piano from “pyramid song” by radiohead | ToneDB
pyramid song
radiohead
piano
AI generatedv1.0
Tone Profile
The piano sound is dark, somber, and slightly detuned, creating a melancholic and dreamlike atmosphere. It has a slightly distant and spacious quality, contributing to the song's overall ethereal feel.
Gear
- Pianoinstrument
- ReverbSweetwater
- Neumann U87microphone
- ReverbSweetwater
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The Story
The piano sound on Radiohead's "Pyramid Song" was recorded during the Amnesiac sessions at Astoria Houseboat on the River Thames in London, produced by Nigel Godrich. The distinctive dark and slightly detuned character comes from the piano's natural tuning state and the spacious recording environment of the houseboat. The recording was captured with a Neumann U87 microphone, which contributed to the intimate yet distant quality of the sound.
Production Credits
Producer: Nigel Godrich
Engineer: Nigel Godrich
Recorded at: Astoria Houseboat, River Thames, London
Signal Chain
Instrument: Piano
Microphone: Neumann U87
Recreation Tips
- Start with a piano sample or recording that has a slightly dark and mellow tone.
- Experiment with detuning the piano slightly to achieve that characteristic warble.
- Use a touch of reverb to create a sense of space and depth.
- Apply gentle compression to control the dynamics and bring out the quieter nuances.
- Consider adding a subtle layer of tape saturation or a touch of overdrive for added warmth and character.
Original Gear
- Neumann U87(mic)
- Piano(keyboard)
Substitutions & Recommendations
Alternative to: Neumann U87 microphone
Large diaphragm condenser with warm character that captures piano with similar intimacy and presence as the U87
ReverbSweetwaterAlternative to: Neumann U87 microphone
Modern version of the exact microphone used, providing the same warm, detailed piano capture
ReverbSweetwaterAlternative to: Houseboat recording space
Provides natural room ambience and spacious reverb to recreate the environmental characteristics
ReverbSweetwaterAlternative to: Slightly detuned piano
Soft piano sample library with natural detuning and intimate character similar to the original recording
ReverbSweetwaterAlternative to: Analog console compression
Gentle, transparent compression to control dynamics while maintaining the piano's natural feel
ReverbSweetwaterFrequently Asked Questions
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