How to record an upright piano.

[aj113]

I just recorded a baby grand on location. Admittedly a baby grand is not an upright, but at least it's in the ballpark. I had a pair of NT5's in an X-Y close up to the hammers, and a pair of SM57's higher up, away from the NT5's in a more 'orthdox' L/R configuration. I was careful to keep the SM57's equidistant from the hammers to avoid phasing issues. The result was - well here, have a listen. (Ignore the word 'download' - you can just play the track when you click the link)

Download Just A Gigolo Corrected.mp3 - Kiwi6.com Mp3 Upload

It's Jazz Improv so it's not everyone's cup of tea but at least you can hear the results. Things to watch out for that I wasn't prepared for in terms of sounds that you don't want to record: squeaky piano stool, unwanted resonance in any of the piano's woodwork e.g. the music stand, sound of pianist's fingernails on keys, sound of pianist (e.g. breathing etc), sound of hammers brushing against each other, sound of pedal mechanism.

[RemyRAD]

I thought it was a very nice recording. It does lack the beautiful resonance one gets from a much larger full-blown grand. But it sure is totally listenable and quite pleasant. I enjoyed it. Nice job.

I can also tell it's not a Steinway. Sounds like a Kawai? Not a Yamaha either. Could be a Baldwin? I love Alex.
Mx. Remy Ann David

[TheJackAttack]

I would have put the SM57's close and the NT5's in ORTF. The venerable SM57 is awesome in a lot of applications but as a stereo pair for piano even for jazz it wouldn't be my choice. I would definitely use it as a close mic on a piano in a jazz or rock situation.

[TheJackAttack]

Also, for a grand piano, you are better off placing the close mic's at the treble strut pointing at C5 and the other at the bass strut pointing directly at the soundboard.