Upright Piano Pickups?

[MrNovember]

So I was recently looking into digital/stage pianos: viewtopic.php?f=149&t=57603

I am still very interested in picking up a digital piano, but all the options I've been looking at seem to be out of my budget and I realised there may be a cheaper solution; does anyone have any experience with piezo pickups for upright pianos?

I'm leaning towards the Schatten P2 (http://www.schattendesign.com/piano.htm), but there aren't many reviews. I know there's also the Barcus-Barry 4000, but some reviews on that seem a bit negative.

Any other options or opinions?

[Bartimaeus]

It really depends on how you intend to use the instrument.

Why are you looking for piezo pickups? Why not just use conventional mics?

[MrNovember]

It really depends on how you intend to use the instrument.

Why are you looking for piezo pickups? Why not just use conventional mics?

I have two end goals really:
1) something similar to Trent Reznor's soundtrack work, i.e., creepy drones with creepy pianos hiding underneath
2) glitch, i.e., degrading clean piano passages with pedals like Outward, CT5, Possessed, etc.

No real reason for piezo pickups other than that they seem a little easier to setup and avoid picking up any sounds from other instruments. I might also end up using them for other things too

[Bartimaeus]

In general, you're going to get a more balanced sound with standard mic's than with piezo's. You could use many piezo's to get a more balanced sound, but you increase the risk of phase issues. A pair of flat-sounding mic's to either side will give a much better tone.

If you're worried about external noise, you could tape them inside the piano and close the lid. But if isolation is a real concern then you should definitely get an acrylic shield to place at the back of the instrument.

Overall, I recommend Boundary or Pressure Zone Microphones instead. Affixed directly to the soundboard (the big iron bit), they'll give a clear and fairly balanced sound. Since they'll be "listening" to the soundboard directly, you can close the lid and place an acrylic shield at the back without worrying about vibrations inside of a closed instrument. That's also true of piezo's mounted to the soundboard, but Boundary mic's will generally have a better sound.

[MrNovember]

Great info, thanks! I'll have a look into boundary mics