Best piano vst

I'm still looking for the right one and just to name a few: Piano One (free) Acoustica Pianissimo Modartt Pianoteq 4Front True Pianos XLN Audio Addictive Keys Native Instruments Alicia's Keys Galaxy Vintage D Salamander GrandPiano sfz (free).

Another vote for Pianoteq!

This is relevant but as the man says I don't know if the streamed quality is good enough to compare - or maybe it doesn't matter as that's where a lot of music ends up anyway?

If you can find a deal on 4Front's Truepianos I think they sound pretty good in a mix. I use them a lot. Not quite as authentic in a solo piece IMHO

Sampled pianos don't necessarily sound more realistic. The reason I love Pianoteq is because they model things that can't be done with a sampler instrument, like sympathetic resonance and full range of pedal action.

Sure? How is this done?

That's up to the mixing engineer to make it work ;) Some tape saturation will do magic to it, works really well for me (I use u-he Satin).

I know, that's what I'm saying. :) There are always things that can be done to make the mix work!

I honestly don't know how keyboard players sort through this mess. With 3-4 guitars, an amp or 2 and my pedalboard I can cover about anything sonically and it will last for decades. Keyboard players are faced with all of these massive collections. You end up needing several of them because they are each the best at something different. Then you get to start over and buy it all again every few years.

I thought I would try downloading the sample tank 3 freebie to what was there. In short order I came across the insane registration nonsense and remembered why I love and support Reaper / Stillwell etc for treating me like a grown up.