasonable. I suppose a cheaper version is a true subset of a more expensive version. Is there an upgrade path between the versions?

[valhalx]

BRAVO and Congrats to Gary, David and Jeff for your hard work and vision in this project. The Garritan Authorized Steinway will set the standard.

Bill

[snorlax]

Another Home Run!!!

Jim

[Reegs]

Cooooool!! :D

Congratulations to Gary and everyone else involved!

Best,
Reegs

[l.buck]

What do you find works for you Michael?

I'm trying to find a piano I can be happy with. The problem is I've only ever really played Steinways and Yamahas. I find the action on Yamahas about 1000 times too heavy, and the sound on the cheaper ones (which is relative - up to about £15000, which isn't really cheap) is just downright tinny. I prefer the Steinways, but never really fell in love with them as a player. I have a Bluthner in my classroom, and love the action on it, but the poor thing is all but dead, and sounds dreadful. So what should I try?


I'd still have a look at a range of Steinways - have you tried ones of different ages? Depending on their size they all handle differently anyway. I'm in love with them, but not so fond of the newer ones - the ones built in the 80s I find are fabulous, as are some of the older ones if they've been properly looked after. I have a 1936 Steinway upright at home, and even though it's old it still feels like and sounds like a Steinway. The best one I've ever played incidentally was built in the 1920s I think - it was the one Rachmaninov used for concert tours in the UK.
As to other makes, generally you can't go wrong with a German piano - it depends on your budget though. Have you tried Steingraeber? They're not so well known in this country but are certainly amongst the best there are.
If the budget is less, you could try a Boston - similar price range to Yamaha but miles better in both action and sound. They're designed by Steinway but built by Kawai, but to me sound and feel nothing like a Kawai.
And I have to agree that I can't stand Bosendorfers!

[LFO]

Congratulations on the release of the Steinway Gary! The multiple versions is brilliant. This product is going to shake up the industry. With the ARIA player, the multiple versions, the sampling technology used for the product and the innovative copy protection you have set the bar very high for the competition.

Garritan strikes again!

-Kevin

[Sharkbat]

Congratulations to Gary and team again for the Steinway, I can't wait to try it (or at least hear some demos). I would also like to know if it is upgradable...if I buy (say) the standard, will I just have to pay the difference to get the professional, or will there be some other upgrade offers?

--Richard

[SeanHannifin]

Congratulations to Gary and team!! As valhalx said, this will surely set the standard. )(~

[bmpsound]

Hi Gary,

It was great to see you again at NAMM and getting a chance to see the new Steinway piano module with the great ARIA player. You continually amaze us with your dedication to quality and affordable virtual instruments.

You rock!

Steve

http://www.stevebarden.com/images/Garritan.jpg

[Jaybee]

Just curious . . .

Will I need to buy a new hard drive for the new Steinway? I haven't seen anything about the space needed for the 3 different flavors of this new library. I'm just thinking ahed because I will want to get this library and I want to be sure I have enough space available on my drives.

[seclusion]

Wonder what the difference is between the 3 versions of the piano's?

[KeithW]

I've been away for a few days- CONGRATULATIONS on a wonderful achievement! Can't wait to get my copy.:D

Keith Walls

[Pingu]

Pricing:

Authorized Steinway Virtual Model D Professional Version: $399
Authorized Steinway Virtual Model D Standard Version: $199
Authorized Steinway Virtual Model D Basic Version: $99


I have to say I feel a little let down by the Go-Round now. At the time the release price was given as $499, with the Go-Round price at $299, which seemed like a no-brainer. But after adding the $40 delivery (which was compulsory - the cheap option wasn't available) and VAT at 17.5%, when it comes into the country, it cost $398, which now turns out to be the actual release price. Then I will have to pay customs duty and Fedex's Customs Clearance Fee, which may amount to another $100. In the end I may pay rather more than if I'd simply waited and bought it at retail price from Time and Space, (depending on whether Fedex remember to levy their fee). Not that I want to sound ungrateful, and I'm still waiting excitedly; but it would have been nice to know that the release price given might come down before release.

[Jeff Turner]

I have to say I feel a little let down by the Go-Round now. At the time the release price was given as $499, with the Go-Round price at $299, which seemed like a no-brainer. But after adding the $40 delivery (which was compulsory - the cheap option wasn't available) and VAT at 17.5%, when it comes into the country, it cost $398, which now turns out to be the actual release price. Then I will have to pay customs duty and Fedex's Customs Clearance Fee, which may amount to another $100. In the end I may pay rather more than if I'd simply waited and bought it at retail price from Time and Space, (depending on whether Fedex remember to levy their fee). Not that I want to sound ungrateful, and I'm still waiting excitedly; but it would have been nice to know that the release price given might come down before release.
Pingu,

I can certainly understand your frustration. I saw the Steinway come up during the Go-Round, and saw that $499 retail price. Thinking this sale is my only chance to pick this up at a discount. This had to be a very impulsive purchase for many, click now because it'll be gone in 10 minutes. I didn't succumb to the temptation of the moment, I'm glad I didn't seeing all of the other options available.

