EDITED ON 2024-05-22!
We have included Salamander Piano for a long time, but it’s not working as well as we would like in sfizz, probably because it’s specially optimized for linuxsampler as it’s clearly set in the description:
This piano has been optimized and only properly tested for linuxsampler.
To avoid users complaining about it, we have decided to replace the SFZ by a GIG soundfont that can only be open with linuxsampler. In the new Oram Bookworm image, we have replaced Salamander Grand Piano (SFZ) by the Maestro Grand Piano (GIG):
https://musical-artifacts.com/artifacts/73
I think is a good choice. Of course, you can install the soundfonts you like more. It’s obvious that it’s a matter of taste and everyone have different preferences. We simply try to include, at less, a well-balanced, high quality piano soundfont that works for as much users as possible.
I finally have decided to keep the SalamanderGrandPiano SFZ. We have replaced the 44.1KHz+16bits version by the better 48KHz+24bits one. We have included 3 versions now:
- Grand Piano V2
- Grand Piano V3
- Grand Piano V3 Retuned
The 3 versions use the same wav files, so no extra space is needed. You can test them and choose the one that best fit your needs/likes. This will be available in the next Oram SD image.
Again, remember this, please:
This piano has been optimized and only properly tested for linuxsampler
It would also work in sfizz, but probably not so nicely as in linuxsampler. You could find issues when loading it with other engines different from linuxsampler.
Anyway, when using SFZ instruments, remember we have 2 engines that support this format:
- linuxsampler
- sfizz
Any of them support 100% of the opcodes. SFZ support is incomplete in both engines, sfizz & linuxsampler, and depending on how the soundfont has been created, it could be better to use one over the other engine.
There is 2 versions of SFZ standard:
- SFZ v1, that is (almost) fully supported by sfizz and linuxsampler
- SFZ v2, that is partially supported by sfizz and linuxsampler
To add complexity to this, there are some popular extensions developed by Sforzando/Aria/Garritan:
- SFZ ARIA extensions, that are partially supported by sfizz and linuxsampler
You can check the supported opcodes here:
Regards,