ToonTrack EZkeys Review

Toontrack EZkeys Review – Part II

---

Sound Quality:

I thoroughly enjoy the sound quality of each sample library. Honestly, the caliber of these samples blows me away, especially given their conservative file sizes.

Each library consumes barely 500 MB. Nowadays, massive, multi-gigabyte piano libraries usually hog your storage. Therefore, experiencing such rewarding sounds alongside such low system requirements feels wonderfully refreshing. Your computer’s hard drive will definitely thank you.

[ EZkeys Grand ]

I own quite a few piano sample libraries, most of which use the Kontakt format. While my collection includes several Yamaha-based instruments and other piano models, I remain especially fond of the unmistakable sound of the Steinway Model D grand piano.

Interestingly, EZkeys Grand Piano also samples a Model D, and it performs impressively well in that role. I would gladly compare it against most nearly any piano library I own — or have heard over the years, for that matter.

Admittedly, once a piano library reaches a certain level of excellence, personal taste begins to outweigh technical differences. For that reason, I will not claim that Toontrack produces universally “better” piano libraries than other competitors on the market.

However, I will gladly go on record and say this: EZkeys “Grand” has rapidly become one of my personal favourites. Quite frankly, it keeps pulling me back to the keyboard when I should probably be doing something responsible instead.

The tone balances beautifully across all eight octaves. It avoids any abrupt, “in-your-face” velocity glitches. The perceived resonance, shimmer, and sympathetic response sit at a lovely, middle-of-the-road level.

This grand piano sample library fits perfectly into a typical mix. ToonTrack implemented the stereo width and panning superbly. You’ll notice a smooth, even transition from left to right across the instrument’s entire span.

Not only does this virtual instrument sound great, but it is also easy breezy to work with. Personally, I find this piano incredibly friendly for pop, country, blues, or gospel mixes.

It’s like the piano knows exactly where to stand in the band without being asked. Honestly, if my coffee maker had this much balance, I’d never spill a drop!

The sample size is not very large; does that mean it has limited velocity layers?

No, not at all.

Hi, you! If you like these kinds of reviews,
be sure to subscribe.

The instrument boasts a deceptively broad and even-tempered dynamic range. I guesstimate that there are no fewer than 8 velocity layers infused. The transitions from piano, piano forte, up through forte are smooth and responsive – no jarring disparities here, kids.

You’ll immediately recognize the tonal luster and rich, warm “throaty” sound of a Steinway “Model D.”

The lower register maintains that trademark “bounce” and resilient liveliness Steinways are famous for. The middle range, spanning B2 to C5, feels rich and full without sounding boomy or boxy. Meanwhile, the upper region delivers well-balanced, articulate highs that sing freely, avoiding any glass-breaking shrillness.

It’s like the piano has a superpower: it sounds expensive without the price tag found on most premium sample libraries.

EZkeys Classic Electrics

I openly admit it: I struggle to control my urge to play blues licks and classic jazz riffs whenever I hear the sweet, chillin’ tones of Wurlis and Rhodes.

Honestly, these keys don’t just invite you to play; they practically demand a solo. It’s like the instrument whispers, “Go ahead, make me cry,” and my fingers just can’t say no!

You’ll find these samples among the most authentic, delicious, old-school vibe machines on this side of the digital tracks.

Between the two legends, the Rhodes and the Wurlitzer, the Rhodes takes the crown for versatility. It is naturally mellow and moody, yet you can make it “spank” and “bark” with the right touch.

The Wurlitzer brings a unique bite to the table. However, it struggles to sound as sweet as its friendly rival, the Rhodes. You can play a Wurli softly, but it often sounds dark and muffled at lower velocities.

It’s like the Rhodes is the chameleon of the piano world, while the Wurlitzer is the edgy rockstar who refuses to sing a lullaby. Both are cool, but one definitely knows how to wear a suit!

