obxa

March 22, 2023

In mid 80s' I got hooked up with the Davis Jaynes band that was" featuring" Leslie. Unfortunately, was right in the middle of his decline. They were doing a mix of Davis' stuff and Mountain. Did the audition in Davis' house in NJ, I think Leslie was living there at the time. Was just the two of them. Seemed to be a bit drunk, didn't talk much or make eye contact. Still sounded amazing.

I remember dragging my Obxa and Wurli into that tiny basement, playing through their PA. Both were using maxed Marshalls - could barely hear myself. When we took a break upstairs in the kitchen, mentioned to Leslie I was originally from Long Island - and had family in Forest Hills where I knew he was from. He finally smiled and opened up. I think I finally won him over talking bagels and the old My Father's place ( LI club). Flattered I was offered the road gig, but money was really low, so had to pass.

Was happy to hear he finally got clean, such a great loss of talent.

March 22, 2023

21 hours ago, Paul Woodward said:

Anyone ever gigged with this? I am assuming it’s the Ultimate V Stand Pro…

Yes. Run away! Possibly ok as a seated single tier, if you don't plan on gigging with it. The 2nd tier is frightening. Because of the way the entire stand wobbles, it is ideal if you plan to incorporate bobble heads in your live show. 😃 Quicklock has a similar V-stand I use for my organ rig. Heavy, but very sturdy. But the 2nd tier is also another nightmare. https://www.quiklok.it/en/quik-lok/qly40

March 21, 2023

Sweetwater still carries it. For $300.00!!!

RE : Gig bags I've used larger speaker/light pole bags to carry my Apex. Much sturdier than the original nylon bag, and easy to find.

Sad the company went downhill, I had a ton of their stuff. When I was putting together a seated rig couple years ago, I got their V stand. It was a wobbly PITA disaster, with unmarked floppy 2nd tier. I was actually relieved when it got stolen from all places, a Church gig. Wouldn't buy anything from them again. Though I do miss the old triple tube stands. Still have two memory X stands, but would never gig with them, as mine have amnesia.

Ditto on all Apex issues and missing broken parts. Did anyone mention the metal thing that holds the legs in becoming bent and razor sharp?? Then the legs falling out trying to carry it..(because the carry handle had long broken off.... Come to think of it, when the cable holder things snapped, they'd also become sharp.

Because of you guys I'm totally sold on the K&M 188880 for either seated, or rare times standing. That thing not as cool looking, but pretty darn great. I got mine from Thommans- and Paul W if you're in the UK you could easily grab one from them, Andertons or Bonners.

March 20, 2023

Bring what brings you joy, but get some help carrying it. As in paid help. When I had hip surgery, rather than miss gigs, I paid an intern from a friend's studio who wanted to learn more about gigging world.

Last year my drummer had a groin injury and did same thing for month or so, as well getting his son to help. No shame. If you're playing a concert venue, more than likely there'll be stage hands available - say yes, and ask bandmates too. Most important use carts with wheels. I do lots of theater venues, and unless it's a union place, most crew folks are usually happy to help.

March 18, 2023

Have recently been following several blogs and videos on this subject. Once again this forum knows my habits LOL This is a common topic... AKA "option overload" or "option paralysis" https://thedecisionlab.com/biases/choice-overload-bias

Rather than impose severe limitations, I recently created a slightly different 4 step approach and mindset:

ONE: I didn't erase my ~~hundreds~~ (more than that) of plugs. Instead, I put a plug in folder in Logic that contains only the bare bone essentials I need for composing as well as basic FX. Because I need visual reinforcement, I made two printed labels put below my monitor: "Better Ideas, not better plugins" "Music first, Audio second".

Like others here, I wear many hats with what I do, but have forced myself to remember which hat I'm wearing, and when it's appropriate to change hats. Yes, I literally thought about using real hats. 😀

It's easy for us to become distracted because we have almost unlimited options. I can spend 3 hours trying every Rhodes or Minimoog plug-in and associated FX chain.

