How would you describe the tonal characteristics of each and how they differ?

The 2 pianos are almost equal size and were recorded the same way, after careful tuning and voicing.

If you have a preference, please indicate which and why.

http://www.box.net//static/flash/box_explorer.swf?widget_hash=jk69hsb485&v

Thanks,

Nick

I like the more blues piano recording, dig the rhythm a lot .

and for tonal differences, I'd say the 2nd on "wonderful world" is higher sounding than the first one.

I might be wrong, I don't know. but my opinion.

Nick,

A petty you did not record the same tune for both pianos too, but I will give it a try anyway.

I prefer the first one because of the very open bell-like treble and better bass definition.

schwammerl.

I think the first one (popsicle toes) has a more pleasing tone, better bass and disinct treble.

Curious as to what the two pianos are.

Assuming no EQ and effect were used to alter the tones of the 2 piano, the 1st piano definitely sounds more open and with better presence; its tone is also pretty well-rounded. The 2nd piano is a little muffled/not as clear and almost tinny in the mid to high regs to the point it resembles a digital pianos.
With the assumption both pianos are in relatively the same league and condition, this brings up the question whether the 2nd piano has been voiced properly to its best potential vs. the 1st.

Thx for taking the time to share with us Nick.

Nice playing also.

Both sounded very good to me; it was hard to compare them because the tunes were so different.

Still, the first selection sounded more "open", which to me is indicative to me of more overtones/harmonics/partials. The second selection seemed more "boxy" which is indicative to me of more fundamentals, and less overtones. I have heard people describe this as the European tone.

I liked them both; it would be interesting to hear the same selection being played on both so that comparisons would be easier. I'm assuming that the recording techniques were the same.

Hop

Thanks for the descriptions thus far. I just wanted to verify that others could also hear the differences between the 2 samples.

I attempted to bring each piano to its full voicing potential. The piano used to perform Popsicle Toes is also my preference because it has an especially good amount of sustain which is noticeable from the recordings.

Great playing, Nick!!! No, on second thought, fantastic playing!!

I liked the second recording best! Both were great.

Which one is the 7' Young Chang?

Take care!

Rick

I would prefer the first piano as well. It has a nice "shiny" treble, a complex well-balanced midrange and just a hint of "growl" in the bass. Very nice sound. The second is a bit "brighter" and thinner sounding although still not an unpleasant tone by and large.

It would be easier to judge if the same piece was played on both pianos.

The first piano IMO sounds lke a voiced Korean Samick (Knabe). Also it feels as in the first recording the microphones are closer.

The second piano sound like a Chinese grand piano.

The first piano sounds like a black piano.

The second one sounds like a white one, but with a black piano bench.

Am I correct????

I agree with Hop and Koiloco and prefer the first one. But it's very hard to comment on the overall tonal qualities listening to a recording on my laptop. Given the speaker quality on my laptop, both sound like small grands with limited tonal depth and very limited sustain. In fact I could be convinced that both are digital pianos, but I'm sure it's because of the quality of my sound reproduction. But I loved your playing -- really nice.

I listened to the recording again on better speakers. I'm puzzled now, it seems as if both recordings where made with the same piano.

IMO the harmonic envelope is very similar on both recordings, predominately high-partials. I think on the first recording the piano was heavily voiced and the attack has been muffled but the tonal quality and harmonic content is the same.

Kurtmen,

Thanks for contributing to my experiment. It proves that some people are tone deaf.

Yeah, I wish they were same piece... I think I like the first one.

I think this "experiment" has two purposes. Fishing for compliments for excellent prep work seems to be one. Making Brodmann pianos stand out is the other. My apologies to Nick if I am wrong. And no, I did not take the time to listen.

Hi Nick,

I prefer the tune on the second but the piano on the first is the sweeter sounding.

Out of interest what are the two pianos???

Thanks

Shan

Shan,

One of the pianos can be seen here having another tune played on it:

http://www.youtube.com/user/NicksPiano?feature=mhw4#p/a/u/0/f9xSpxbsMFo

Thanks,

Nick

The other recording sounds like a black piano too. I must be color blind.

W/o thinking about it too much, I really prefer the second recording...

What I'd like to know is how you get that crisp, close-mic'ed sound without hearing any damper noise whatsoever.

Larry,

You can see in the video where the mic is placed. The recorder is a Zoom H4N. It has 2 directional mics. I am told that for pianos you should use an X-Y pattern, which is left to right. Sound arrives at both mics at the same time.

Thanks,

Nick

Well all I can say is I want to marry the piano player! As long as it wasn't a girl!
Have to say I preferred the sound of the first piano! Because I felt the second piano was trying to be a "wanna be"! Just didn't twinkle quite like I would have liked!

But I prefer the rough sound of the first piece too! Loved that!

If that was you playing Nick! . . . MARRY ME!!!

Here it hangs on "transferring data from box.net"

I prefer the second.

the first to me sounds like it could be a sampled piano, no subtleties, too bright.

the second sounds more musical overall

First off, Nick. Great four note tenths in the left-hand stride! Rollin', rollin'!

Piano 1 has a nice sparkle to it, much more musical and it projects quite nicely. Piano 2 is mellower, but as you know, it will start to get its focus as it is played over time.

From the sound, each one seems evenly voiced across the register. Mellower in the bass, solid mids, with the sparkle and intention of sparkle in the uppers.

Great going on that stride piano - you are a REAL player!

Glen

Thanks everyone, but I can't take any credit for the playing.

The name of the pianist is Mike Markaverich.

Diane, he is married. You can see him playing in the video here:

http://www.youtube.com/user/NicksPiano?feature=mhw4#p/a/u/0/f9xSpxbsMFo

Mike makes the most of the piano, that's for sure!

Good voicing, Nick

Glen

Second one has less sustain in the "most important" area - treble. Also less body there.