[ EZkeys Classic Electrics – MK I Electric ]

Toontrack showcases its sampling expertise brilliantly with the “Electric MK I”. From the very first notes, this library faithfully reproduces the unmistakable tine and mechanical tonebar characteristics that made the original instrument a legend.

You know the sound: that distinctive, mellow, slightly gritty, bell-like timbre that has captivated performers and audiences for more than half a century. It possesses a warmth and personality that never seem to go out of style.

As the saying goes, “Once a Rhodes fan, always a Rhodes fan.” ToonTrack clearly understands that enduring appeal. The developers have captured the instrument’s vintage character in remarkable detail and packed “Electric MK I” with an abundance of authentic retro vibes.

Most importantly, the instrument never feels like a sterile collection of samples. Instead, it responds with the musical charm and soulful character that players expect from a classic Rhodes Mark I. ToonTrack has not merely sampled a famous keyboard; it has recreated much of the magic that made musicians fall in love with it in the first place.

All your favourite Mark I Tones are in the Lineup

It’s all here – silky, warm, ‘marshmallowy’ tone, sumptuous tremolo, naughty bark, and that bigger-than-life ‘vibe’. This 76-key beauty was born to be cool. Fire it up, play a few chords, and you’ll immediately understand why the classic Rhodes sound has remained so beloved for decades.

In fact, this instrument oozes character. It delivers a beautifully balanced tone, offers extra bass response whenever the music demands it, and includes tasteful amp modelling. Moreover, the amp modeling adds warmth, grit, and vintage attitude in all the right places.

Even a musical underdog like Alfred E. Neuman might sound ready for prime time behind this keyboard—although becoming Ray Charles overnight may still require a little practice.

Most importantly, Toontrack has captured the soul of the classic Rhodes Mark I experience. The rich tone, responsive dynamics, and authentic vintage flavour should satisfy even the most devoted Rhodes aficionados.

Presets – a wonderful launching pad for your creativity

EZkeys Essential Pianos ships with a solid collection of genre-specific instrument and effects patches. You’ll find classic wah, chorusing, phase, delay, and even a Rotary Speaker patch. They’re all ready to spark inspiration.

Personally, I gravitate toward the “Default” preset, though I do tweak it slightly out of the box. I bump up the “bite” and ease the bass knob back to roughly two o’clock to add more character and definition.

That said, the default settings shine for late-night mellow jazz or romantic R&B—they nail that vibe without any adjustments needed.

Several patches, including “Default,” feature a “Line/Amp” mix knob that lets you blend DI and amped sounds together. This is where the magic happens—you can realistically mimic the tone of a microphone capturing an amplified keyboard, and the results sound genuinely professional. I find this feature remarkably effective.

[ EZkeys Classic Electrics – Electric W-200 ]

“You got the right one, baby” “Tell me what’d I say now?”
“Right. Right! You’re bloody well right”

You get the picture: we’re diving into the gritty, raspy charm of the Wurlitzer A200 electric piano. From Ray Charles in 1959 to Supertramp in 1981, this raucous machine of cool left its unmistakable “mark” on popular music.

The driving pulse of raspy, hammered reeds combined with whooshing vibrato packed dance floors and moved vinyl records off shelves by the thousands. The impact? Undeniable.

Even now, more than 40 years after manufacturers first built the 200A in 1972, contemporary keyboardists still clamor for Rolands, Nords, and exceptional sample libraries like this one. That’s staying power. EZkeys Classic Keyboards captures this enduring legacy, delivering the authenticity and character that players have chased for decades.

What are Electric Keys W-200’s tonal characteristics, you ask?

Toontrack has clearly spared no effort in nailing the raw, growling character of a cranked-up Wurli. Push it, and you get that gritty, barking tone that defined so many classic records—immediate, attitude-filled, and wonderfully alive.

But this is not a one-trick pony. Back off, and these keys slip effortlessly into a mellow-yellow vibe, serving up big, thick, slightly muffled jazzy warmth that wraps your chords in smoky-club ambience.

It also sings just as convincingly as it snarls.