I truly enjoy that kind of thing, but it doesn't help finish any actual music.

I started on a 4 track with a single Delay box. Later on early Midi with just one multi-timbral module at home, and maybe 2 or 3 at school. I was incredibly prolific; because I didn't have the power to do extensive FX etc.. Now with unlimited power, and because I'm poster child ADHD, I can easily go down endless rabbit holes of reverbs, compressors and delay resolutions etc. - when I should be working on actual music. Side note: I've thought about going back on Ritalin or similar at some point, but that's a topic for another thread.

TWO: So back to hats: when I'm composing, I work on music. I'll pick from a basic sound-set of favorite synths for the style I'm working on and do the bare minimum. I'm not always successful, but getting much better now that it's a conscious decision. When it's time to mix, I put on my audio hat and spend time on FX. I'll play with delay times and other fun things, or tweak synth sounds more. But also try to set some limitations to actually mix, and not just tweak. I also have "experiment and fool-around" days, where I do just play around (guilt free) with stuff and store presets or sounds for later use.

And finally: DEADLINES. I'm currently finishing up 2 EPs. One is Smooth jazz, the other a Chill-step thing. I've pushed myself to have them completed and released by a certain date. (see step 3)

THREE: My most valuable piece of hardware ? I've done several projects for a local producer/composer who had many hits in the 60's & 70's. First time at his house, besides the gold records... I noticed on his office wall were several dry-erase boards that outlined the steps, tasks, and timeline for various songs/albums he was currently working on.

I started noticing other successful composers and studio folks that also do the dry erase board. It's probably an obvious well known 7 habits of success "duh" kind of thing for others, but it's made an impactful difference. For me, it can't be a digital to-do list. I need a big honking visual thing I can see daily.

FOUR: I hate to say it, because I find it so enjoyable, and absolutely love the community aspect - But spending time on Forums is a distraction, and very often contributes to buying more stuff. So I try to limit to when I'm on the road, or a fixed amount of time. I noticed some of the most frequent posters on the composing and audio forums actually have very little music out there. Not a judgment, just an observation. Finally, been taking myself off vendor mailing lists for plugins and trying to really limit those I buy. There are many vids on this, Barry Johns recently did a great one:

March 17, 2023

It's not cloth ears. Furthering your idea that no two real Mini's are alike: Because of tolerances, component age, and whatever the coder's interpretation of calibration and resolution and other modeling is - one to one comparisons among plugins with exactly the same exact settings rarely work. You'd be better off getting in the ballpark with the selection of waveforms, then tweaking filter, EG amount etc. by ear.

I posted in another thread about MIni plugs and the real thing, specifically when it comes to the low end. I think in context any of these will work within a mix, and most listeners certainly won't know the difference. To us, I think the bottom line is whether it inspires your playing.

For late night grins, I tried duplicating that great MM2 Wonderbass preset on: 1. My real Mini 2. Minitaur, 3. Model 72 (demo) and 4. the Arturia. Sorry I didn't document it. My real Mini is in such dire need of calibration and other fixes it was only fairly close, but at least had its own character going on with it. I got closest on the Minitaur where the immediacy of moving knobs vs mouse probably helped. Note, it doesn't have a 3rd Osc. So turned it off on the MM2 while comparing. Even with just 2 osc's , the Minitaur of course had that extra bit of magic dust, but the MM2 was still pretty darn good. The 72 was nice but didn't really inspire me. After not using the Arturia for a while, it sounded flat and lifeless compared to the MM2. The EG/Contour settings on all of these were all very different. Where just a nudge can make a huge difference. I think I may have the free light version of Monark that came with Kontakt, but don't remember being too exited about it.

Not to sound like a shill, MM2 may not be identical, but it's got its own thing going on that breathes and responds like a real instrument, making it fun to play.. So far it also sits nicely in tracks.

