My Thesis “Die Simulation des akustischen Klaviers in der Musikproduktion” is now published by VDM-Verlag. You can buy a copy at amazon.de. German language only – but here’s the english abstract:

This paper focuses on the possibilities of piano simulation in the current production of music. It begins with a discussion and analysis of the technical development, functionality, and sound production of the mo- dern day, acoustic piano. Next, it examines the method of multi–sampling for piano sound reproduction. Following a definition and historical recapitulation, it analyses the approach of using multi–sampling on the basis of current software products and takes a closer look at a specific example. The second technique analyzed in this work is the sound production approach of physical modeling synthesis. This simulation technique uses a computer generated mathematical model to simulate the laws of physics of a musical inst- rument – in this case the piano. A summary, historical review and an explanation of the technique provides a basic understanding of this process. An example, using a theoretical model, demonstrates the complexity of problems inherent in this process. The only existing software product currently available on the market is analysed in terms of possible applications. The intention of this work is the following comparison of the pros and cons of the aforementioned piano simulation methods. Finally, the appropriateness of the tech- niques will be discussed in the conclusion.