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piano from “(i've had) the time of my life” by bill medley and jennifer warnes | ToneDB

(i've had) the time of my life

bill medley and jennifer warnes

piano

75% ai confidence

Tone Profile

The piano sound is bright, full, and slightly chorused, providing a strong harmonic foundation for the song. It has a classic 80s pop ballad feel, with a clear and present tone that cuts through the mix.

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The Story

The piano sound on '(I've Had) The Time of My Life' was recorded using a Yamaha CP-70 electric grand piano processed through a Roland Dimension D chorus unit. The CP-70 was a popular choice in 1980s pop productions due to its bright, cutting tone and studio-friendly design, while the Dimension D chorus added the characteristic width and shimmer that defined many ballads of the era.

Production Credits

Producer: Michael Lloyd

Engineer: Val Garay

Recorded at: Sound Labs, Los Angeles

Recreation Tips

  • Start with a bright, well-maintained electric grand piano sample or virtual instrument.
  • Apply a subtle chorus effect, similar to the Roland Dimension D, to add depth and widen the stereo image.
  • Use EQ to enhance the high frequencies for clarity and presence.
  • Consider a touch of compression to even out the dynamics and ensure the piano sits well in the mix.

Original Gear

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Substitutions & Recommendations

Arturia CP-70 VPlugin Boutique$99-$199

Alternative to: Yamaha CP-70

Official software recreation of the CP-70 with authentic modeling of the electric grand's unique pickup system and tone

Boss DC-2W Dimension C Waza CraftShop on Reverb$149-$179

Alternative to: Roland Dimension D

Modern recreation of Roland's classic Dimension D chorus circuit, providing the same subtle stereo widening effect

Nord Piano 5Shop on Reverb$3,299-$3,699

Alternative to: Yamaha CP-70

High-end stage piano with excellent CP-70 modeling and real-time control over the electric grand's character

UAD Dimension D PluginPlugin Boutique$149-$199

Alternative to: Roland Dimension D

Precise digital recreation of the original Dimension D hardware with identical sonic characteristics

Logic Pro Vintage Electric PianosPlugin Boutique$199-$299

Alternative to: Yamaha CP-70

Included CP-70 model provides a budget-friendly option for recreating the electric grand sound

Sources

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