Good Coldplay sounding piano

[mobokeeg]

Hey everyone! I just got a brand new Nord Stage 2 and I'm unbelievably excited to learn all about it and get gigging with it.

Anyway, here's my question:

Has anyone programmed a great sounding Coldplay-esque piano? So far I'm looking at the Black Upright, but maybe someone else has something better or closer-sounding.

Thanks in advance!

[Kayj_prod]

Depends on the track really (not that I'm a Coldplay officianado), but the Black is probably a good start. Try a good amount of compression with some room reverb.

[mobokeeg]

Thanks. I'm thinking like the sound in Clocks or something. A lot like how it sounds on stage (sort of like a signature sound they've got).

I'll start with the black and see where I can go with it.

[damasp]

I think using chorus will also add to the upright sound for certain of their tunes.

[SingerNick]

Hey Guys!

First post, but like many others I used this site before purchasing my first Nord keyboard. (Nord Piano 2, and I LOVE it.)

I know this thread is a few months old, but I am also very interested in finding that "Coldplay" sound. Since Chris Martin uses a digital piano with real hammers(Yamaha GT20), I was one of many people who thought it was an acoustic instrument onstage. For that reason, I assumed I couldn't really get the snappy hammer and buzzing bass that you hear at the concerts. Of course, I was wrong.

When I started out with my Nord, I used the Grand Imperial for almost everything. It had a strong and balanced sound, and seemed to do the best job simulating the personality of a real piano. But it never really sounded like Coldplay, so I started messing around with each piano category and different EQ placements a few weeks ago. I think I finally cracked the code!

Here is what I do:

Queen Upright.
EQ: Bass 0, Mid -5 (Freq 600), Treble +10
Compression: 4
No reverb needed
Crank the volume:)

Like a few other models, the Queen upright has very punchy hammers. But what makes it unique, is that even when you dig into the keys (think "Clocks" or "Paradise"), the sound never gets sharp or harsh. When you start banging loud on the grand pianos, the upper range gets overly sharp and obnoxious for my tastes. All I mean is that it's harder to sing over and doesn't blend as nice with other rock instruments. For classical music or Jazz solos, that cutting ability may be desired though. Back to Coldplay.

With the EQ, adding a bit of treble accentuates the hammer noise. When you carve away a touch of middle, you leave a little more room for the singer and the higher frequencies are more distinct as well. Don't touch the bass and you'll retain the power and thickness of each chord. Finally, the compression will fatten everything up a bit, and you'll be left with a full sounding piano.

Dial in this stuff and start playing "The Scientist". You'll be surprised!

Anyway, let me know what you guys think and if you recommend any other combinations.

Cheers,
Nick

UPDATE: For those interested, it turns out that Coldplay gutted a few Kawai Mp9000's for custom made rack units which they have used at live shows since 2000/2001. So in terms of finding that live Coldplay sound/mix, that keyboard is the starting point. For more info, check out this forum: http://www.coldplaying.com/forum/showthread.php?t=98125