Recording upright piano- avoiding hollow sound

[runforrestrun09]

I currently have two Shure SM58 mics, and an Audix Fusion 6 drum mic kit...

I've been taking off the front soundboard and placing the two SM58s in an X-Y config, but the problem is that the sound I'm getting is too light... tinny... hollow...

What are some different techniques I can use, or maybe placement of acoustic absorbant baffles or something that can help??


Any advice????

 

[SouthSIDE Glen]

One thing to try no matter where you put the mics is if the piano is against the wall, angle one side out by about 15°-20° to eliminate possible standing waves between the piano and the wall.

Second would be to open the top cover, take the two 58s and hang them straight down inside the piano about a foot, with each mic about 18" or so from the sides (adjust to taste.)

If the 58s just aren't cutting it for you - and they are not the best for piano - try the same thing with any other omnis you may have.

Third would be to record the piano farfield instead of close miked. With someone else hitting the keys, walk around behind the player in about a 4-6' arc. Bob your head up and down and just listen for what sounds like a sweet spot for the overall piano sound, and stick the mic there.

There are a hundred other ways to mic a piano too, but these should be able to get you on the way to something usable.

G.

 

[witzendoz]

Wheel away from the wall and try micing from the back with one mic at the bass end and one at the hi end, both mics facing straight at the back, space so that the full piano range is getting picked up. Has a darker sound. I have used this method several times (but with condenser mics) with good results. Also eliminates the sound of finger nails on the keys.

Cheers

Alan.