When it came to our attention that an aging Baldwin piano was destined to be turned into a coffee table after being found unrestorable, we took it upon ourselves to grit our teeth and sample the hideously out of tune instrument in full detail.

The entire 88-key range of the instrument was sampled chromatically with two dynamic layers, one suitable for subtle suspense and one for jumpscares. The quieter dynamic features two round robins. In addition, a massive set of aleatoric effects and hits have been recorded.

Under the Cover of Darkness

Late in the evening, to minimize traffic noise, a secret recording session began near the quiet rear of the shop.

A spaced pair of Rode NT1-A’s (ultra low-noise LDC’s) were used as the main mics in a pseudo player position, while a centrally-placed ribbon mic provided body and a classic Shure Hercules dictation mic from the 1950’s provided a vintage option.

Recordings were handled by an Antelope Orion Studio Rev. 2017 interface.

Improvement…?

Simon insisted upon the (probably futile) task of attempting to tune the piano, and his patch of this is available as an articulation for those looking for a slightly more tolerable sounding instrument (don’t expect to play Chopin though!).

You will also find some curious (and creepy) snapshots included as well for extra fun.