Pssst Instruments has introduced a groundbreaking new sample library for Kontakt users, titled Avant-Gardist, which redefines what a cinematic piano can sound like. Though it can be played just like a traditional piano, the sound it produces is far from conventional. Designed especially for film composers, Avant-Gardist offers a rich and inspiring sonic palette that is original, natural, and beautifully expressive. Its tones can range from dark, subtle, and unpredictable to warm, intimate, and otherworldly — all while maintaining a cinematic quality that sets it apart from other instruments.
What truly makes Avant-Gardist so unique is the unorthodox approach taken during its recording and sampling process. The techniques used are unlike anything typically found in traditional piano libraries. The sound is intentionally raw — sometimes dirty, occasionally abrupt, and full of human touch. This allows listeners to actually hear and feel the presence of a pianist sitting at the keys, adding a tactile and emotional dimension to the experience.
The recording process involved a group of pianists, each interacting with a single upright piano string using an array of unusual tools — fingers, horsehair, chains, bows, sticks, tape, magnets, and more. Crucially, all sounds were pitched and musical. Each string had its own close-up stereo microphone instead of relying on standard distant miking techniques. This choice means that every note comes across as incredibly close, centered, and present — as if it’s happening right in front of you.
Further enhancing its distinctive character is the creative use of sampling and tuning techniques. The samples are left largely unprocessed to preserve their organic quality. The tuning is deliberately imperfect — slightly detuned in a way that feels natural and variably expressive. This method draws comparisons to how a cellist might manually tune strings while playing, giving Avant-Gardist a sound that’s uniquely alive and emotionally resonant.
The library features playable pre-configured sounds with round-robin variation, layered and mixed presets, pitch-tuned one-shots, and textured tonal beds. It also includes round-robin triggered noise and ASMR-style effects, a special FX menu, looping capabilities, and built-in effects. These features provide composers with an expansive toolkit for shaping truly distinctive cinematic soundscapes.
Avant-Gardist is compatible with the full version of Kontakt 6.8 or higher. It’s available at an introductory price of $69 until April 30, 2025 (regular price $119).
Related Topics
- Titanic Movie Violin to Be Auctioned for Up to £60,000
- Korg Unveils the miniKORG 700Sm: A Compact Reimagining of the Classic Synth
- Nathan East Reveals He Played Bass on Judas Priest Album During Ian Hill’s Rehab
