What piano was used on Massive Attack Teardrop?

A Yamaha CP70 electric grand piano was used for the main piano part on "Teardrop." The CP70 is an electro-acoustic instrument that combines real piano strings with electric pickups, giving it a distinctive dark, intimate character.

How to get Massive Attack Teardrop piano sound?

To recreate this sound, use a Yamaha CP70 or high-quality CP70 emulation, record with a close-placed condenser microphone, and apply gentle compression with some low-end emphasis. The key is the CP70's unique pickup-based sound rather than traditional acoustic piano.

Where was Massive Attack Teardrop recorded?

"Teardrop" was recorded at Christ Church in Clifton, Bristol, with Neil Davidge producing and Lee Shepherd engineering. The church setting likely contributed to the intimate, atmospheric quality of the recording.

What microphone was used on Teardrop piano?

A Neumann U87 condenser microphone was used to record the Yamaha CP70 piano. The close mic placement helped capture the dry, intimate sound that characterizes the track.

Can you recreate Teardrop piano sound with plugins?

Yes, plugins like Arturia's CP-70 V can effectively recreate this sound since they specifically model the Yamaha CP70's unique pickup-based tone. Combined with appropriate EQ and compression, software can get very close to the original character.

piano from "teardrop" by massive attack

teardrop

massive attack

piano

AI generatedv1.0

Tone Profile

The piano has a dark, intimate and slightly haunting tone, with a close, dry sound and pronounced low frequencies. The performance has some velocity variation creating a human feel.

Gear

Yamaha CP70instrument: Reverb$60 Sweetwater
Neumann U87microphone: Reverb Sweetwater

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The Story

The piano on "Teardrop" was recorded using a Yamaha CP70 electric grand piano at Christ Church in Clifton, Bristol, with Neil Davidge producing and Lee Shepherd engineering. The CP70's distinctive electro-acoustic character was captured with close mic placement, creating the intimate, dark tone that defines the track.

Production Credits

Producer: Neil Davidge

Engineer: Lee Shepherd

Recorded at: Christ Church, Clifton, Bristol

Signal Chain

Instrument: Yamaha CP70

Microphone: Neumann U87

Recreation Tips

Use a Yamaha CP70 or similar electro-acoustic piano for the core sound.
Record the piano with a Neumann U87 or similar condenser microphone placed close to the instrument.
Experiment with adding a touch of compression and EQ to enhance the low end and overall presence of the piano.
Consider using a touch of plate reverb to add some space and depth to the sound.

Original Gear

Yamaha CP70(keyboard)
Neumann U87(mic)

Substitutions & Recommendations

Nord Stage 4$3200-$3600

Alternative to: Yamaha CP70 electric grand piano

Contains high-quality CP70 samples and models that capture the original's electric grand character and tonal complexity

Reverb Sweetwater

Arturia CP-70 V$100-$200

Alternative to: Yamaha CP70 electric grand piano

Dedicated CP70 emulation plugin that models the specific pickup characteristics and sound of the original instrument

Reverb Sweetwater

Audio-Technica AT4040$300-$350

Alternative to: Neumann U87 microphone

Large diaphragm condenser with similar warmth and midrange character for capturing intimate piano tones

Reverb Sweetwater

Warm Audio WA-87 R2$400-$450

Alternative to: Neumann U87 microphone

U87 clone that delivers the same vintage condenser sound at a fraction of the cost for close piano miking

TONEDB...

teardrop

Tone Profile

Gear

The Story

Production Credits

Signal Chain

Recreation Tips

Original Gear

Substitutions & Recommendations

Sources

Frequently Asked Questions

Community Insights

TONEDB...

piano from “teardrop” by massive attack | ToneDB

teardrop

Tone Profile

Gear

The Story

Production Credits

Signal Chain

Recreation Tips

Original Gear

Substitutions & Recommendations

Sources

Frequently Asked Questions

What piano was used on Massive Attack Teardrop?

How to get Massive Attack Teardrop piano sound?

Where was Massive Attack Teardrop recorded?

What microphone was used on Teardrop piano?

Can you recreate Teardrop piano sound with plugins?

Community Insights