The latest Virtual Pianist instrument captures the raw, character-driven sound of a customised Wurlitzer 120 with rhythm-focused performance styles and built-in session pianist.
UJAM has released Virtual Pianist GRIT, the second electric piano in its Virtual Pianist series. Modelled from a rare, customised Wurlitzer 120, GRIT delivers a distinctly rugged sound designed to function as much like a rhythm instrument as a traditional keyboard. It’s aimed at producers looking for an electric piano with edge, movement, and a bit of attitude rather than polished, conventional tones.
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GRIT approaches the electric piano from a performance-focused perspective, emphasising drive and momentum in arrangements. The plugin features UJAM’s built-in player—a session pianist engine that produces realistic accompaniments using phrase-based performances adjustable for harmony, style, and dynamics. This makes it particularly suited to genres ranging from 1960s soul and 1970s funk through to indie, electronic, ambient, and cinematic productions.
For producers who prefer direct control, Instrument mode allows the sampled electric piano to be played manually, bypassing the phrase-based system entirely. This dual approach gives GRIT flexibility for both quick sketch work and detailed performance programming.
The customised Wurlitzer 120 at GRIT’s core sets it apart from more familiar electric piano sounds. According to Derek von Krogh, Virtual Pianist co-creator, the instrument’s direct, working-class attitude and distinctive twang made it an obvious choice for the series. Rather than replicating well-trodden Rhodes or standard Wurlitzer territory, GRIT pushes toward a rawer, more expressive character that sits differently in a mix.
Five distinct character modes span the tonal range, from the super-soft Gentle setting through to the twangy Hyped mode. These modes reshape the instrument’s voice without requiring external processing, giving quick access to different musical contexts. Combined with 38 rhythm pianist styles, GRIT can shift from subtle accompaniment to prominent rhythmic parts that drive the track forward.
The plugin also includes 45 Finisher effects, featuring mechanical noises and other textural elements, plus 45 ambience presets for adding space and depth. These built-in tools keep sound design within the plugin rather than requiring additional effects chains.
GRIT joins VIBE as the second electric piano in the Virtual Pianist series, expanding the range of electric keyboard options available to producers working within UJAM’s system. The series continues to focus on phrase-based performance and character-driven instruments rather than exhaustive sampling or multi-layered articulations.
Virtual Pianist GRIT is available now in VST2, VST3, AU2, and AAX formats for macOS and Windows. An introductory offer runs until 25 January 2026.
Head to UJAM for more information.
