Discover the Classics: A Review of the Big Blue Piano VST Plugin
The magic of vintage electric pianos has inspired generations of musicians, creating a unique atmosphere in genres ranging from jazz and funk to soul and hip-hop. A special place among these instruments is held by the legendary Fender Rhodes, whose warm, ringing, and at the same time, tube-like sound has become the hallmark of many hits.
Finding free VST instruments that would properly reproduce this iconic sound can be challenging. But today we will review just such a plugin – Big Blue Piano from Daniel Smith Music. This virtual electric piano was created with a single purpose: to bring a distinctive sound, similar to the Fender Rhodes, directly into your Digital Audio Workstation (DAW).
What Is Big Blue Piano?
Big Blue Piano is not just another plugin with piano sounds. It is an attempt to convey the essence of a classic electric piano, its response and timbre, which musicians around the world value so much. Developed using the JUCE framework, the plugin offers a focused approach to sound without unnecessary distractions.
Sound and Character
The main advantage of Big Blue Piano is its sound. It strives to recreate the same warm, slightly “dirty,” and harmonically rich timbre that makes the Rhodes so recognizable. Although the plugin is positioned as “extremely minimal,” its sound palette is the main argument in its favor.
This sound is ideal for:
- Creating atmospheric chords in jazz and soul compositions.
- Adding funky groove with rhythmic patterns.
- Using it in R&B and hip-hop tracks to create vintage warmth.
- Experimenting in pop and chillwave genres.
The sound changes dynamically depending on the key press (velocity), which allows you to achieve expressiveness when playing.
Interface and Control: Minimalism in Action
As mentioned, the interface of Big Blue Piano is as simplified as possible. It doesn’t have the usual knobs or sliders for equalization, changing effects, or detailed sound adjustments, except for the virtual keyboard.
This minimalist approach can be both an advantage and a disadvantage, depending on your needs:
- Advantage: You can focus solely on playing and sound without being distracted by visual elements.
- Disadvantage: The lack of built-in controls means that any sound modifications (other than those that respond to MIDI) must be done with additional effect plugins in your DAW.
MIDI Control: Open the Expression
Despite its visual simplicity, Big Blue Piano is sensitive to the main MIDI controllers, which is critical for expressive electric piano playing:
- Mod-wheel (MIDI CC): Controls the depth of the vibrato effect, adding the characteristic “shake” of the sound often associated with classic electric pianos.
- Channel aftertouch: Affects the strength and speed of the vibrato. This allows you to change the intensity of the effect after pressing the key, adding organicness and expression to your performance.
- Pitchbend: Allows you to smoothly change the pitch of notes, which opens up additional possibilities for bends and glissandos, which are an integral part of playing many keyboard instruments.
This sensitivity to MIDI controllers makes Big Blue Piano more than just a static sound reproduction; it turns it into an instrument that can be played with feeling.
Who Is This Plugin For?
Big Blue Piano is perfect for:
- Musicians looking for a free vintage electric piano for their VST instrument collection.
- Producers who want to add a warm, soulful Rhodes-like sound to their tracks.
- Those who appreciate simplicity and minimalism in software.
- Windows PC (32-bit) owners who work with the VST format.
System Requirements
Currently, Big Blue Piano is available exclusively for the Windows operating system (Win32) in the VST format.
Conclusion
Big Blue Piano from Daniel Smith Music is an interesting offer for those looking for an affordable way to get the classic sound of an electric piano, similar to the Fender Rhodes. Its minimalist design is offset by a pleasant vintage timbre and sensitivity to key MIDI controllers, which allows you to achieve expressiveness in playing. If you are working on Windows and need a simple but characteristic electric piano sound, Big Blue Piano is worth your attention.
