This is a question for those of you who have professionally recorded solo piano...

I am ready to record a few songs and am looking for a studio in metro Detroit area with a brightly voiced piano as well as a sound engineer to help with finishing work however I don't know if I'm asking the right questions as I make this decision...

There are two studios in my area with an actual acoustic piano: one with Yamaha C7 located in a suburb close by (at $65 per hour) and the other with a Steinway used by most A-List musicians in Detroit area ($95 per hour). They each have sound engineers that are reputable and will let me test out the piano first before deciding.

I'd appreciate any / all advice regarding first time recording..such as additional questions to ask studios as I proceed with making my decision. ..

Thanks in advance!

Teri

Have you tried these two instruments? Have you heard recordings of them? It would seem to me your choice would be determined by a combination of the touch, sound in the studio and sound of the recording. All of that is information available only to you.

To me it would depend entirely on if I liked the piano. With the help of an engineer I recorded my last 3 cds on my piano in my studio. My studio was built more for practicing than recording but my husband had put extra insulation in the walls and I am happy with the sound. Eventually I would like to be able to record at my leisure and be able to do my own engineering.
Good luck,
rada
www.pianopassions.com

Yes, definitely listen to the recorded piano sound coming from a studio as sound engineers have differing approaches to microphone placement. This will have an impact on the final sound as will microphone-preamp hardware used. A good place to do reading on the topic can be the forums for the recording software that's likely to be used: www.motunation.com for Digital Performer, or Protools etc.

Thank you everyone! You've given me much more to think about!

Steve - I haven't tried either of the pianos yet...but will be testing them out this week hopefully. I have heard a recording of only the Steinway, which I'm told has a touch like "butter". We'll see. I will ask to hear a recording of the Yamaha before I decide...

Thanks again!


Teri