Grand Piano miking for Worship?

[Rainy Days]

Hey guys,

Tonight I had very little option but to use two SM-57's on a Baby Grand, spaced them about a foot apart, one near the high strings and one near the mid-center angled toward the lower strings. I didn't notice any phase issues and I was happy with the higher strings but the low strings lacked detail and warmth.

The lid was partially open, I would like something directional to capture the lows without receiving the same bleed of the cardioid of the 57. The Mics were about 2-3 inches from the strings.

So what Mic (>$200) could I replace the 57 with, and did I space them correctly?

I've been reading some threads on Mic Technique for live sound but haven't found my answer, so I appreciate all the time and help you can give.

Thanks

[fallforward]

I use a Shure BETA 91 placed under the strings in the bass section, and a BETA 98 H-C clipped on to the frame near C5. I keep the piano on the low stick, and don't have to worry about any mic stands getting knocked over by the singers! I have also done Jazz recordings using two BETA 89's. I like using the 91 in this application because to my ears it has a tighter bass response that is better for Rock/Pop.

I know that is more than $200, if I were to buy just one I would get the the 98 first and clip it to the frame in the middle where the bass stringgs cross the mid strings. You should be able to get a balanced sound just from that one mic. But if you find that you are missing some of the highs, add the 57 in to pick up that up. I would go with the one mic approach first though.

Good Luck man!
Robby

[MBishopSFX]

I've been using the Audio-Technica ATM350 mics in the baby grand at our church with great success. Very warm and clear sound, even with the lid closed, although having the lid on short stick (at least) makes for a better overall sound of course. They're more than $200USD each, but well worth the investment considering the importance of piano in any house of worship. The Audio-Technica mics have a found a great deal of use here and compare very well against the DPAs and Sankens I'm also using.

.