How to record performance

[manugarciac]

Where should I put the microphone if I want to record myself playing an upright piano? Should I play with the lid open?

[Bob]

I've seen people mic them up in the lower back. 

Isn't there still more sound going out the back then going up if the lid is completely open?

[rafant]

Among other things, it depends on the kind and quality of the microphone. Is not the same for a PZM than for a condenser or a cheap diaphragm mic. At first approach you can try by putting a mic where the audience is supposed to be. If happens that the accoustic of the room doesn´t help, then you can mic closer to the piano, and even open the lid, trying both the trebble and the bass.

HQ mic suppliers (Shure, Crown) have useful and free piano recording guides in their websites. Also you can do a "piano recording" search in this same forum, YouTube, etc.

[richard black]

There's no one answer, recording an upright is generally a bit of a dog. Just experiment with the options available to you, certainly including moving the piano if possible.

[soitainly]

 Learning to record can be almost as much an art as learning to play. There are lots of variables, and there is not ever going to be a single solution. I would recommend getting a good set of condenser mics and preamps to start, they are quite affordable these days. You just have to experiment a LOT with mic placement. Read everything you can about recording, and try the things that other people have had success with. The problem is that every room is different, and moving the mic or instrument an inch can have a significant impact on the recorded sound.