The piano has the greatest range of any instrument, so it’s best to use a microphone that has a wide frequency response. Condenser mics are usually the best choice for a clean, natural sound. The choice between wide-diaphragm or pencil condensers is a matter of taste, but pencil condensers are a little more common.

Here are some placement options for an upright piano:

• Over the open lid of the piano, place either a single mic, a spaced pair, or a coincident pair.
• With the piano pulled away from the wall so the soundboard is facing the room, a pair of mics can be placed at a distance of 6–8″ (see Fig. 144). These can be either spaced with one at each end of the soundboard or together in an X-Y pattern.
• A stereo pair in an X-Y or ORTF pattern can be placed above the pianist’s head.
• With the kickboard removed (there is usually a metal latch holding it in place), one mic is placed at each end. This position can, however, be problematic on an instrument with squeaky pedals.

See also How To Mic A Grand Piano.