[mark714]

This question is very genre specific. If the tracks live alongside other instrumentation you can get away with samples fairly easily. If you have the money, resources and knowledge to go the old school route you may be able achieve far greater results. Most music makers do not fall into that category.

Considering the cost associated with obtaining and maintaining quality instruments to record the piano, a sample library can be (and often is) an acceptable alternative to "reality." It still holds true that the real magic lies in the hands of the performer... regardless of the domain in which you record.

My good friend sounds awesome whether he's playing an 8' Steinway, a C9 or the cheapo virtual grand built into Logic 8. Likewise, I sound equally amateur on all three.