What piano did Queen use on Bicycle Race?

Queen used a Bechstein piano for 'Bicycle Race', recorded with a Neumann U67 microphone. Bechstein pianos are known for their bright, clear tone which contributes to the song's distinctive piano sound.

How to get Queen's piano tone on Bicycle Race?

To recreate the tone, start with a bright-sounding grand piano, apply moderate compression for punch, and use EQ to boost high frequencies around 2-3kHz. A touch of plate reverb helps simulate the studio ambience of the original recording.

Where was Bicycle Race recorded?

The song was recorded during Queen's Jazz album sessions in 1978 at various London studios including Sarm East and Wessex Studios. The piano was likely captured in one of these large studio spaces to achieve its natural ambience.

What microphone was used on Queen Bicycle Race piano?

A Neumann U67 tube condenser microphone was used to record the piano on 'Bicycle Race'. This classic mic contributes to the bright, detailed character of the piano sound heard on the track.

piano from "bicycle race" by queen

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Tone Profile

The piano has a bright, slightly compressed sound with a clear attack and a somewhat honky character, fitting the song's playful and energetic vibe. It's a classic rock piano tone with a touch of theatrical flair.

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Bechstein Piano(instrument)
Neumann U67(microphone)
Urei 1176(compressor)

The Story

The piano on 'Bicycle Race' was recorded during Queen's 1978 Jazz album sessions, likely at one of their regular London studios including Sarm East or Wessex Studios. The recording features a Bechstein piano captured with a Neumann U67 microphone, giving it the characteristic bright, clear attack. The piano sound was compressed and EQ'd to achieve its punchy, slightly honky character that fits the song's theatrical rock style.

Production Credits

Producer: Queen

Engineer: Mike Stone

Recorded at: Roundhouse Studios, Sarm East Studios, Wessex Studios (London)

Signal Chain

Instrument: Bechstein PianoShop on Reverb

Microphone: Neumann U67Shop on Reverb

Recreation Tips

Use a bright-sounding piano sample or instrument. Bechstein pianos are known for their clear tone.
Apply compression to reduce the dynamic range and increase sustain.
Use EQ to boost the high frequencies and attenuate some of the lower mids to achieve the honky character. Experiment around 2-3kHz.
A touch of plate reverb can help simulate the natural ambience of a recording studio.

Original Gear

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Substitutions & Recommendations

Native Instruments NoirePlugin Boutique$149-199

Alternative to: Bechstein Piano

High-quality sampled piano with bright, articulate character similar to European concert grands like Bechstein

Warm Audio WA-67Shop on Reverb$899-999

Alternative to: Neumann U67 microphone

Tube condenser mic that captures the same bright, detailed piano sound as the original U67

Universal Audio 1176 Classic Limiter CollectionPlugin Boutique$149-299

Alternative to: Hardware compressor for punch

Provides the fast attack compression needed to create that punchy, theatrical piano sound

Synthogy Ivory II Grand PianosPlugin Boutique$299-399

Alternative to: Bechstein Piano

Includes Bechstein samples with multiple mic positions and detailed velocity layers for authentic grand piano tone

Eventide TverbPlugin Boutique$39-79

Alternative to: Studio plate reverb

Recreates classic studio plate reverb for the subtle ambience heard on the original recording

Sources

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piano from “bicycle race” by queen | ToneDB