And then there is the tremolo. The rate and depth are fully adjustable, and it is genuinely to live for. You might think tremolo is just tremolo, but the rocket surgeons at Toontrack have recreated that vintage “Wurlie warble”. It comes across with such deft accuracy that it feels like you are sitting in front of the real amp, soaking in that hypnotic, pulsing sway.

The bottom end is round, full, and satisfyingly solid. The mids are well balanced, yet they are more than ready to whack, bark, and chirp when you dig in. The highs land squarely in the aural “ear-ogenous” zone every time, and they really come alive when you dial in a bit more bite.

Best of all, across all 64 notes, that familiar, beloved Wurli growl and purr is unmistakably present. This is an R&B beast from top to bottom—consistent, characterful, and dripping with that classic electric piano attitude!

Presets – from Tramp, to Zep, to Ray

Ten well-designed presets cover famous Wurli territory using classic sounds and effects. Granted, you will find fewer effect choices here than in the “Electric Mark I.” However, this minimal collection still includes the essential hallmarks: phase, delay, and reverb.

Naturally, Line/Amp simulation and tremolo feature heavily on most “Electric 200A” patches. Does the smaller effects list pose a big problem? Not for me. Authentic, bona fide Wurli sounds firmly anchor this library.

I do confess surprise at the missing “wah” patch, though. Come on, Toontrack! Furthermore, I would smile even broader if the team allowed users to chain custom effects.

Regardless of my wishlist, just wait until you hear this blessed thing. It is absolutely sweet!

[ EZkeys Upright ]

”Hey! You kids stop your horsing around in there! If you scratch Nanna’s piano, you’ll get in a pile of trouble.”

This beautiful, stately upright piano library oozes old-world allure and elegance. Matching the stellar quality of EZkeys Grand, this instrument commands attention with its rich, balanced tone and resonant character.

In fact, it sounds so realistic that I can actually hear the intimate physics between brass, steel, and wood. (Or maybe I just need to get out of the studio more). Either way, I desperately want to know exactly how the Toontrack engineers recorded these samples and what gear they used.

Make no mistake, nobody “slapped together” this library. Instead, this virtual instrument reproduces an exquisite tonal palette fit for the finest studios in the world.

Both EZkeys Grand Piano and EZkeys Upright Piano showcase exceptionally well-sampled sympathetic resonance and sustain. Each note blooms naturally and decays with remarkable smoothness, creating the kind of graceful response one would expect from a meticulously maintained acoustic piano.

The Upright, in particular, avoids the constricted resonance and boxy character often associated with inexpensive apartment pianos. Instead, it delivers a rich, full-bodied voice that resonates with warmth, charm, and personality.

Furthermore, the instrument projects an impressive sense of scale. Its sound remains open and confident across the keyboard, never feeling cramped or restricted. Toontrack’s sampling team clearly paid close attention to the finer details, and those efforts shine through in every chord and melodic passage.

Most importantly, the instrument possesses a refined tonal character that continually invites the player back for another session. Much like its elegant interface, the sound remains polished, poised, and unmistakably classy. If pianos wore tuxedos, this one would arrive with cuff-links already polished.

Special Mention: Release and Hammer Samples

I would like to make special mention of the spectacular release samples featured in the EZkeys Upright Piano library. Quite simply, the hammer strikes and pedal noises rank among the finest I have ever heard in a sampled piano. Period.

More importantly, these details do far more than add subtle ambience. They inject a remarkable sense of realism into every performance. The mechanical nuances feel natural, convincing, and beautifully integrated into the instrument’s overall character.

To put it plainly, this library contains truckloads of authenticity. Every note, pedal movement, and release contributes to the illusion of sitting in front of a real instrument rather than triggering samples from a virtual one.

As a result, this piano has earned a permanent place in my collection. This one is not headed for the garage, the basement, or the forgotten corners of a hard drive. Quite the opposite—it has firmly established itself as a keeper.

