Our Piano
Peak Recording is the home of a wonderful Yamaha C6 6’11” grand piano. This piano has beautiful tone and feel. Many of our piano-playing clients and musicians fall in love with it.
We’ve used it for jazz, classical, rock, country- it’s the perfect complement for all genres of music.
A great piano deserves great mics and pre-amps when it’s recorded, and Peak does not disappoint! Neumann mics, Grace pre-amps, a good, acoustically-treated room, and of course, our C6, and you’ve got a superlative piano sound.
Here’s Bill Payne, veteran of thousands of recording sessions, and a founding member and the keyboard wizard of the legendary band, Little Feat, talking about a piano overdub session:
“I recently spent some time at Peak Recording in Bozeman. I was there to record piano tracks for my friend Mike Devine. Mike wanted a real piano and we were rewarded with just that: a Yamaha C6 (just under 7′ at 6’11”). I was well pleased with how the piano sounded, the feel of it, and given the variety of music I performed that afternoon, the instrument was perfect, from rock and roll to atmospheric soundscapes.
What I found at Peak Recording was a professional attention to making sure I was comfortable, informed of what we were doing at any time; and most importantly, when in the act of recording, the engineer was invisible. That is the highest compliment I can give anyone on the other side of the glass. The environment was totally conducive to performance.
I applaud Gil, his studio, the wonderful piano, and his attention to detail, making my brief time there entirely enjoyable. He’s been doing this kind of work a long time. That was more than evident.”
Thanks, Bill!
There’s just nothing like a real piano for the feel, the sound, and the emotional impact it can have. Yes, a synthesizer or sampler is easier, cheaper, and takes up a whole lot less space, but it just isn’t real.
A real piano also allows for near infinite possibilities with micing to achieve different sounds. While many types of music call for close-micing the piano, some, such as classical, call for a more distant pick-up. With a good room, a beautiful piano, and first-class mics and pres, getting a great piano sound, however you like it, is what we do at Peak.
Bill Payne and the Yamaha C6 Grand Piano…
George Winston in the studio…
our clients say…
“Peak Recording is the place to make a piano recording in Montana. Gil has everything you need: an excellent piano and top-of-the-line recording gear coupled with his knowledge, experience, and sensitivity to do it right.”
– David Morgenroth, pianist
“It was a pleasure recording with Gil at Peak Recording. Having a good piano is essential for us and Peak filled the bill. I was very pleased with the quality of the vocal recording and Gil’s sensitivity to making the sessions as tension free as possible. I think we got some great sound from Gil and his well equipped studio.”
– MJ Williams, vocal & trombone
Working with Peak Recording was a very positive experience. The knowledge, professionalism, flexibility, and willingness to have fun made recording a wonderful experience. We even recorded an old pipe organ on location and it was very well done. I would highly recommend using Peak Recording.
– Deb Smit, pianist
I’ve had the pleasure of recording both vocal and piano with Gil at Peak Recording. There are not enough superlatives to describe what a positive experience it is each time. The end result is always a quality product, and Gil makes it a pleasant and stress-free experience. The piano in his studio is a joy to play, having a most beautiful tone and touch, and he keeps it in perfect condition. Gil’s skill and professionalism help me feel confident; and his calm, friendly, patient and caring qualities put me at ease. Gil’s ear for the slightest inaccuracy is amazing, as is his diplomatic way of pointing it out; i.e., “we might want to give that measure a listen….” I appreciate that Gil is a perfectionist, but he’s flexible, as well. He’s just the best!
– Nita Smith, pianist