6 hours ago, Tusker said:

There is so much variety in hardware Minis. To sound more reminiscent of the old recordings, one might want to add a mixing board plugin and tape emulation. That would reduce the shimmer further. I too am very happy with the new Minimonsta 2.

Our favorite records are the sound I always hear in my head. I've done re-amping on Virtual synths and Rhodes plug-ins which is tedious. Now I live and breathe with PA's Neold Warble (currently on sale...) or Softube's dirty tape. Arturia had a free Melotron filter-tape plug-in that might still be around which is also great. There are tons of free tape things out there, and a little bit always helps.

March 17, 2023

On 3/15/2023 at 2:33 PM, Paul Woodward said:

Where I live there are few musical opportunities and I just can’t go back to clubs/pubs doing covers. I also consider myself a good player so I don’t want to join a hobby jam band either (I know that sounds awful, but better to be honest).

As an older full timer, I'll mention the same advice given to me by old timers when I was coming up: it's best to diversify, and look for other opportunities.

There's lots more than just gigging live. Always great to stretch your skillset, with other talents both musical and related you may have- or didn't know you had.

Almost infinite music facets that scratch the creative itch are out there involving production, sound design, scoring, composing, etc. etc. Evidenced by the great folks who started and moderate this very forum, there's writing too.

You could consider remote recording and collaboration. There are paid opportunities and resources: https://soundbetter.com/ plus all the bandcamp kind of stuff.

The holy trilogy of Money/Music/Hang mentioned is indeed true. There's also the adage "don't hook your wagon to someone else's dreams". You can be a little more daring when it's remote, or smaller projects - or perhaps an actual charity or cause you want to support.

A freelance writer friend has often joked to me: "sometimes you make your living $100.00 at a time" - (82 GPB or 149.80 AUD. . ) In one of his many autobiographies; I read as William Shatner got older with less roles out there, he'd say "yes" to just about anything if it possibly sounded fun, or different - e.g. his work with Ben Folds.

My personal hustle forms a calico quilt of income doing many different things musical, or music production related. Some steady, and some infrequent. Not all are high paying, and I've taken some stinkers I wish I hadn't. As I get older, I now filter more and seek stuff I enjoy most. But do enjoy the variety.

Pro-bono giving of your talents- not for band slugs taking advantage; but actual charities, people, or causes you believe in...can sometimes Karmically lead to great paid gigs, contacts, or opportunities. Though it wasn't my intention, I've had that happen more times than I can count.

In any event, I hope it works out for you, and you don't give up. It 's cathartic to know we all go through this.

Cheers.

CC

March 13, 2023

Agreed just about any app (Korg Module) would sound light years better, and wouldn't build a rig around it.

While ago, found a Nanosynth at Goodwill. Been in my emergency gigbag forever. I played around with it a little; reminded me of the typical General Midi soundcard stuff.

I guess if you're getting it for just something to knock around without a computer-tablet-phone it'd be useful. Then again they still sell things like this on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/midiplus-miniEngine-USB-Sound-Module/dp/B00VHKM190/ref=sr_1_2?crid=UJN38C7V5R79&keywords=midi+sound+module&qid=1678728825&sprefix=midi+module%2Caps%2C565&sr=8-2

March 11, 2023

53 minutes ago, justin_havu said:

A bit OT, but which Kurzweil is that?

Wow- great eye!!! Yes ancient PC88 used for years as a silent studio controller. Use the faders & Xtouch Mini for control. Overdue for studio makeover, and going to swap in retired slab piano. Would love the Mac-daddy Kawai, but too pricey.

Favorite essential purchase, just visible under the Barp: Tiny red metal table from the Dollar store -holds endless cups of coffee and tea.

March 11, 2023

6 hours ago, Werno said:

There's just enough room to slide my Kurz PC3 in its soft case

Is Calzone still doing soft cases ? I had a few of their cases back in the day (M1, PC1, PC88) and they were great. I see on their site it's mostly Anvil type.

