New Korg SGX-2 Piano Virtual Instrument Now Released - Any thoughts?

Korg Kronos has multiple versions and iterations.
This is likely from Korg Kronos 2025 model.
Similarly Korg Grandstage X is from 2024.
So this plugin can serve similar function to Dexibel T2L VST plugin, ie. preview samples if you're interested in buying either GrandStage X or Kronos (2025).

GrandStage X is mostly notable because it uses 25.5 GB PCM wav rom, which is not bad at all for a slab retailing at 2.4k eur. (if I recall the main piano sample in the old GrandStage was 2.8gigs in size, which is very respectable).

Korg Kronos is notable because it internally uses intel x64 CPU (atom) with 120gb SSD (and a linux kernel with realtime extensions).

For context, sample size in Yamaha P515 is 512megs total wave rom split across main two piano samples and other sounds.
And sample size in say Kawai MP11 (not SE) is 256mb+64mb, so total of 320megs.

As usual, DPs that use respectable rom/flash size always proudly say it in their PR/spec sheets, and ones that don't - never mention it... (and you have to dig it up)

Another data point for context - 8gbit winbond nand flash (so 1 gigabyte) in a package commonly used in DPs (like P515), adds roughly 2-3 eur (if not significantly less) to BOM if bought in volume.

In a sample based DP (which most DPs on the market are), sample size is a good indication if it will sound atleast half-way decent until you reach a diminishing returns point (which is roughly 2-3gigs for a sample) where you have enough memory to fully record all keys with 8-12 layers or so.

Modern D has 5mic sets, and takes roughly 18gigs on disc (probably with some compression), so roughly 3.6gigs per micset.

This GERMAN D piano has a very convincing attack.
I set all the resonance and mechanical noises to –20 dB, and enable the string resonance at –20 dB as well.
Its default dynamic response feels incredibly realistic with my Yamaha N1X.
For $99 via USD, it’s far more accurate and playable than VSL — light-years ahead in realism.

OlivierW Strings resonance doesn't work with pedal down -up transitions , but i will fix it with a GIG PERFORMER script 🙂 very good piano

unfortunately the user interface isn’t very accessible, I can’t get started with setting up the plug-in. I could get them installed, but I can’t get it to work. Well, at least I tried.

OlivierW For me the samples just won't download. I have no idea why. I'm on Mac OS Sequoia.

David Lai Did you manage to get the samples installed? Is it an accessiblity issue?

Jay Lane yes, I managed to get the samples installed. But I just can’t get started. The user interface isn’t able to read, even with OCR features on screen readers like NVDA.

@"Jay Lane"#
I had to try three times before it finally uploaded — you have to be persistent! I think the issue comes from the server.

David Lai
I had to try three times before it finally uploaded — you have to be persistent! I think the issue comes from the server.

OlivierW I downloaded without any problems. it's the using that is the problem, because my screen reader can't really read the user interface normally.

I recently purchased the KORG SGX-2 because its German D piano truly stands apart from every other sampled instrument I’ve tried. From the very first notes, the attack and release feel incredibly clear — there’s no veil, no masking, and no artificial smoothing of the transients. The tone speaks freely, with real presence and dimension, especially in the midrange.

The release samples are impressively realistic — sometimes even too strong, so I usually reduce them slightly. I also set the master output to –6 dB for better balance and headroom.

What really impressed me is the velocity and dynamic response: for the first time, it behaves almost exactly like a real acoustic piano when played from my Yamaha N1X. The expressive range from PPP to FFF is beautifully captured, without the uneven jumps or compressed layers that plague many other VSTs.

The only minor flaw I’ve noticed is that the sympathetic resonance doesn’t continue after the sustain pedal moves from down to up while keys are still held — something VI Labs fixed in their Modern D v1.1. Hopefully, KORG will refine this behavior in a future update.

To overcome this, I’m preparing a Gig Performer preset with two options:
1. A hybrid version using Pianoteq 9 for a complete resonance simulation, and
2. A standalone preset without PTQ9 with custom MIDI scripts to fix the sustain-pedal resonance transitions and String resonances directly within the SGX-2 engine.

The tone of the German D is exceptionally versatile — warm and lyrical in pianissimo, yet powerful and crystalline in fortissimo. I keep all mechanical and resonance noises around –20 dB, and the string resonance also around –20 dB for a natural acoustic feel without overemphasis.

For only $99 USD (about €89 with the current offer), the KORG SGX-2 delivers a level of realism and playability that, in my opinion, is light-years ahead of VSL. It’s not just impressive — it’s inspiring to play.

I’m genuinely in love with this piano. It feels alive, organic, and deeply musical — a must-have VST3 for any pianist who values authenticity and touch.

David Lai So to hear that David, so many companies give scant thought to accessibility. Are you on Windows or Mac?

OlivierW Great news Oliver.. If I could get the trial I'd try it. I think there servers must be getting hammered. Wondered if it'll be cheaper on Black Friday?

I have the M1 and it's exactly the same with the exception of actually having real Digital to Analog filters.

The Trinity plugin is good to and actually has the artifacts of the original board ☺️

My KORG SGX-2 scripted in GIG performer fix STRING RESONANCES without PIANOTEQ Help. I will upload it soon here 🙂
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/0i2wton7fgcf90461k1dt/h?rlkey=ry3iuzwbwvy6bog832f1k8z7p&st=8zmg8fwj&dl=0

Jay Lane That's alright, at least I still have other options. I'm on Windows PC.

And the Italian F is very good too 🙂 GERMAN D and ITALIAN F (but i don't like the japanese preset)

This piano lib seems to be best selected and prepared from all of the piano packs available on flagship workstations and stage pianos. None of them is redundant just as none of the five perspectives of MD is.

Mind you, there is a Berlin D SGX-2 pack. I saw reviews say the bass is weaker and the sound is thinner, so this may explain why Berlin D is not included. The developers are really careful and dedicated.

The UI is intuitive and simple to use. Major functions are offered directly at front page. It is resource optimized. The original Italian Grand data is over 8 gigs. But the five pianos of the SGX-2 lib are 10 gigs all together. So, each is around 2 gigs. IIRC, Vintage D with 13 layers is over 5 gigs and Alicia Keys with 12 layers is over 6 gigs. They probably used proprietary compression method, and had investigated the status quo of virtual piano market before launching projects.

BTW, the tone is authentic,I mean, feels like hearing the tone of real pianos, which reminds me of Pianoverse, especially that small Bosie 200 grand, tasty, but way too big size. It's great to see one more decent choice of virtual pianos.

Yeah just will not download the samples for me no matter what I do.

I will wait until Korg's new MIDI keyboard comes with this software.

If this Korg engine is the same as that in the Grandstage X (which I've owned) then I wouldn't write home about it. It was okay but nothing special to my ears.