Sampled acoustic pianos are digital representations of real pianos, created by recording the sounds of an actual instrument. These recordings capture the nuances of the piano's tone, dynamics, and resonance, allowing users to reproduce the sound of a grand or upright piano without needing the physical instrument. These samples are often used in music production software and digital audio workstations, making it easier for composers and musicians to incorporate realistic piano sounds into their work. Popular software that features sampled acoustic pianos includes Kontakt, PianoTeq, and Garritan.