piano mic

[jcat81]

What is a good and inexpensive way to mic a baby grand piano?

[bpalermini]

Least expensive way is to lay a SM57 or SM58 on a foam pad with the end of the mic just over the hole in the frame and then close the lid. Move the mic around a bit to find the best spot. You will be amazed at how good this can sound.

[jcat81]

Is there a difference between the 57 and the 58 basicly i'm askig if you had choice what would you use? Thanks!

[bpalermini]

57 is more typically used as an instrument mic but I'd try both to see if one sounds better to you than the other. I doubt you will be able to tell a difference though. The frequency response curves are pretty similar. I'd bet you would get more differences in the sound from moving it around a bit. HERE is an article describing the technique.

[pdc]

There are few ways to mic a piano well, especially cheap. You could lay a mic in there, but that will not be ideal.

The mic and positioning depends on the piano and your situation. Is your piano dark, balanced or bright sounding? Do you leave the lid up or down? Do you have a band on stage or is it the solo instrument? What style do you play? Classical, Jazz, etc? Both require mic'ing in different locations to emphasize or de-emphasize the percussive sounds of the hammers.

The SM57 and 58 are the same miss with different screens/balls. They are terrible piano miss IMO because I find their peaks to be where I need to cut most non-concert grade pianos. I have used them in a pinch. I would rather use a Crown PCC160 for a single mic application. Both will require some massive EQ after finding the best placement.

[jcat81]

Well Thank you very much It worked beautifuly. I riged it up at the church just like you said and it sounds amazing. Thanks bpalermimi!

[bpalermini]

Glad to hear it.