I'm currently using the Grand Piano sound from a Yamaha DGX630 and I use the Yamaha to record midi. Occasionally I change my piano sound to the TruePiano Amber but I find it a bit clunky sounding. I looked at upgrading TruePianos and in my research came across Native Instruments Alicia's Keys. I love the sound so my question is - Does anyone have any experience with using this plugin with Sonar Platinum and were there any issues with compatibility etc?
 
Many thanks - in anticipation :-)

Hi! Alicia's Keys is a very good Kontakt library. If you've run Kontakt for anything else, you shouldn't have a problem. 
 
I can say that I've had no problems with Kontakt / Sonar compatibility. 
 
Cheers,
Eddie
 

Alicia's Keys does have a great sound.  Works fine in Kontakt & Sonar for me.  

I use it reasonably often, and it's great. I've had no issues with it at all.

I do have Alicia's Keys but I honestly never use it anymore. If that sound is what you're looking for, then fine. And it might indeed be the right sound in certain situations. But if you're looking for a more natural sounding grand piano, I think there are better options.
 
If so, I would suggest that you have a look at VI Labs True Keys Pianos (not to be confused with 4Front Technologies TruePianos which you've already mentioned). It's a bundle actually on sale right know (see this thread in the Deals forum). You will for another week get three beautifully sampled instruments (a Steinway D, a Fazioli F308 and a small Bechstein) for the price of one Alicia's Keys.
 
You could also have a look at Addictive Keys Studio Grand from XLN Audio, which is also a beautifully sounding Steinway D for even less money. It's one of my favorites. And XLN Audio normally have a 50% discount once or twice a year.

VI Labs True Keys bundle is the one to get before the week's gone. Marvelous indeed.

Fleer
VI Labs True Keys bundle is the one to get before the week's gone. Marvelous indeed.

I went back and forth on it...and finally took the PayPal hit. I already owned UVI's Grand Piano Model D (same model as the True Keys American), which lists for $79. VI Labs American already seems much more expressive. To get similarly beautifully sampled Fazioli and Bechstein pianos for another $20 with this deal? Easy decision. And they're wonderfully different from each other. And working with the UVI Workstation is great. Excellent standalone mode.
 
EDIT: I forgot to mention...I was surprised to see an extra instrument included by VI Labs for free. True Cowbells! Three different bells, sampled a bunch of different ways. No manual. No license required. Just put the UFS file with your other UVI soundbanks. Hooray for MORE COWBELL!

I am a pianist and I have collected a number of piano vst over the years. I have to say they all sound different and not a matter of which one is the best. My most used piano is pianotec 5. It is the most dynamic and expresive one IMHO. It also has a longer sustain compared to most sampled piano.

I second the Addictive keys Studio keys which sounds great,I just got this free as just recently purchased a Focusrite Scarlett interface but not sure if its free to all models.

It is.