piano from “numb” by linkin park | ToneDB
numb
linkin park
piano
Tone Profile
The piano sound is dark and melancholic, with a slightly detuned character and a subtle chorus effect, creating a sense of unease and emotional depth.
Shop This Rig
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The Story
The piano sound on Linkin Park's 'Numb' was created using a Yamaha CP-70 electric grand piano processed through a Boss CE-1 chorus pedal. The CP-70's naturally percussive and slightly metallic character was enhanced with subtle chorus to create width and depth, while maintaining the dark, melancholic atmosphere essential to the song.
Production Credits
Producer: Don Gilmore
Engineer: Jeff Blue
Recorded at: NRG Recording Studios (North Hollywood, CA)
Signal Chain
Instrument: Yamaha CP-70Shop on Reverb
Processing: Boss CE-1Shop on Reverb
Recreation Tips
- Start with a Yamaha CP-70 or a high-quality sample library of one. If using a digital piano, experiment with settings to emulate the CP-70's tone.
- Use a chorus pedal/plugin like the Boss CE-1 sparingly, with a slow rate and shallow depth, to create subtle movement without overwhelming the original sound.
- If possible, ever-so-slightly detune the piano signal, be subtle. Consider adjusting the tuning of individual notes rather than a global pitch shift.
- EQ the piano to remove any excessive brightness, focusing on the low-mid frequencies to add body and warmth.
- Use a touch of reverb, but keep it dark and subtle, enhancing the sense of space without washing out the detail.
Original Gear
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- Yamaha CP-70Shop on Reverb(keyboard)
- Boss CE-1Shop on Reverb(pedal)
Substitutions & Recommendations
Alternative to: Yamaha CP-70 Electric Grand Piano
Includes authentic CP-70 modeling with the original's percussive attack and metallic sustain characteristics
Alternative to: Boss CE-1 Chorus
Modern recreation of vintage Boss chorus circuitry with the subtle, warm modulation of the original CE-1
Alternative to: Yamaha CP-70 Electric Grand Piano
High-quality samples of vintage electric pianos including CP-70 sounds with authentic tine resonance and pickup modeling
Alternative to: Boss CE-1 Chorus
Versatile chorus pedal capable of subtle vintage-style modulation similar to the CE-1's gentle movement
Alternative to: Boss CE-1 Chorus
Provides subtle pitch modulation and widening effects that can recreate the spatial enhancement of vintage chorus
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