Jeff

[Jaybee]

Wonder what the difference is between the 3 versions of the piano's?

Some of it is listed in the press release - 3rd paragraph.

[KeviD]

Pingu,

I can certainly understand your frustration. I saw the Steinway come up during the Go-Round, and saw that $499 retail price. Thinking this sale is my only chance to pick this up at a discount. This had to be a very impulsive purchase for many, click now because it'll be gone in 10 minutes. I didn't succumb to the temptation of the moment, I'm glad I didn't seeing all of the other options available.

Jeff

I did succumb, and I have to say I feel exactly the as Pingu, excited by getting the library but let down that I haven't got the bargain I thought I had. If I had known there was going to be the other versions of the library, I would of held off.
Also a little worried that we haven't heard any demos yet. With the Strad and the Cello the demos were released well before the product was.

[l.buck]

I did succumb, and I have to say I feel exactly the as Pingu, excited by getting the library but let down that I haven't got the bargain I thought I had. If I had known there was going to be the other versions of the library, I would of held off.
Also a little worried that we haven't heard any demos yet. With the Strad and the Cello the demos were released well before the product was.


I also succumbed - being as the release price was so high, I figured this was my only chance to afford to have the one library I've really been waiting for. I also would have held off and bought one of the 'lite' versions of it, as I'm pretty sure I won't ever use all of the mic positions which are included anyway. And again, once the shipping and customs payments are taken care of, it looks like I too will not have got the bargain I thought I had.

[Michael_uk]

..... But after adding the $40 delivery (which was compulsory - the cheap option wasn't available) and VAT at 17.5%, when it comes into the country, it cost $398, which now turns out to be the actual release price. Then I will have to pay customs duty and Fedex's Customs Clearance Fee, which may amount to another $100. In the end I may pay rather more than if I'd simply waited and bought it at retail price from Time and Space, ....
Hello Pingu,

Sorry to hear of your disappointment. I don't understand the $40 delivery. I bought CoMB in the 'Go Round' and I paid much less than that so I don't know what happened there.

Regarding the VAT, I have known instances where VAT wasn't levied so here's hoping your luck holds out. Same with Custom Duty and Fed Ex's clearance fees although some people have said that Fed Ex usually chases this as a money-making exercise.

Whatever happens, I still think it may work out cheaper than buying retail in the UK. When I bought Finale 2008 upgrade, even after paying tax and duties etc, it was still cheaper than through the Finale distributor here in the UK.

Fingers crossed for you.

[Michael_uk]

..... If I had known there was going to be the other versions of the library, I would of held off.
Also a little worried that we haven't heard any demos yet. With the Strad and the Cello the demos were released well before the product was.

]I also would have held off and bought one of the 'lite' versions of it, as I'm pretty sure I won't ever use all of the mic positions which are included anyway. Hello KeviD and l.Buck,

I understand what you both are saying about the different versions but in my experience many people who try 'lite' versions usually find they 'outgrow' these and then pay extra to upgrade. I think once you have the library and start playing with it you will enjoy the extra facilities.

KeviD, You obviously followed your instinct to buy the library having not heard any demos so I don't know why you are concerned now. Personally I would say you were right to go with your instincts knowing the standard of Gary's libraries and the way Gary works, I am certain you will delighted. I am waiting for a few of Gary's products (very patiently) that are in the pipeline and I wouldn't hesitate to buy them without demos first.

Good luck with you new libraries; I am certain you will be very pleased. :)

[Ranger]

I find that when you try to save , the more you spend with music. So for me its the top Steinway after all I could be wrong but the Steinway was probably created with the major package in mind

[rbowser-]

It's a momentous moment - The collaboration between Steinway and Garritan is finally yielding an available product. So excellent!

Side note---musicians crack me up sometimes. How can a Steinway piano be "loathed" --? Granted there are subtle differences between different pianos, but I am perfectly content to say that I've never played a piano I haven't liked, even if that confession exposes me as a pleb.

From church basement to top flight penthouse, all the pianos I've touched have had their unique character which I've enjoyed. Maybe I'll loathe a piano sample sitting in a Casio toy, but I don't know How to Loathe a thoughtfully produced, universally endorsed piano such as a Steinway.

I do have a question which is rather in line with other questions on this thread:

Here's a quote from the thread header -

"...the Basic version, ideal for students, amateur musicians, and educators, is a light version that offers a single perspective..."