I am enjoying the Upright Piano’s patches. Nice job, Toontrack!

For pure piano goodness, the “Standard” patch is unbeatable. If possible, these samples are even more carefully tempered than the EZkeys Grand. They are simply that good.

The library includes a great niche patch aptly named “Saloon.” It offers just the right amount of detuned honky-tonk effect. This is the perfect ticket for anyone seeking an authentic antique piano sound, pardner.

In total, 14 presets come with this library. This variety makes it slightly more diverse than its “Grand” big brother. You’ll find a lovely 80s chorused patch, cool 70s phase effects, realistic ambience, pop compression, Swedish House styles, pleasant ballad effects, and a very realistic “Living Room” patch.

Honestly, with 14 presets, you have enough sounds to soundtrack a whole movie without ever leaving your studio. It’s like having a time machine for piano tones!

I cannot recommend this sample library highly enough. Even as someone who generally gravitates toward the sound of grand pianos, this particular upright is nothing short of stunning. It delivers a tone that is intimate yet powerful, characterful yet refined—a rare combination that makes it an instant standout in any serious collection.

---

---

Concluding Remarks:

EZkeys Essential Pianos delivers exemplary sound with even, well-tempered tonal qualities that feel natural under your fingers. The song construction and chord progression sequencing tools stand in a class of their own—genuinely industry-leading. Honestly, what’s not to love about this magnificent suite?

EZkeys makes composition remarkably effortless. Composers and musicians alike can achieve impressive results in minutes, not hours. For non-keyboardists or beginner pianists especially, this software becomes an invaluable learning companion. It lets you understand chord progressions and song structure through hands-on exploration rather than theory books alone.

ToonTrack clearly understands that a pianist deserves tools that respond authentically and perform flawlessly. Consequently, they built that philosophy into every patch, every sample, every feature.

But here’s the real clincher: the sound quality is absolutely superb. You won’t need to apologize for these sounds next to any competitor—they hold their own brilliantly. Combine that sonic excellence with intelligent automation features, and you’ve got a powerhouse that works as hard as you do.

Over the course of time that I put into preparing this deep-dive Toontrack EZkeys review, I’ve put these pianos through a rigorous inspection. My conclusion is crystal clear: ToonTrack’s engineers have invested extraordinary effort into the EZkeys line. This isn’t accidental—ToonTrack genuinely wants you to love these products and get the most from them.

How do they deliver on that promise? Simple: each instrument in this collection meets exacting standards for quality and playability. There’s no corner-cutting here, no “it’s good enough” compromises.

On the flip side, there are a couple of annoying ‘gotchas’.

Admittedly, this limitation becomes less significant inside a DAW, where users can easily reach for their favourite external EQ plugins. Nevertheless, an integrated EQ section would have provided greater convenience. It would have allowed for quicker tonal adjustments without leaving the instrument’s interface.

It is hardly a deal-breaker, but it does feel like a missed opportunity. Given the otherwise thoughtful design of these EZkeys Essential Pianos instruments, the absence of even a basic EQ section stands out more than one might expect.

The built-in modulation effects sound very good, and the reverb algorithms are certainly respectable. However, EZkeys would feel truly complete if it offered onboard EQ and user-defined effects chaining. Those two additions alone would elevate the whole deal from streamlined to genuinely flexible.

That said, the actual sound quality of the core samples is superb. The foundation is rock solid. But, it is the surrounding FX architecture that leaves power users wanting a little more control.

In conclusion, I have been a satisfied Toontrack customer for quite some time now. EZdrummer has long been one of my most trusted virtual-instrument companions. With EZkeys, Toontrack has managed to win me over yet again. It is very quickly becoming another strong personal favorite—one I reach for instinctively when it is time to sketch ideas, build real songs, or just sit back and enjoy playing.

---

Visit the Toontrack website. Toontrack.com

Intellectual Copyright – 2013 – All rights Reserved. This review may not be copied or reproduced in whole, nor in part, without express written permission from the author.

Pages: 1 2