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piano from “imagine” by john lennon | ToneDB

imagine

john lennon

piano

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Tone Profile

A warm, intimate, and gently reverberant upright piano sound, iconic for its soft touch and emotional directness. The tone is clear yet slightly rounded, carrying the song's simple, powerful melody.

Signal Chain

Instrument: Steinway Model Z upright piano

Microphone: Pair of Neumann U67 microphones

Processing: Console EQ (subtle, from ADM console), Gentle Limiting (e.g., Urei 1176-style or Fairchild 660), EMT 140 Plate Reverb (moderate decay, blended subtly)

Other: Recorded in the entrance hall of Tittenhurst Park, Ascot, which provided natural room ambiance. The specific voicing of this particular Steinway Z and Lennon's gentle playing style are key to the sound.

Recording Notes

  • Recorded in June-July 1971 at Ascot Sound Studios, Lennon's home studio located in Tittenhurst Park.
  • Co-produced by John Lennon, Yoko Ono, and Phil Spector.
  • Engineered by Roy Cicala, Phil McDonald, with assistance from others like Jack Douglas.
  • The piano was a Steinway Model Z upright, originally walnut, which Lennon had painted white. It was a gift from John to Yoko.
  • Microphones (typically Neumann U67s for the piano) were routed through a custom ADM (Audio Designs & Manufacturing) 24-input console to a Studer A80 8-track tape recorder.
  • The piano track has a distinct, slightly bright but warm character, with the plate reverb adding depth without overwhelming the direct sound.

Recreation Tips

  • Start with a high-quality upright piano sound. If using a VST, choose one known for warmth and clarity (e.g., a well-sampled Steinway upright).
  • Play with a gentle, expressive touch; the original performance's dynamics are crucial.
  • If micing a real piano, use a pair of large-diaphragm condenser microphones (U67/U87 emulations or similar). Common placements include a spaced pair over the hammers or behind the soundboard.
  • Apply subtle EQ. You might need a gentle high-pass filter to remove rumble, a slight dip in the low-mids (200-400Hz) for clarity, and a soft high-shelf boost if more air is needed.
  • Use light compression (e.g., 2:1 to 4:1 ratio, slow attack, fast release) to gently even out dynamics. Aim for transparency.
  • Add a high-quality plate reverb emulation (like an EMT 140). Use a pre-delay of 20-40ms and a decay time of around 1.5-2 seconds. Blend to taste, ensuring the piano remains upfront.
  • Avoid excessive processing. The beauty of the original sound lies in its simplicity and naturalness.

Sources