ORGANS AND PIANOS

Version 5 also adds two organs, a stage piano and a multi-mode acoustic piano. The organs are emulations of the Hammond B-3 and Farfisa Combi Organ. Each replicates the interface and feature set of the original, along with a speaker emulation (guitar amp for the Farfisa, rotary speaker for the B-3) and virtual pedal board. Plus, the B-3 features customisable drawbar modulation, while the Farfisa adds a variety of new waveforms that push its sound into more synth-y territory. The Stage-73 V, meanwhile, emulates several incarnations of the Fender Rhodes Stage Piano, offering Suitcase and Stage versions, with ’73 and ’74 variations for the latter. The interface can be opened up, offering a virtual ‘custom shop’, along with an amp and effects. Finally, Piano V, features nine acoustic piano types, each with editable tuning and sound parameters, plus a variety of mic, room and EQ options.

All four instruments are high-quality and very usable emulations. The balance of simplicity and flexibility of Piano V impressed me, but the Farfisa is my favourite here, thanks to its gritty, vintage sound and well chosen effects.