Steinway B from 1901, playing across multiple albums by music legends such as Elton John, David Bowie, and Fleetwood Mac, is now captured by Spitfire Audio in their latest instrument release.
In the heart of rural France, nestled within the walls of an 18th-century château, lies Le Château d'Hérouville, a historic recording studio that has played host to some of the biggest names in music. This iconic studio, known as Strawberry Studios, has seen the likes of Elton John, Pink Floyd, Fleetwood Mac, David Bowie, and Iggy Pop grace its hallowed halls.
One of the most significant pieces of equipment in this prestigious studio is the Château Piano, a Steinway grand piano that has contributed to the distinctive sound of many classic albums. This piano, sampled by Spitfire Audio, is not just a musical instrument but a cultural artifact from the golden era of music.
The Château Piano was meticulously sampled in the "George Sand" live room, capturing the piano’s full character, from its raw, natural sound to a wide array of vintage and creative textures. The virtual instrument library offers a broad palette of tones and effects, such as reverb, chorus, flanger, compression, and distortion, and features eight microphone signals to blend for bespoke sound shaping. It includes presets inspired by different musical styles and decades, providing users both authentic classic tones and experimental possibilities.
The piano's history is as rich as its sound. It was used to record three of Elton John's best-loved early albums, including Honky Château, named after the studio, Don't Shoot Me I'm Only The Piano Player, and Goodbye Yellow Brick Road. The studio's Steinway B grand piano can be heard on many of Elton John's famous tunes, including "Crocodile Rock," "Rocket Man," and "Goodbye, Yellow Brick Road."
Strawberry Studios closed its doors in 1985 but was purchased in 2015 by musicians and sound engineers Jean Taxis and Thierry Garacino. After a painstaking restoration, the studio reopened in 2020, further cementing its legacy. The Château Piano plugin, developed by Spitfire Audio, allows for the blending of eight individual signals, replicating the unique sound that the piano produced in the studio.
Currently, the Château Piano plugin is available at an introductory discount of £103/$127. With its rich history and versatile sound, it is a must-have for any modern musician or producer seeking to capture the magic of the golden era of music.
References:
- Strawberry Studios
- Château Piano by Spitfire Audio
- The Château Piano: A Virtual Instrument Library
- The Château Piano: A Review
- Strawberry Studios Reopens After 35 Years
- Technology has enabled the recreation of Le Château d'Hérouville's historic Château Piano, allowing modern musicians and producers to incorporate elements of classic entertainment and music into their work, as the Château Piano by Spitfire Audio offers a versatile sound palette.
- The virtual Château Piano, derived from the prestigious instrument used by iconic artists like Elton John at Strawberry Studios, is not just a replica of an iconic music tool but a connection to the golden era of entertainment, bridging the gap between past and present music.
