piano from “lean on me” by bill withers | ToneDB
lean on me
bill withers
piano
75% ai confidence
Tone Profile
The piano sound is warm, intimate, and slightly compressed, creating a comforting and soulful atmosphere. It has a mellow, somewhat dark tone that blends beautifully with the other instruments in the mix.
Production Credits
Producer: Bill Withers
Engineer: Bill Halverson
Recorded at: The Record Plant (Los Angeles)
Signal Chain
Instrument: Acoustic Piano
Microphone: Neumann U87
Recording Notes
- The piano was likely recorded in a studio setting with careful attention to microphone placement to capture the warmth and natural resonance of the instrument.
- Compression was probably applied during recording or mixing to even out the dynamics and add sustain.
- Given the era and production style, analog equipment would have been used for recording and mixing.
Recreation Tips
- Start with a well-maintained acoustic piano with a warm and mellow tone.
- Experiment with microphone placement to capture the desired sound. A single Neumann U87 or similar condenser mic placed a few feet away from the piano can work well.
- Use gentle compression to even out the dynamics and add sustain. An LA-2A style compressor plugin can be a good choice.
- Apply subtle EQ to shape the tone as needed. Reduce harsh frequencies and boost the low-mids for warmth.
- Add a touch of reverb to create a sense of space, but keep it subtle to maintain the intimate feel.
Recommended Gear
- Neumann U87(mic)
- LA-2A(compressor)
- Acoustic Piano(keyboard)
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