I can understand why eggs are historically over-priced right now, but not sure why soft shell cases have risen almost 50-60 %

March 11, 2023

Obsessed with Moog’s small but powerful Minitaur. Been lurking on Reverb and Ebay for months, finally scored used one at an awesome price.

Love how it integrates with its editor like a regular plug in. Also compact size. It's a one trick pony, but what a trick. It sounds amazing.

In background is my ailing custom ’72 Chopped Midi-Mini. Saving to have it fully re$tored sometime this summer: found a great repair guy in Alabama, as it needs work beyond my skillset.

In the meantime, I've been using plugins. I actually think in the upper ranges, with FX, and in context of a mix - stuff like the superb MiniMonsta2 can fool anyone… including me. But I can always hear and tell the difference in the low end when it's a pure dry sound.

As shown in the "Analog playpen corner" pic, I've no problem with Behringer's clones. Considered a Boog Model D as stand-in, but have really missed the real deal. Plus needed something that could do presets for recall. For what they offer, Minataur is actually a great value. Trying to finish up some new music release, and this will be all over it.

March 9, 2023

FWIW:

After first using the Numa cold on solo and duo gigs was going to get rid of it. It sounded weird, especially through my Bose, and first couple of gigs I couldn't bond with it.

I tend to use the "Vintage" piano, and have found turning the string release and duplex WAY down (like almost off....) made a gigantic difference. Adjusted the sensitivity. Also did EQ/FX tweaks for mono, as well stereo sounds, and now I'm super satisfied. I'm baffled why so many settings (like pedal noise) are jacked up on the Numa. At very least turning the reverb down, and the aforementioned piano parameters will really help.

Just finished a month of multiple large theater shows on 2.0 Using piano string layers, Wurli, and some marimba/vibes things. All the many FOH folks were very happy.. Didn't want to risk installing 2.1 update, but will now that I'm home.

My only complaint would really welcome any ideas, maybe should be a separate post.) Haven't figured how to integrate Numa program change with this particular rig: NordS2, Numa, Mainstage and Ipad.

Currently send bluetooth program changes from Forscore to the Nord using a Yamaha BT adaptor. Nice clean setup.

Problem is Nord doesn't have Midi Thru, nor does the Numa (on the 5 pin)... so have no way to daisy chain them. I need ton of preset changes with the Nord, and that works great w/Forscore. Mainstage is just a few String/brass/orch sounds, and those get played/controlled from that Nord's BT midi out, with liberal use of the external section stored within the Nord patches-which unfortunately can only do 1 channel and no way to feed the Numa.

Numa is my bottom board piano. I can get by with 5 or 6 patches for a typical show, but would love to have them automated without adding a clunky interface/midi thru box. AFAIK-Forscore can only do one bluetooth at a time, otherwise I'd add another BT adaptor to the Numa. I wish Studiologic would have option to use the midi out jack as a thru, and it could then be first in line with a short midi cable to the Nord.

I'm considering this: https://www.cme-pro.com/midi-thru-split-bluetooth-midi/

RE:Cases. I tried really hard to use that Gator 61 case, too tight. I got (and loved) a Yamaha Modx7 case- that worked so well, I was going to get another for my Nord until they spiked the price up $100!!! I ended up getting a Hammondj Sk1 case- those are reasonable and with a pool noodle fit perfect with the Numa. I had posted the pic in this thread:

March 8, 2023

Yes!! Numa CompactX 73 I think 73 is the ideal compromise. I'm sure many here did tons of Rhodes and Wurly gigs at some point in their life, and we survived.

After using some form of 88 note slab for the last 15 years or so, I absolutely love it. Posted before the joys of not struggling with loading an 88 note case anymore. I now enjoy guest elevators and using the front door on most load-ins. Plus my full show rig set up is so much easier and lighter to deal with.