It's not clear from what we've heard if these three different versions are exatly the same piano samples or not.

The full-tilt version has what sounds like very elegant and convolving based perspectives of the instrument available. The intermediate version narrows those ambience choices down to two --And this Basic version has "as single perspective."---WHICh perspective? From the bench?--I hope so--because that dry sound would be the most flexible one to work with. If it's the concert setting - instant limitation.

Most crucial to know--are the piano samples themselves the same, or are there fewer samples in each succeeding, less expensive versions?

Applying my own reverb to sound is not big issue with me. I'll gladly forego the convenience of instantly choosing expertly done reverb settings - But is that the Only difference between these three versions?

Even though it's not explicitly stated, for now I'm thinking that there Must be a difference in the number of samples between the different versions. Rather like the full and "light" versions of the Steinway in GPO.

----but I still hope I'm wrong, and that the the basic version still includes all the samples. $100 I could conceivably save up for - the other versions are simply out of my price range.

SO - Hope to have clarifications soon!

Randy B.

[EricH]

Well, as someone who didn't purchase in the go-round (was unaware), let me say that I wish I had. And if Gary Garritan would allow me to purchase your pre-order from you, I'd do it in a heartbeat :D

[Pingu]

Hello Pingu,

Sorry to hear of your disappointment. I don't understand the $40 delivery. I bought CoMB in the 'Go Round' and I paid much less than that so I don't know what happened there.


Yes, I also bought the Gofriller, and paid much less for delivery via USPS and Royal Mail. For the Steinway, though, only the Fedex option was available. Which means so far I have only paid $339 in total. So, if by some miracle I avoid VAT, duty and Fedex's fees this represents a saving. On the other hand I have never known Fedex to miss these charges. So VAT will bring this to $398. I've never understood the other two, but they generally seem to add about a quarter in total, so I'm looking at around $480 total.

And I understood that as I bought it, but I believed, at the time, that the alternative was $499+VAT ($586) from Time and Space at a later date. Now it turns out it would actually have been $399+VAT ($468+$4 p&p), so it seems highly likely I've just paid more for it than MSRP. Worst case scenario, it will be $399 inc. VAT from Time and Space, in which case I feel very silly.

All of which shouldn't be interpreted too much as a grumble - I appreciate that things change, and most customers will be delighted that Gary relented on the MSRP. I'm also not complaining about the different versions that are available - there's no question that I'd have gone for the Pro version anyway. I just wish I'd secong-guessed the reduction in MSRP. I was in a similar situation with GOS. I bought it at the, supposedly, limited-time saving. It meant going into debt, but it was a huge saving. But then the price never did go up to the announced MSRP; in fact it continued to drop from the initial 'sale' price. I never did dare tell my wife. Really I'm just kicking myself that I didn't remember that.

[klassical]

Congrats, Gary. I hope it's a wildly successful product for you.

I want the Pro version, but I don't have the cash right now.

Could we set up some sort of installment plan where I send you a small amount of money each week and you send me just a few keys? ;)

More seriously, I'm wondering about System Requirements. How fast a system and how much Ram before you can play lots of notes with the Sustain pedal down?

[DarwinKopp]

Well, it's good to see the details on the ol' Steinway D firm up. A lower MSRP and tiered-pricing, who knew? :D It would have been nice to have been made aware of the tiered pricing, but I'm sure many/most would have gone top-tier anyway.

Pingu,


I have to say I feel a little let down by the Go-Round now. At the time the release price was given as $499, with the Go-Round price at $299, which seemed like a no-brainer. But after adding the $40 delivery (which was compulsory - the cheap option wasn't available) and VAT at 17.5%, when it comes into the country, it cost $398, which now turns out to be the actual release price. Then I will have to pay customs duty and Fedex's Customs Clearance Fee, which may amount to another $100. In the end I may pay rather more than if I'd simply waited and bought it at retail price from Time and Space, (depending on whether Fedex remember to levy their fee). Not that I want to sound ungrateful, and I'm still waiting excitedly; but it would have been nice to know that the release price given might come down before release. The holiday sale offered the Steinway at $299, 40% off an apparently estimated list price of $499. Since the actual list price is not $499, I would assume the offer at 40% off applies to the now known list price of $399. That would put the actual sale price at $239 and change. Or I could be completely out to lunch.:p

[Michael_uk]

.....

Side note---musicians crack me up sometimes. How can a Steinway piano be "loathed" --?
Hello Randy,

I'm sorry you took offence on reading my personal opinion. There are many posts and comments containing views I don't understand and which 'Crack me up'. In many cases I simply move on and ignore the post. If I feel I have to respond then I try to remain polite in recognition that the poster is entitled to express their views and feelings providing they have done so respectfully.

