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piano from “bicycle race” by queen | ToneDB

bicycle race

queen

piano

AI generatedv1.0

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.

Gear

Bechstein Pianoinstrument
Reverb$55950Sweetwater
Neumann U67microphone
ReverbSweetwater
Urei 1176compressor
ReverbSweetwater

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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 Piano

Microphone: Neumann U67

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

  • Bechstein Piano(keyboard)
  • Neumann U67(mic)
  • Urei 1176(compressor)

Substitutions & Recommendations

Native Instruments Noire$149-199

Alternative to: Bechstein Piano

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

ReverbSweetwater
Warm Audio WA-67$899-999

Alternative to: Neumann U67 microphone

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

ReverbSweetwater
Universal Audio 1176 Classic Limiter Collection$149-299

Alternative to: Hardware compressor for punch

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

ReverbSweetwater
Synthogy Ivory II Grand Pianos$299-399

Alternative to: Bechstein Piano

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

ReverbSweetwater
Eventide Tverb$39-79

Alternative to: Studio plate reverb

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

ReverbSweetwater

Sources

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