Surviving in the Studio: Focus on EXEA
The Furstein Silent Piano is a versatile instrument that has become an essential piece of gear for Erik, a member of the duo EXEA. This upright piano offers more than just piano sounds, as it can also produce shaker and percussion sounds through soft plucking of its strings.
Erik, with years of music training in Jazz, has been using the Furstein Silent Piano for around five years. He finds it satisfactory and enjoys using it for silent practice, thanks to the headphone jack output. This feature allows him to practice on weekends without disturbing his neighbours.
The Furstein Silent Piano stands out from just another synth or pad sound for Erik. Its piano sounds, even after the effects, maintain a unique character that blends well with electronic music. Erik adds processing to the piano sounds recorded from the Furstein Silent Piano to make them fit better into his music.
In his newest single, "Do It Right", Erik introduces the piano two bars before the hook comes in and it continues throughout the song with different processing. The Trance Gate is used for processing the piano in the last hook.
The Furstein Silent Piano's silent play mode is a boon for Erik, as it allows him to practice the act of drawing notes, which he finds tedious after his years of music training, without disturbing anyone. By laying a thin scarf in front of the hammers, the Furstein Silent Piano can produce a felt piano sound, adding another layer of versatility to his music.
The Furstein Silent Piano's high-fidelity MIDI output enables it to connect to computers and synthesizers, making it an ideal tool for electronic music production. Its advanced sensor technology captures nuanced key and pedal movements to provide expressive MIDI data. Some models even come with onboard electronic sounds or easy compatibility with software instruments, making it versatile for live electronic performances.
The Furstein Silent Piano's design is optimized for easy setup and durability on stage, making it a popular choice for musicians who want the expressiveness of a traditional piano alongside the flexibility needed for electronic music creation and live show environments.
For more specific technical details or the latest version's feature list, it's recommended to consult the official Furstein Silent Piano website or authorized dealers, as public search data currently lacks this information.
Erik often integrates the unique character of the Furstein Silent Piano's piano sounds into his electronic music, adding music processing to make them fit seamlessly. On weekends, he practises the act of drawing notes on the piano silently, using the Furstein Silent Piano's silent play mode and a thin scarf as a felt hammer, allowing him to mix technology and entertainment.
