Quote:
Originally Posted by Corran  Try them just inside the crook and midway between the strings and the open lid, and in ORTF aimed at the top and low strings respectively.
Despite what many people say (that you MUST be several feet away from the piano) you might be pleasantly surprised. Can't hurt to try.
Oh yeah there are several samples of this technique on my website below. |
IME,
Depending on the instrument, this often creates a 'boxy' sound to my ears: I've tried over and over with various positions in this spot, and the only time it has worked was with the lid removed. There often seems to be comb-filtering from the lid, and/or some resonance issues when micing in this area.
Tho I've seen many a piano recorded this way, and often with stellar results (Keith Jarrett comes to mind!) it has never worked for me and the piano's I've recorded.
My best results are similar to John Willett's example, or even sometimes above the piano player's head (and forward a touch), aiming beyond the hammers to the harp and soundboard - this is the piano player's perspective, and they often agree with it being what they perfer to hear. That said, I'm rarely satisfied with my results recording this instrument - I find piano THE most difficult instrument to record well, or at least the way I want to hear it...
Lastly, the AEA R-88 can capture piano beautifully, tho is limited due to it's fixed ribbon position - otherwise, either using Blumlein or (pseudo) M/S is absolutely stunning: beautiful imaging and round texture - esp. good if you're tracking a bright piano. Once the position is right, it is one of my current faves for a rich piano tone. (NOTE - must have a pre with tons of gain, and absolutely SILENT!!!)
Love threads like this - makes me want to record more piano!
