inSync reader Rich Lamb sent us this additional piano miking method (The complete text of Rich’s suggestions will be added to the online archive of tips mentioned at the top of today’s issue)
To get a full bodied, natural piano sound, I like using a pair of same-model condensers (experiment with different ones, depending on availibility and the overall tone of the piano), in an X-Y configuration, either 18" over the hammers (facing straight down), or slightly outside the lid, facing the strings on an angle at a greater distance. Keep the two capsules close to insure a well-defined image and excellent mono compatibility. Moving the mics closer to the strings does NOT result in a brighter sound; it’s the sound board where the resonance happens (compare the sound of an unamplified, solid-body electric guitar to a regular acoustic guitar). Some low-end rolloff may be helpful, as is a slight boost in the 800-1K range, where the ear defines "piano tone."