best mic for an upright piano?

  • Thread starter Thread starter staen
  • Start date Start date
S

staen

New member
I am playing in a classic rock band and the sound during our first show didnt go so well. The soundguy had two mics on the inside of the piano (which kind I'm not sure) and it sounded terrible. Any suggestions on piano micing techniques for a live band application? What would be a good mic(s) for a piano? I read the FAQ sticky at the top of the forum and it was a start, but I still need some suggestions. Thanks in advance.
 
In a live situation, assuming a band setting with a lot of loud instruments, all bets are off as far as getting things sounding pristine. I'm thinking you want something raw that represents the piano but cuts through without too much bleed. If I accurately described your live situation then I'd go with 1 or 2 Shure SM 57s. A real senstive mic might pic up too much and may do more harm than good. IMO, this is where the raw genius of sm 57s shows itself. I was once on stage when a PZM from Radio Shack was used inside the piano, but the stage was not particularly loud and all instruments were spaced apart pretty well. Much success.
 
I agree. Acoustic pianos and rock bands don't go well together. Only real option is an electric.
But if you really must use it then something like the SM57 is your only real option, and it is a trade off between volume and quality.
But them maybe some kind of stickon transducer/bug type of thing might work. Stuck to the soundboard. You'd have to experiment.
 
Inside the top doesn't work well. Use a 57 close miced at the back of the piano, a little to the treble side. If you need more bass, use another mic on the low side. Be sure to observe the 3:1 rule which should be no problem at all.

As far as acoustic pianos, I did one rockabilly-style show unplugged where I played upright bass, and we used acoustic guitar. Couldn't talk the keyboard player into using a piano though, but it would have rocked. It really kicks ass to strip rock down to its roots.
 
What mshilarious said. Whether recording or doing live sound, upright and spinet pianos are best miked from the back, close to the floor, as that's where the soundboard is radiating best.
 
mshilarious said:
Be sure to observe the 3:1 rule which should be no problem at all.
Click to expand...
I'm sorry youre going to have to dumb it down for me......whats the 3:1 rule?
mshilarious said:
As far as acoustic pianos, I did one rockabilly-style show unplugged where I played upright bass, and we used acoustic guitar. Couldn't talk the keyboard player into using a piano though, but it would have rocked. It really kicks ass to strip rock down to its roots.
Click to expand...
Rad! We plan on using the piano for all live shows for exactly the reason you stated.

I'm glad everyone is giving me relatively cheap micing options. Thanks for the help!
 
What would be the best way to mic the piano for in a studio? Then what mic/s would you use?
 
barcus-berry piano pickup. sounds great and is very versatile. I tried pzm's, condensors, dynamics-in a loud band situation, none were great for recording or PA use. Barcus berry!!!!!!!
 
Mongoo said:
What would be the best way to mic the piano for in a studio? Then what mic/s would you use?
Click to expand...

That would depend on if its a solo piano being recorded, or if the piano is being recorded live in the context of other instruments playing. Huge differance.
 
staen said:
I'm sorry youre going to have to dumb it down for me......whats the 3:1 rule?
Click to expand...
Make sure that the distance between the two mics is at least 3 times the distance of the the mics from the source.

For instance:
If your mics are placed 8" from the soundboard, make sure the two mics are at least 24" apart from one another.

This will minimize phasing problems.
 
alright, so I'm going to try the sm57 and the barcus-berry. any other options to consider? whats the cheapest place to buy either of the aforementioned mics? thanks.
 
staen said:
alright, so I'm going to try the sm57 and the barcus-berry. any other options to consider? whats the cheapest place to buy either of the aforementioned mics? thanks.
Click to expand...


I bought mine on Ebay used for $140. They sell new on Ebay all the time for $189.

You can get a new SM57 allmost anyplace for around $89. I got a mint used one on ebay for $40.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top