You can sample the instrument and, pretty much, get a fair representation of the sampled instrument inside Montage or MODX. However, you cannot transplant the hardware over. And by this - one example is the triple-sensor keybed. This will have an impact on the response under certain circumstances. Neither Montage nor MODX have native triple-sensor keybeds.

This is one example. I'm not sure how you're listening the the P-515, but it has integrated speakers tuned to the instrument. The MODX/Montage you are left to do your own "tuning" by choosing sound reinforcement that fits your taste and your space. This may be some component of the difference in impression if the P-515 is being judged by its internal speaker output.

Still - if knowing you can't really transplant a soul - and you want to still try: using something like Sample Robot may help automate the process.

Pianos take a lot of work to construct - lots of samples, velocity layers, loop points, etc. With all that's going on with a piano - it's going to be more on the difficult side to get captured.

In addition to what Jason said... the Montage already has CFX samples. I wouldn't assume the ones the in the P-515 are any better, or even different (other than the obvious addition of binaural samples to the P-515, which are essentially samples designed for headphone use). It may be that the P-515 just plays differently, not just because of the different action or the speakers that Jason mentioned, but also because the P-515 has virtual resonance modeling, which I don't think the Montage has,

Going back to the first post - anybody know if Yamaha workers did the sampling of the CFX grand piano themselves? In order to get the samples of the CFX for the P-515 that is.

Going back to the first post - anybody know if Yamaha workers did the sampling of the CFX grand piano themselves? In order to get the samples of the CFX for the P-515 that is.

Not sure if this a serious question or not, but yes Yamaha sound design engineers did the sampling of the CFX (and most every instrument sample in the instrument).

The same CFX samples appear in many different Yamaha keyboards including synths, digital and hybrid pianos, and yes even very portable electronic pianos.

The samples are the digital recordings made under very precise/exacting conditions. At Yamaha, we make most every musical instrument and recording them is part of the process of evaluating them. It is important that the instrument play, sound and record well. Terabytes of data is amassed per session. The programming (which includes how much of the data and how it is treated in specific products) is done on a per product basis. The programming team for the synths are different from the programming team for other places the data is likely to be used. Each product has requirements and the data is optimized for where it is going and how it is going to be used.

The P515 is the top of the line “P-series” digital pianos from Yamaha. These are your “portable” digital pianos (P45, P121, P125, DGX, and P515). They can entertain at home, school, and any small gathering (speakers), but are also lightweight enough to travel to the gig.

They range in price from $500 USD to $2000 USD… and concentrate on being principally a piano plus a handful of sounds (P515 includes the two CFX, the Bosendorfer Imperial and 40 main normal sounds + 18 DrumKits/SFX Kits). The other synth library sounds are to provide XG/GM compatibility (480 XG). The P515 has some very unique (digital piano) features, including a brilliant recreation of the CFX for use in headphones only (it’s a binaural recording)…, it’s magical.

If you’re in a music store, you have to put on a pair of headphones and play that P-515 for 10-15 minutes! It’s really something you must experience yourself. In addition to the binaural CFX, the P515 features Yamaha’s Virtual Resonance Modeling* and natural wood keys!

The P515 includes the CFX (and the binaural CFX), the Bosendorfer Imperial Grand Pianos… these have been specifically programmed for the P515 action and optional three pedal unit.

* ”VRM calculates the various states of the strings for each of the 88 notes of the keyboard, from one instant to the next, and timing and depth of damper pedals pressed to recreate the sound of an acoustic piano. Enhanced VRM also calculates aliquot resonance in the upper octaves, and the full resonance of the soundboard, rim and frame. This technology allows for vivid, bright, richly varied expression that reflects the limitless number of factors inherent in piano performance.

Aliquot is a stringing method for pianos that uses extra, un-struck strings in the upper octaves to enhance the tone. These strings sympathetically vibrate with other strings in an acoustic piano, resonating with overtones and adding richness, brilliance and complex color to the sound. Since they do not have a damper, they will continue sounding even after you release your hands from the keyboard.”

Adding this to the MONTAGE/MODX would simply add $$$ to the price.
There are currently 2,739 Performances in MONTAGE; 2,227 Performances in the MODX
The samples are derived directly from the same source data. But there is more to it than just the samples!