I switched over in December. Solo cocktail, ceremony Trio/Quartet (one or two horns, drums, me) where I play LH bass. Set bass split down an octave so it fits. Also duo with Female torch singer. First couple gigs, I'd sometimes run out of keys - mainly due to muscle memory. After a few tunes got more comfortable. For everything else I do (pit band, show/artist) I can think of maybe 1 song where I really needed the lower keys. Octave button to the rescue.

I think the mind-set is similar to driving an unfamiliar rental car, or recently for me: Yank driving in the UK!! Takes a little bit to get your head around it, but you can adapt.

March 6, 2023

5 hours ago, cphollis said:

The built-in speakers are designed for your ears, and not a roomful of people.

On that note.....

With exception of my house Church gig and Nord Stage88 - Since December, I've switched to using a Numa X73 (no speakers) for nearly all gigs as my lower and main piano board.

I've noticed there's definitely something missing not having a bit of that vibration and sound that came from my slab piano's body. Kind of gave it a bit of an acoustic feel, and the stereo was nice to hear as monitor. No surprise to those who dislike them, also made me realize how unpleasant Bose is when too close.

For longer DP gigs, I've been experimenting and preparing to add a sound-bar at my feet for a bit of stereo ambience monitoring. It's one more thing to drag in, but want to see if it makes the longer nights more tolerable. I've also thought about using some inconspicuous bluetooth in-ears., but worried it would throw off keeping perspective on volume in the room. Do in-ears all the time for band, but never have for DP solo. Anyone ever try it?

March 6, 2023

Got the upgrade. Love it!! For lack of better words, it has more life than other plugs. I often used Arturia mainly because MM1 was so hard on the eyes. The Arturia has the vibe, and great workflow - but none of the Mojo. If you want or need a virtual, for the price new or upgrade, you can't go wrong with the Gforce. It took forever, but what a great update.

March 6, 2023

If you make a point of fronting any venue you haven't played before, and asking for guest count- then you pretty much know what you'll need to cover the room. But I think guest count is pretty much the criteria more than size of room.

I'd rather have too much than not enough available. That said, done several home parties on a Yamaha P255 for only 12 or less guests- used the internals and it was fine. Left my Bose in the car, but still always bring it.

I constantly have this internal debate with myself when setting up in ceremony/office/event spaces with marble floors that are super reverberant. Always think I can get by with built-ins, but have usually regretted it once the room filled with guests.

I actually think it's always harder to cover outdoor spaces with any system, so wouldn't even attempt it using internal speakers.

RE Acoustic piano. I often bring a little Mackie 150 or the Bose to mic up acoustic piano on large cocktail gigs for weddings/corporate/ mitzvahs with 175+ guest counts. Even with lid fully open, I find it hard to compete at basic conversational level in typical large narrow carpeted pre-function areas like those typically outside a ballroom.

I always end up killing my hands. Another pianist friend says he purposely plays at lower volume in these situations, thinking it subconsciously makes people listen more. Hasn't worked for me, but I get the science behind it.

March 1, 2023

After years of trying I've found there is no be all- end all when it comes to these.

Bottom line: If you can find a demo, that's the best thing. It's not that crazy to own more than one.

One thing that helps is additional processing (not the plug's), and can make a HUGE difference with any of these. It stands to reason the coder's forte is the instrument, not FX- so IMHO you're way better off using dedicated plug-ins for things like EQ, Phasing, or even Tremolo. For instance, the Soundtoys Tremolo or Phase mistress can make even the most generic rhodes patch tons better. Add a smidge of a Neve type preamp and you'll have something that sounds like the recordings you're used to hearing.

As real Rhodes owner, I'm embarrassed I own just about all the Virtuals. The real thing is inspiring, but not practical for recall tracking, or live use.

With all of these it's often playability vs sound. I tend to find the physical modeling ones (Pianoteq, Lounge Lizard) respond and play wonderful, but don't always have the mojo. Love the Neo-Soul and original Scarbee mentioned above but in context with other stuff they easily get lost in busier arrangements, and don't always have a great finger connection. I've often done ambitious things like re-amping to create some fairy dust, but under deadline I get lazy.

