Mics for recording grand piano

In the past ( when dinosaurs roamed the Earth )
I used a pair of AKG 414 EB mics to record piano.
Interested in feedback re: other mics that
would match up as well other than Neumann U87
( too expensive )

Also interested in whether noise reduction
is used when mixing down in analog at 30ips
1/2 inch tape.

Ted

 

Actually, C414's still aren't a bad choice. Some dinosaurs hang in there. You didn't state a budget, so it's a little tough. For cheap- a pair of Studio Projects C-4's works well for me, but I've only used them on a Wurlitzer console. Sorry, I don't have a grand. For bigger bucks, I'm betting a pair of Josephson C42's would rock.
Older KM84's are a proven good choice. When it comes to the newer KM184's, I'd just get the Josephson's.

 

Simple!

Cheat a girl scout, rob a bank and sell your grandmother, then go get youself a pair of DPA (Bruel&Kjaer) 4011.

Recorded a grand today with them thru a Millenna 8ch, and everybody just went Homer from there - aaaahrlaaaargaha.

Go Danish!

 

I prefer omnis on piano, especially if you are using close mic schemes. Cardioid mics have a noticeable proximity effect that makes the strings closest to the mics stand out unnaturally. Using omnis solves that problem.

 

I mic a 9 foot Steinway with one EV RE-2000 in the crotch of the piano, about three feet away and 1 foot above the top, with the lid propped fully open, with beautiful results. The signal goes straight into an Allen & Heath GL2200 out to an MX-2424. It isn't an aggressive bright sound, but it does catch the subtlety of the piano very well, and mixes well with choral music.