I continue to offer Gary my congratulations and recognition of this huge achievement and I genuinely hope that this library too will be the success it deserves.

[rbowser-]

Hi, Michael

I appreciate your last post on this thread. It gives me an opportunity to apologize since my comment seems to have bothered you. Sorry, Michael - I was just adding a response, and meant it to be good natured.

You're right, that we all see things posted once in awhile that we take exception with, and just letting those posts stand on their own, speaking for themselves can be a good way to respond - to Not respond actually.

At the same time, when a personal opinion is expressed, we do have the choice of replying, by way of making conversation, and that's fine too. It shouldn't be too surprising to have people reply when we've expressed what we know is most likely an unpopular opinion.

I didn't "take offense" at reading your personal opinion about Steinways, I was just amused to see it mentioned on a thread about the upcoming library. It surprised me to see it, and I thought it perhaps wasn't very appropriate, since our particular opinion of various brands of pianos isn't really on topic or to the point. I know I have a particular sensitivity to hearing strong negatives like "hate" "loathe" "can't stand" since they're so often exaggerations of how we really feel. I'd rather see such strong negatives reserved for targets truly worthy of loathing. But it really isn't a huge thing, Michael - Now we know you don't like Steinways. Oh well! Can't win them all.

Thanks for having this little chat. Personally I enjoy it when we actually converse on the Forum rather than just post our opinions expecting them to automatically go by unchallenged or commented on.

Peace, my friend.

Randy B.

[Michael_uk]

Hello Randy my dear friend :),

I really appreciate your reply. On reflection your point about strong negatives is a fair one. Perhaps I would change 'loathe' to 'dislike' and I appreciate this would be less provocative which was never my intention. I apologise for that.

I completely agree about our conversing on forums and I enjoy them too and, I have to say, I find myself in agreement on just about everything you write .. we are so often as one mind.

Keeping on topic, this library is going to be a huge success and I'm in there willing it to make it to the top.

Peace reigns .. :D

[Garritan]

Hi Gary,

It was great to see you again at NAMM and getting a chance to see the new Steinway piano module with the great ARIA player. You continually amaze us with your dedication to quality and affordable virtual instruments.
Steve,

It was so good to see you at NAMM. I only wih I had more time to spend with you and the other forum members. Let's plan a forum get together next year.

Thanks for stopping by.

All the best,

Gary

[Garritan]

Pingu,

We decided to lower our release price. but don't worry - the same discount will apply for those who pre-ordered with the go round. And if you want another version instead, we can apply the same discount also.

Best,

Gary


I have to say I feel a little let down by the Go-Round now. At the time the release price was given as $499, with the Go-Round price at $299, which seemed like a no-brainer. But after adding the $40 delivery (which was compulsory - the cheap option wasn't available) and VAT at 17.5%, when it comes into the country, it cost $398, which now turns out to be the actual release price. Then I will have to pay customs duty and Fedex's Customs Clearance Fee, which may amount to another $100. In the end I may pay rather more than if I'd simply waited and bought it at retail price from Time and Space, (depending on whether Fedex remember to levy their fee). Not that I want to sound ungrateful, and I'm still waiting excitedly; but it would have been nice to know that the release price given might come down before release.

[scalp]

Hello,

I am very excited to hear the Steinway. I am currently working on music for French television, and I wonder if it will be possible to wait the Steinway. What is the date of availability please?

Thanks ! :|:

[Pingu]

Pingu,

We decided to lower our release price. but don't worry - the same discount will apply for those who pre-ordered with the go round. And if you want another version instead, we can apply the same discount also.

Best,

Gary

Hi Gary,
Does that mean the discount will be 40% of the $399? That would be truly fantastic. Even if it's not, I'm not really that upset, and I certainly wasn't meaning to grumble at you personally. You are, without doubt, the nicest businessman I've ever encountered; the fact that you reduced the release price is further evidence of your dedication to your customers. I was purely kicking myself, because I second-guessed the fact that you would put the Steinway on the last go-round, and had two days to work out how much I should pay - what with VAT and duty etc. But I never did, and, as that flame burnt away so quickly, I leapt in without any idea whether I was doing a wise thing or not.

I wouldn't dream of 'downsizing' to another version, but it was nice of you to offer. I have a feeling this is going to become my 'go to' piano library, and I'd only want to upgrade two days after it arrived.

Thanks again for the go-round.

Best Wishes

David

[Michael_uk]

Pingu,

We decided to lower our release price. but don't worry - the same discount will apply for those who pre-ordered with the go round. And if you want another version instead, we can apply the same discount also.

Best,

Gary
Hello Gary and welcome home from NAMM.

I knew it, I just knew it but I didn't dare say it in a reply. I knew Gary would do something like this :)