WILLIAMS CUSTOM SOUND LIBRARY
"The Keys To Great Sounds"
THE WILLIAMS CUSTOM SOUND LIBRARY
“The Keys To Great Sounds.”
Williams Digital Pianos takes a huge leap forward with the development of our first custom sound collection – The Williams Custom Sound Library.
We started by seeking out exceptional instruments. Our sound design team looked far and wide for world-class keyboards, which would exceed all expectations for the library.
For the electric instruments we found an extensive collection of sought-after keyboards that have set the standard for rock, jazz and pop recordings for the past 60 years. Arlan Schierbaum, a well-respected player (Joe Bonamassa, John Hiatt, Richie Kotzen, etc.) was our expert curator. His understanding of classic keyboard idiosyncrasies helped to develop our approach, enabling us to capture each instrument’s true sound.
Then we went to great lengths to ensure that the recording of these amazing sounds was absolutely top notch by employing the renowned services of composer, producer and sound designer Douglas Morton. With these pieces in place, we locked down a great live room and utilized one of the most sought-after, recording-studio mic lockers in the business.
After you listen to the samples on these pages, we think you’ll agree that these carefully crafted digital samples give Williams pianos a significant sonic advantage over any other keyboard in their class. And because these amazing custom sounds are owned, curated and absolutely unique to Williams, you’ll never hear these sounds from any other keyboard. These great tones live ONLY on select Williams instruments.
The acoustic piano samples are amazing, but the Custom Sound Library doesn’t stop there. We went to great lengths to collect some earth-shaking vintage keyboard sounds. Watch this video to learn about the source of these amazing sounds.
CREATING THE WILLIAMS SOUND LIBRARY
Grand Piano
Finding a great piano that can sound good for classical, jazz, rock and pop music is tricky. After a lot of research we found the right instrument.
Tone Wheel Organ
We worked with Arlan on what were the most striking drawbar settings, as well as other settings a player would use (Percussion, Rock, Funk, etc) and recorded the sound directly from the organ.
Transistor Organ
Similar to the tone wheel organs, we captured the best settings on the original product and now players can choose to add a rotary speaker on top for a bigger sound than ever before.
Electric Piano – Tine
One of the most timeless sounds is the classic tine-based electric piano. Mostly used for jazz and pop, it can sound pretty with its bell tone or get nice and edgy on a funk tune.
Electric Piano – Reed
The reed-based electric pianos are THE sound for keyboards on a lot of classic funk, rock and Motown recordings. Listen to the first few bars of “I Heard It Through The Grapevine” and you will know that sound.
Clavinet
The Clavinet, a naturally percussive string-based keyboard, is one of the most important sounds for funk.
