What piano did Freddie Mercury use on Killer Queen?

Freddie Mercury used a Bechstein Concert Grand Piano when recording 'Killer Queen' at Rockfield Studios. The Bechstein was known for its bright, clear tone that worked perfectly for Queen's rock arrangements.

How to get the piano sound on Queen Killer Queen?

To recreate this tone, use a bright grand piano sample with close microphone modeling. Apply EQ to boost the high frequencies around 3-8kHz and use compression to control dynamics. The key is achieving that punchy, percussive attack that cuts through a dense mix.

Where was Queen Killer Queen recorded?

Queen recorded 'Killer Queen' at Rockfield Studios in Wales with producer Roy Thomas Baker and engineer Mike Stone. Rockfield was a residential studio known for its quality equipment and acoustics during the 1970s.

What microphone was used on Killer Queen piano?

The piano on 'Killer Queen' was likely recorded with a Neumann U67 condenser microphone. This vintage tube microphone was commonly used for piano recording during the 1970s and provides the warm yet clear sound characteristic of the track.

Who produced Queen Killer Queen?

Roy Thomas Baker produced 'Killer Queen' with Mike Stone as the engineer. Baker was known for his meticulous production style and worked on several classic Queen albums during the 1970s.

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Tone Profile

The piano sound is bright and clear, with a slightly honky and percussive attack that cuts through the mix. It has a somewhat dry, close-mic'd sound, typical of many rock recordings from the era.

Shop This Rig

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Bechstein Concert Grand Piano(instrument)
Neumann U67(microphone)
Neve 1073(preamp)
Pultec EQP-1A(eq)
Urei 1176(compressor)

The Story

The piano on 'Killer Queen' was recorded using a Bechstein Concert Grand Piano at Rockfield Studios in Wales. The recording features close microphone placement, likely using a Neumann U67, to capture the bright, percussive attack that characterizes the track. Producer Roy Thomas Baker and engineer Mike Stone employed careful EQ and compression during mixing to achieve the piano's distinctive clear, punchy sound that cuts through Queen's dense arrangements.

Production Credits

Producer: Roy Thomas Baker

Engineer: Mike Stone

Recorded at: Rockfield Studios, Wales

Signal Chain

Instrument: Bechstein Concert Grand PianoShop on Reverb

Microphone: Neumann U67Shop on Reverb

Recreation Tips

Use a bright-sounding piano sample or VST plugin.
Apply EQ to boost the high frequencies and reduce any muddiness in the low-mids.
Use a compressor to even out the dynamics and add punch.
Experiment with slight distortion or saturation to add character and grit.
Consider using a short, bright reverb or delay to add depth and space.

Original Gear

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Bechstein Concert Grand PianoShop on Reverb(keyboard)
Neumann U67Shop on Reverb(mic)
Neve 1073Shop on Reverb(preamp)
Pultec EQP-1AShop on Reverb(eq)
Urei 1176Shop on Reverb(compressor)

Substitutions & Recommendations

Native Instruments The GiantPlugin Boutique$99-$149

Alternative to: Bechstein Concert Grand Piano

Sampled from a vintage grand piano with multiple mic positions, captures the bright, percussive character needed for this tone

Slate Digital VMS with U67 modelShop on Reverb$999-$1299

Alternative to: Neumann U67 microphone

Tube condenser modeling system that recreates the U67's warm yet clear sound for close piano miking

BAE 1073MPShop on Reverb$1800-$2200

Alternative to: Neve console EQ

Provides the musical high-frequency boost and punch that defines the bright piano sound on this track

Warm Audio WA-2AShop on Reverb$899-$999

Alternative to: Vintage console compression

Optical tube compression adds the smooth dynamics control needed to make the piano sit prominently in a dense rock mix

Spectrasonics KeyscapePlugin Boutique$399-$449