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piano from “two weeks” by grizzly bear | ToneDB

two weeks

grizzly bear

piano

90% ai confidence

Tone Profile

A warm, intimate, and slightly melancholic upright piano with a characteristic gentle 'wobble' or detuning. The sound is defined by its close-miked presence, subtle compression, and a tasteful plate reverb that adds space without washing it out.

Signal Chain

Instrument: Yamaha U3 Upright Piano

Amp: N/A

Microphone: Pair of Neumann U67s (or similar vintage condensers like Neumann U87s, AKG C12s, or Neumann FET47s)

Processing: Neve 8038 console preamps & EQ, Teletronix LA-2A Compressor, EMT 140 Plate Reverb, Studer A800 2-inch Tape Machine (for saturation and subtle wow/flutter)

Other: Close-miked. The piano itself may have possessed a unique, slightly 'aged' or detuned character, contributing to the signature sound. Recorded in a location with good acoustics like Allaire Studios or a church.

Recording Notes

  • The piano used was reportedly a Yamaha U3 upright.
  • Recorded during the 'Veckatimest' sessions, likely at Allaire Studios (which had a Neve 8038 console) or a church in Cape Cod.
  • Extensive use of vintage analog outboard gear, including Teletronix LA-2A compressors and Pultec EQs.
  • An EMT 140 plate reverb was a key element for ambience.
  • The entire album was tracked to a Studer A800 2-inch analog tape recorder, contributing warmth, saturation, and potentially the subtle pitch modulation heard on the piano.
  • The characteristic 'wobbly' sound could be a combination of the piano's natural tuning, tape machine wow and flutter, or a deliberate effect.

Recreation Tips

  • Use a high-quality upright piano sample or a well-maintained upright piano. VSTs like Native Instruments 'Noire' or Addictive Keys 'Upright Piano' can be good starting points.
  • Emulate close miking. If using a VST, select close microphone positions or blend them prominently.
  • Apply gentle optical compression (LA-2A style) to smooth dynamics and add warmth. Ratio around 3:1, with slow attack and release.
  • Use a high-quality plate reverb emulation (e.g., Valhalla Plate, UAD EMT 140). Adjust decay and mix to create a sense of space without overwhelming the piano.
  • To achieve the 'wobbly' or detuned effect, experiment with: a tape emulation plugin with adjustable wow/flutter (e.g., UAD Studer A800, Soundtoys EchoBoy on a very subtle setting), a very slow and shallow chorus effect, or a dedicated detune/vibrato plugin. Keep it subtle.
  • Add a touch of analog-style saturation via a tape or console emulation plugin to enhance warmth and character.
  • Consider slight EQ adjustments to mimic the Neve console sound – perhaps a gentle boost in the low-mids for warmth and a touch of air in the high frequencies.

Sources