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piano from “i'll make love to you” by boyz ii men | ToneDB

i'll make love to you

boyz ii men

piano

AI generatedv1.0

Tone Profile

The piano sound is clean, bright, and intimate, providing a warm harmonic foundation. It's a classic pop ballad piano tone, well-defined in the mid-range and sitting perfectly in the mix.

Gear

Yamaha CP-70instrument
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Neumann U87microphone
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The Story

The piano on "I'll Make Love To You" was recorded at Flyte Tyme Studios with production by Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis. Based on the source information provided, a Yamaha CP-70 electric grand piano was used, recorded with a Neumann U87 condenser microphone positioned close to the soundboard. The result is the characteristic bright, intimate piano sound that became a signature of many Flyte Tyme Productions ballads from this era.

Production Credits

Producer: Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis

Engineer: Steve Hodge

Recorded at: Flyte Tyme Studios (Edina, MN)

Signal Chain

Instrument: Yamaha CP-70

Microphone: Neumann U87

Recreation Tips

  • Start with a bright, well-maintained Yamaha CP-70 or a high-quality digital piano sample modeled after it.
  • Use a Neumann U87 or similar condenser microphone positioned close to the soundboard.
  • Apply gentle compression to even out the dynamics and add sustain.
  • Use EQ to shape the tone, focusing on clarity in the midrange and a smooth high-end.
  • Consider adding a touch of chorus or a subtle reverb to enhance the piano's presence without overwhelming the mix.

Original Gear

  • Yamaha CP-70(keyboard)
  • Neumann U87(mic)

Substitutions & Recommendations

Native Instruments Vintage Electric Pianos$99-$199

Alternative to: Yamaha CP-70 Electric Grand Piano

Contains authentic CP-70 samples and modeling that captures the characteristic bright, cutting tone of the original electric grand

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Yamaha CP88 Stage Piano$1,800-$2,200

Alternative to: Yamaha CP-70 Electric Grand Piano

Modern Yamaha stage piano with authentic CP-70 sounds built-in, maintaining the tonal DNA of the original

ReverbSweetwater
Audio-Technica AT4040$299-$349

Alternative to: Neumann U87 Condenser Microphone

Large-diaphragm condenser with similar warmth and presence characteristics for recording acoustic piano sources

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Neumann U87 Ai$3,500-$3,800

Alternative to: Neumann U87 Condenser Microphone

Current production version of the exact microphone used on the original recording

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Arturia V Collection CP-70 V$299-$599

Alternative to: Yamaha CP-70 Electric Grand Piano

Detailed virtual instrument modeling of the CP-70 with extensive tone-shaping capabilities for that bright 90s ballad sound

ReverbSweetwater

Sources

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