piano from “modern love” by david bowie | ToneDB
modern love
david bowie
piano
Tone Profile
The piano has a bright, slightly compressed sound with a touch of chorus, creating a shimmering and energetic vibe that fits perfectly with the song's new wave aesthetic.
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The Story
The piano on Bowie's "Modern Love" was recorded using a Yamaha CP-80 electric grand piano, processed through a Roland Dimension D chorus unit to create its distinctive shimmer. The track was recorded at Power Station Studios with producer Nile Rodgers and engineer Bob Clearmountain, who applied compression during mixing to enhance the piano's presence and sustain in the dense arrangement.
Production Credits
Producer: Nile Rodgers
Engineer: Bob Clearmountain
Recorded at: Power Station Studios, New York City
Signal Chain
Instrument: Yamaha CP-80Shop on Reverb
Processing: Roland Dimension DShop on Reverb
Recreation Tips
- Start with a bright electric grand piano sample or a Yamaha CP-80 emulation.
- Apply a subtle chorus effect using a Roland Dimension D plugin or similar chorus.
- Use compression to even out the dynamics and add sustain.
- Adjust EQ to brighten the high frequencies and cut any muddiness in the low-mids.
Original Gear
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- Yamaha CP-80Shop on Reverb(keyboard)
- Roland Dimension DShop on Reverb(pedal)
Substitutions & Recommendations
Alternative to: Yamaha CP-80 electric grand piano
Includes authentic CP-80 modeling with the bright, percussive attack and sustain characteristics needed for this new wave piano sound
Alternative to: Roland Dimension D chorus
Official Roland recreation of the exact Dimension D unit used on the original recording, providing the subtle chorus widening effect
Alternative to: Yamaha CP-80 electric grand piano
Features excellent CP-80 emulation with authentic hammer action and the bright, cutting tone essential for this style
Alternative to: Roland Dimension D chorus
Hardware recreation of the classic Dimension D circuit, providing the same subtle chorus and spatial enhancement used on the original track
Alternative to: Yamaha CP-80 electric grand piano
Contains a detailed CP-80 model that captures the instrument's characteristic bright attack and sustain perfect for new wave applications
Sources
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