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piano from “don't stop me now” by queen | ToneDB

don't stop me now

queen

piano

85% ai confidence

Tone Profile

A bright, percussive, and majestic grand piano sound, characteristic of classic rock, cutting through a dense mix with clarity and power.

Signal Chain

Instrument: Steinway Model D Grand Piano

Amp: Studio Console Preamp (e.g., Neve or Trident A-Range input stage)

Microphone: Pair of Neumann U87 condenser microphones

Processing: Console EQ (high-frequency boost, presence lift around 3-5kHz), Recording to 2-inch analog tape (contributing natural compression and harmonic saturation), EMT 140 Plate Reverb (added during the mixing stage)

Other: Spaced A/B stereo miking technique, likely positioned over the hammers or strings to capture attack and brightness, providing a wide stereo image. Recorded in a professional studio live room (e.g., Mountain Studios or Super Bear Studios). Freddie Mercury's energetic and percussive playing style is a key component of the sound.

Recording Notes

  • Performed by Freddie Mercury, whose distinctive, powerful, and percussive playing style significantly shaped the sound.
  • Recorded to 24-track 2-inch analog tape, which would impart subtle warmth, compression, and saturation.
  • The piano was undoubtedly well-maintained and meticulously tuned for the recording session.
  • The recording took place in high-end studios (Mountain Studios, Montreux, or Super Bear Studios, Berre-les-Alpes) known for their excellent acoustics and top-tier equipment, with Roy Thomas Baker co-producing.
  • Minimal processing was likely applied during tracking, with primary effects like reverb and final EQ shaping applied during the mixing stage.

Recreation Tips

  • Start with a high-quality grand piano sample library or VST, preferably a Steinway Model D emulation (e.g., Native Instruments 'The Grandeur', Spectrasonics Keyscape's brighter grand models).
  • Use a bright voicing for the piano. Apply EQ to add presence in the high-mids (around 3-5 kHz) and clarity/air in the highs (8-12 kHz). A gentle cut in the low-mids (200-400 Hz) can prevent muddiness.
  • Apply light compression (e.g., an FET-style compressor like a Urei 1176 emulation) with a medium attack and fast release. Aim for 2-4dB of gain reduction on peaks to control dynamics while preserving the percussive transients. A ratio of 3:1 or 4:1 is a good starting point.
  • Add a high-quality plate reverb plugin (e.g., Valhalla Plate, UAD EMT 140) with a decay time of approximately 1.5-2.5 seconds and a moderate pre-delay (20-40ms). Mix to taste, ensuring it provides space without washing out the piano's definition.
  • If using MIDI, ensure velocity curves are set to allow for a wide dynamic range and sharp attack, mimicking Freddie's energetic playing style. Experiment with slightly higher velocity values for a more percussive sound.
  • Consider subtle tape saturation emulation to add warmth and gentle harmonic distortion if your piano VST sounds too sterile.

Sources