Union Grand is a time capsule—captured in 1993 at the legendary Union Studios in Munich, where the echoes of Tears for Fears, Supertramp, Queen, and Deep Purple still lingered in the walls of Studio 2.

During a break in co-producing sessions, curiosity took over. A Yamaha C series grand stood waiting in the large recording room—its tone crisp and bright, shaped by years of studio use. Using the sampling methods of the era, I began recording every third key at two velocity layers. But the project, like so many unfinished ideas, sat quietly in the archives.

Decades passed.

Technology evolved. Sample libraries ballooned in size and complexity—hundreds of velocity layers, dozens of microphones, endless tweakability. Yet when I stumbled back upon the old recordings, something clicked. A few minutes of editing with a modern sample editor brought the Union Grand roaring back to life.

Despite its humble specs—just two velocity layers, every third note, under 70 MB total—the character of the instrument is undeniable. No looping, just natural decay. And somehow, that magical stereo image of the now-closed Studio 2 still shines through. It’s not about perfection—it’s about vibe.

For pop production, songwriting, and any mix that calls for clarity and cut, Union Grand is a hidden gem. It’s the piano I now reach for when I need something honest, immediate, and full of history.

This is my bow to the legacy of Union Studios. Welcome to the room.