TONEDB

piano from “happier than ever” by billie eilish | ToneDB

happier than ever

billie eilish

piano

80% ai confidence

Tone Profile

An intimate, warm, and slightly lo-fi upright piano sound, likely featuring felt preparation for a muted, soft character.

Signal Chain

Instrument: Yamaha U1 Upright Piano (potentially with felt)

Amp: N/A

Microphone: Neumann U 67 or similar condenser pair (e.g., KM 84)

Processing: Neve 1073 Preamp, EQ (Subtractive high-end, low cut), Gentle Compression (e.g., LA-2A style), Subtle Saturation/Tape Emulation, Short Room or Plate Reverb

Other: Close microphone placement to capture intimacy and mechanical details. Potential use of felt between hammers and strings.

Recording Notes

  • Recorded by FINNEAS, likely in his home studio.
  • Focus on capturing a close, intimate, and slightly melancholic piano tone.
  • The piano sound has a soft attack and warm sustain, characteristic of felt pianos.
  • Subtle use of processing to enhance warmth and add a touch of lo-fi character without sounding overly processed.

Recreation Tips

  • Use a high-quality upright piano sample library, preferably one with a 'felt' preset (e.g., Native Instruments Noire, Spitfire Felt Piano, Keyscape LA Custom C7 'Cinematic').
  • If using a real upright, experiment with placing a layer of felt between the hammers and strings.
  • Apply gentle compression (slow attack, low ratio) to even out dynamics slightly.
  • Use EQ to gently roll off high frequencies (above 5-8kHz) and cut excessive low-end rumble (below 50-80Hz).
  • Add subtle saturation or a tape emulation plugin for warmth and slight imperfection.
  • Use a short, dark room reverb or a subtle plate reverb – avoid long tails.
  • Play with a soft touch and focus on dynamic expression.

Sources