I think that's why the endless you-tube shootouts are always pointless if the instrument is not taken into context of a real song.

I tell myself owning several is no worse than any other plug-in investment, so I've picked up nearly all these during various sales. I'll try them all depending on the track. Because I favor the "straight-traditional" pure Rhodes sound (Bob James/Stevie Wonder), I will say I probably end up using the dry Famous Rhodes most for recording. For live, the Pianoteq and LoungeLizard work well, and are CPU friendly- albeit not overly inspiring.

February 28, 2023

THIS

On 2/21/2023 at 1:50 PM, timwat said:

The only really successful way I've found using the cart after all these years:

- first trip after parking is with one small hand carry item, to survey the load in, take a look at the stage and set up, note any challenges / obstacles / threats.

- as much as possible, stick with a two board rig. Everything we're talking about only becomes an issue when I try to use more than 2 boards.

If I need more than two keyboard sound sources, I'll add mainstage.

I'll add that sometimes you need multiple carts for different type of gigs, and sometimes you need them all on the same gig.

Got the RnR cart, little mini folding hand trucks, and those collapsable file box things on wheels. Minis are perfect for theater gigs- where stagehands are overly eager & plentiful to help unload your car, but then mysteriously disappear at show close and then you're on your own.

File boxes on wheels are great for gigs using house piano/keyboards where you need your own stool, iPad, powerstrip, and other crap......or hauling the female vocalist's lyric binder.

I think a big correlation to how you load your cart is what you actually need to put on it..

For me, giving up on 88 note keyboards and their associated gig cases has made my (load-in) life so much easier. Also: In-ears for monitors whenever possible on band gigs, Bose for solo/jazz gigs.

What's super prevalent here in the Peach state: Hotels and special event venues with multiple elevators to get to the ballroom. That and loading docks without access ramps. That's where it gets tempting to do it all in one trip.

My cranky MO is ask forgiveness rather than permission; and just use guest elevators and front entrances whenever possible. That means stacking vertically. Having successfully switched to 72/76 boards and less gear, it's now much easier to do than trying to squeeze a RnR cart with an 88 note case stacked to the gills.

This

February 27, 2023

Probably old news for many: I'm addicted to these things: Pipe wrap and pool noodles from the dollar store. Also liberal use of shelf-liner underneath my keyboards when using platform stands or keeping my Ipad from slipping off the B3 at church.

I recently switched over to a K&M stand and used pipe wrap to slightly elevate keyboards on the bars. . I use pool noodles in my gig bags to fill the extra gaps and cushion the. bottom of the case a bit more. In my office I have an industrial desk that had bottom bars that were a knee killer and long swear word generator - Pipe wrap to the rescue!!

February 16, 2023

6 hours ago, Phil-E-Phil said:

We'd love to hear why Forescore is better for you than iGigBook for the scenarios you describe.

Hi Phil- I don't want to hijack the OP's thread. I'l be happy to send you a PM or email. I've happily been with you since version 1, but do have thoughts.

Thanks

C

February 10, 2023

For quick shorthand I just use note pad and this : https://apps.apple.com/us/app/song-memo/id1459218009

or this:

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/musician-keyboard/id1279722356.

Both install a music chord font and keyboard that can be used within any other app, so you don't need to actually use the parent app. You choose like emoticons. Chord symbols etc., and you can select the key so it automatically has the relative chords of that key. Simple and easy.

Should be able to use it with anything that lets you enter text on. I sometimes find it easier to add annotations via text in Forscore using one of these.

I do wish both had repeat sign- so going to check out 1Chart. Usually just use brackets or parenthesis, never thought about using apple pencil to draw them. Great idea.

