PA and miking an acoustic piano for solo show

[Blues Disciple]

In getting ready to perform a solo piano show I have been investigating small PA systems. I have read about the FenderPassport online and scoped out a Peavey Escort in person---both have 10" speakers only. Would 10" speakers provide enough bass response from a piano? Or would it sound tinny and weak? If these portables are not the ticket, what type of PA would you recommend? (Remember its only me hauling it around and setting it up)

 

Also, when using an acoustic piano: Where is/are the best mic placements for live performance for baby grand and upright pianos? What mics (reasonably priced) are best for such applications?

 

Any information is greatly appreciated

 

BD

[cg1155]

Would 10" speakers provide enough bass response from a piano? Or would it sound tinny and weak?

They might be alright depending on the size of the venue, but I would rather be running a pair of Mackie SRM450's and a small mixer. How big are the places you'll be playing? 10" speakers would be ok for a low-key borders type gig or a coffee-house I would think.

 

Also, when using an acoustic piano: Where is/are the best mic placements for live performance for baby grand and upright pianos? What mics (reasonably priced) are best for such applications?

This advice only holds for solo-piano type work. On a grand I would open the top and use 2 Shure SM57's, one near the high strings and one near the lows. On an upright (if the lid opens) I would do the same thing. If the lid doesn't open you can mic from the back of the upright. In a studio situation you would then have to reverse the phase of these mics but live I wouldn't worry about it. Of course you could use better mics, that's up to you, but I've had fine results with these. In an ensemble setting I like a PZM mic stuck up under the lid with the lid closed to reduce bleed, but the 2-mic setup usually is fine here too.

 

I'm sure lots of these other guys have done this, hopefully they'll chime in.

 

-Casey

[Rod S]

At the risk of sounding like a complete idiot, I'll say this.

 

I've seen a lot of small shows where the focus was the piano, and a good electronic piano connected to a PA system a lot of times beats a poorly miked piano (or a properly miked mediocre piano), which I've seen more than once.

 

I would consider this alternative. Just my 2 cents (converted to US$, less than 1 cent )

[SFOracle]

I would concur with both Casey and Rod.

 

If the venue is large enough that you need to mic a piano, I would suggest.

 

1. Unless it is a good piano and is properly mic'd you are better off with a good stage piano like an RD700 or P80.

 

2. Assuming the venue is large enough that you are considering micing the piano, I would bet the Fender Passport or Peavey Escort is not going to add much to your sound. Consider a pair of powered speakers such asd the Mackie SRM450s that Casey mentioned, the JBL EON 15 G2s or the EV SxA100 and a small mixer. Put the speakers on stands.