Sometimes we want to include realistic sounding instruments in our tracks. However, recording a real instrument or buying sample libraries can turn out quite pricey. Luckily there are plenty of free Kontakt libraries from which we chose our top 10.
You will need: Full version of Kontakt [only number 2 works with Kontakt Player]
1. Acoustic Guitar by Pettinhouse Audio
This guitar sounds very realistic thanks to its release and fret noises. Probably my favourite free library.
2. Flutes: Persian Ney & Shakukachi from Kontakt Factory Selection
These two flutes included in Kontakt's free selection of instruments can add lots of oriental flavour to your track. Velocity curve control and beautiful effects included.
Ekali used it in his remix of Jack U's "Mind" - passed it through some distortion and used "a couple manual unison tricks" (found on reddit). Probably used also some tremolo and transposition modulation after that.
Download (scroll down to "Kontakt Factory Selection")
3. Amore Grand Piano by Precisionsound
A very nice grand piano with Pedal sustain support.
Ever wondered what VST instruments are the most popular? Find it out here.
4. MSLP Grand Piano Soft
A beautiful and intimate grand piano. The background noise adds a lot of mood to the sound. Perfect for a sad outro for a song.
Download (From this enormous list by Bigcat Instruments - check it out)
Btw, check out this article with the top 10 VST synthesizers!
5. "Street Bumper" Electric Piano
A very nice E Piano with Tremolo, and plenty of other nice effects. Velocity curve & Attack/Release controls included.
Download (Bigcat Instruments)
6. "Skerratt London" Upright Piano
A beautiful upright piano to add melancholy or oldschool vibe.
Download (Bigcat Instruments)
Check out this article with 5 free VST Piano Plugins!
7. MSLP Vibraphone
Very nice vibes with ADSR controls. Might need a little panning work, but the samples sound great.
Download (Bigcat Instruments)
8. SSO Concert Harp
Another element to spice up your production in an oriental style.
Download (Bigcat Instruments)
9. Sweet Melodic Choir
Great sounding male basses and female sopranos. Adds a mystical vibe to anything. Tweak your decay knob to shorten the ridiculously long samples.
Download (Bigcat Instruments)
Thanks for checking out our top 9! What are your favourite Kontakt libraries? Share them under our Facebook post so others can benefit.
Download List:
- Acoustic Guitar by Pettinhouse Audio
- Flute: Persian Ney from Kontakt Factory Selection
- Flute: Shakukachi - Kontakt Factory Selection
- Amore Grand Piano by Precisionsound
- MSLP Grand Piano Soft
- "Street Bumper" Electric Piano
- "Skerratt London" Upright Piano
- MSLP Vibraphone
- SSO Concert Harp
- Sweet Melodic Choir
Plus: Great list of libraries by Bigcat Instruments
Good luck with your production. See you in the next articles!
About the Author: K-Pizza
I’m k-pizza, a music maker who likes to share his experiences with other producers. I’m regularly going to show up with music and content at PML.
Listen: https://souncloud.com/k-pizza
Looking for more free stuff? We give away lots of free Ableton templates, MIDI files, presets & racks. Check out our freebies section!