I use Forscore for shows with a book or defined setlist Igigbook for Realbook- Fakebook etc. type stuff- it has an annotation feature that has some symbols too. Many books are indexed (including Jewish Fakebook for Klezmer). Irealpro does a pretty good job too and can be exported into anything. (PDF,Finale etc.) just wish it had more text ability. Lots of stuff in the Irealpro user catalog community (including Klezmer, Irish) but often requires corrections. EZ to make setlists. I often use it for simple Bluegrass charts when playing bass- the transpose feature is great. It can also be run on a Desktop to make editing quicker, then export to IOS.

February 10, 2023

By current production values : Yes. What's hip? Crappy, murky, and imperfect. Take a view of Christian Henson's pianobook site. https://www.pianobook.co.uk/instrument/pianos/upright/. Spin the radio (or spotify) dial. Most sessions I do, producer or artists often say Grand piano is too piano sounding!!???

I'm in the "better than nothing camp". I'd hate to gig on one. But no matter how many electronic thingies and plug ins, always nice to plunk out or check a chord on something that's a real acoustic instrument -warts and all. I think Miles Davis used to quip "electric instruments are only great until they turn off the electricity".

2 hours ago, Tom Williams said:

I learned on an 1897 player piano that had had the player action removed. I built my musical ear on the thing.

I felt your pain. 😀 Also brought up on a crappy decommissioned player piano- which was also tuned down a 1/2 step!! To this day I still hear pitch that way if I'm not careful. Finally bought (um, financed) a nice grand. After 20 years still love it, but takes up half my studio space. Because of late hours and courtesy to family and neighbors, I end up playing & practicing on a DP most times. Considering moving it to the LR. Singer in my big band recently asked if I wanted to "Foster" his lovely Mason & Hamlin conservatory. Tempting, but It's bigger than an SUV.

I've noticed most of my film scoring heroes have those nice Yamaha upright grands, which I'm considering cross-grading to. But a few also have some charming spinets just to work stuff out.

Disclaimer: Guilty of re-purposing several spinets/uprights that were headed for landfill. Two for my main church gig and satellite campus, (see below) and a local theater. If they're beyond hope- they make great, vibey piano shells. Call it PETU: people for the ethical treatment of uprights.

February 9, 2023

12 hours ago, Adam Burgess said:

Having said that, I've often thought of getting a really nice mic to record with. I've always got a laptop and a small interface with me.

Originally bought this for band gigs as an in-ear ambient stage mic. Often had a great night on solo gigs and wish I had recorded it. Getting ready to try it for recording as it's easy to just plop in place vs stereo setup. As you know, prices jump considerably on the better stereo condensors. but might be worth a shot.
Of course zoom stuff and most personal recorders have built in stereo mics.

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002YLDZA/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

As we've all been discussing in another thread- are you using any loops or is it just straight piano? Haven't personally done it in a very long time. Not always appropriate; but on my longer gigs (e.g airport, restaurant) getting ready to add some light drum stuff via SoftDrummer. But that now means needing audio to pipe it through.

February 9, 2023

4 hours ago, Ibarch said:

Will have to see if I can find something here in India.

If you can find a way to get it home safely, buy a portable Harmonium or smaller Shruti box!!! You're in the right place to get one super cheap. Fun to play, and great souvenir. Just be sure to get one that's tuned A440.

February 8, 2023

When I was doing hotels, used to pride myself that I often outlived the revolving door of catering managers.

Not sure if you want to go out of pocket: I have one of those snack-size Mackie 150 speaker things that mounts on a mic stand. If I know I'm going to have a tough time keeping up volume, I sometimes bring that (or a Bose) with a small PZM or Barcus berry pickup and set it out aways from the piano. The 5" Mackie's lack of bass is actually a plus, relatively feedback free, and volume is just enough to help lend some support. Plus not kill your hands.

Wonder if you all have experienced this pet peeve of mine: Showing up for large rehearsal-anniversary dinner at a Country Club or venue; and the party planner/ host thinks it's a great idea to cover the entire (now closed ) piano with family pictures, or gifts. I now put in my letter of agreement I'll likely need to open the lid, and please leave clear.

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