What piano did Michael Jackson use on Heal the World?

Michael Jackson used a Yamaha CP-70 electric grand piano on "Heal the World." The CP-70 was a popular studio instrument in the 1980s and early 1990s, known for its bright, cutting tone that worked well in pop productions.

How to get Michael Jackson's piano sound on Heal the World?

Start with a Yamaha CP-70 or similar electric grand piano sound, add stereo chorus (like from a Roland JC-120), and apply smooth compression with an 1176-style compressor. The key is the combination of the CP-70's inherent brightness with chorus width and consistent compression.

Who produced and recorded Heal the World by Michael Jackson?

Bruce Swedien both produced and engineered "Heal the World," recording it at Ocean Way Recording in Los Angeles. Swedien was Michael Jackson's longtime collaborator and was known for his meticulous attention to sonic detail and innovative recording techniques.

What chorus effect was used on Heal the World piano?

The chorus effect likely came from a Roland JC-120 amplifier, which was commonly used in studios for its built-in stereo chorus. This created the wide, lush stereo image that makes the piano sound so spacious and inviting in the mix.

What studio was Heal the World recorded at?

"Heal the World" was recorded at Ocean Way Recording in Los Angeles, with Bruce Swedien handling both production and engineering duties. Ocean Way was a premier recording facility known for its excellent acoustics and high-end equipment.

piano from "heal the world" by michael jackson

heal the world

michael jackson

piano

75% ai confidence

Tone Profile

The piano has a warm, slightly compressed tone with a touch of chorus, creating a lush and inviting sound. It blends well with the other instruments while maintaining clarity and presence.

Shop This Rig

ToneDB may earn a commission from purchases made through these links.

Yamaha CP-70(instrument)
Roland JC-120(processing)
Urei 1176(processing)

The Story

The piano sound on "Heal the World" was recorded by Bruce Swedien at Ocean Way Recording in Los Angeles using a Yamaha CP-70 electric grand piano. The CP-70 was processed through a Roland JC-120 amplifier for its built-in stereo chorus effect, and compressed with a Urei 1176 to help it sit consistently in the dense mix. This combination of the CP-70's bright electric grand sound with stereo chorus and vintage compression created the warm, lush piano tone that became a signature element of the track.

Production Credits

Producer: Bruce Swedien

Engineer: Bruce Swedien

Recorded at: Ocean Way Recording, Los Angeles

Signal Chain

Instrument: Yamaha CP-70Shop on Reverb

Processing: Roland JC-120Shop on Reverb, Urei 1176Shop on Reverb

Recreation Tips

Start with a bright, acoustic piano sound.
Apply a subtle stereo chorus effect to widen the stereo image.
Use a compressor to even out the dynamics and add punch.
EQ to taste, focusing on warmth in the low-mids and clarity in the high frequencies.

Original Gear

ToneDB may earn a commission from purchases made through these links.

Substitutions & Recommendations

Yamaha CP88Shop on Reverb$1,500-$1,800

Alternative to: Yamaha CP-70

Modern stage piano with authentic CP-70 samples and built-in chorus effects that captures the original's bright electric grand character

Boss CE-2W Waza Craft ChorusShop on Reverb$150-$180

Alternative to: Roland JC-120 chorus

Recreates the classic Roland chorus sound with stereo outputs for the wide, shimmering effect heard on the track

Universal Audio 1176 Collection PluginPlugin Boutique$150-$200

Alternative to: Urei 1176

Authentic emulation of the original 1176 compressor used by Bruce Swedien, providing the same fast attack and smooth leveling

Arturia CP-70 VPlugin Boutique$100-$150

Alternative to: Yamaha CP-70

Detailed software recreation of the CP-70 with built-in effects processing and the ability to adjust pickup positions and amp settings

Warm Audio WA76Shop on Reverb$350-$400