Mason Blake
The piano in Journey's Don't Stop Believing has a unique sound that has sparked curiosity among listeners. The band's use of a brown 80s-era Yamaha G series piano, intended for home use, and the application of a chorus effect contribute to its distinctiveness. The piano's role in the song, including its placement in the chorus, enhances the overall impact of the music.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Piano Type | Yamaha G series |
| Year of Piano | 80s era |
| Piano Color | Brown |
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What You'll Learn
Yamaha G series piano
The Yamaha G series of grand pianos offers a range of instruments that combine power, tonality, and expressive range, making them a popular choice for pianists. The series includes the acclaimed C Series, which has been a favourite among pianists worldwide for its musical enjoyment. The G series builds on this success by offering refined design and exceptional expression at a more affordable price point.
One notable model within the G series is the GC2, which combines the duplex scaling and rich tonal character of the coveted C2 grand. The GC2 provides exceptional expressiveness and affordability, making it a popular choice for those seeking the experience of a grand piano without breaking the bank. Its compact design makes it ideal for smaller rooms, and its superb balance and rich tone reflect Yamaha's passion for creating the ideal piano experience.
The CX Series, launched in 2012, is another standout range within the Yamaha G series. These pianos possess a wealth of reverberation, capturing the nuances of the player's intentions and reflecting them in the depth and projection of the music. The top model in this series, the C7X, rivals concert grand pianos in its performance and is characterised by its refined grace. The CX Series offers six models in total, catering to pianists of all skill levels, from entry-level to advanced artists.
The Yamaha G series pianos, including the GC2 and CX Series, showcase the company's dedication to innovation and musical heritage. These instruments offer a powerful and expressive playing experience, capturing the nuances of the pianist's emotions and transforming them into harmonious music. With their refined designs, rich tonal characters, and exceptional expressiveness, the G series pianos have become a beloved choice for musicians seeking the renowned quality of Yamaha grand pianos.
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Piano's chorus effect
The chorus effect is a sound design technique that creates a rich, shimmering quality in audio by making it seem like there are multiple versions of the same sound playing at once, like a choir or string ensemble. This effect is achieved through slight inconsistencies between voices or instruments, resulting in fluctuations in interference between sound waves. In the case of pianos, the chorus effect is produced by each of the hammers striking multiple strings tuned to nearly the same pitch. This is especially prominent in poorly maintained pianos, such as honky-tonk pianos, and other coursed-hammered dulcimers like the santur.
To create a chorus effect, multiple copies of a single sound are layered, with each copy slightly delayed and detuned from the others, causing them to interfere with each other. This can be done using a signal processor, which can be software-based or hardware-based. Hardware processors can be packaged as pedals, rack-mount modules, table-top devices, or built into instruments such as synthesizers, electronic pianos, and Hammond organs.
The chorus effect is characterized by longer delay times compared to other effects like flangers, typically ranging from 15 to 35 ms. These timing differences create a constantly changing phase shift between the original signal and the duplicated signals. As a result, the final signal exhibits gradual changes in frequency, leading to variations in the pitch of the copied sound.
The chorus effect is more noticeable when listening in stereo and when hearing sounds that sustain for longer periods. It is commonly used to make acoustic instruments sound fuller and louder, enhancing their presence in a musical mix. By adjusting the feedback factor, one can control the intensity of the effect, with a higher feedback value resulting in more replicated sounds and a stronger chorus effect.
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Distinctive sound
The distinctive sound of the piano in Journey's "Don't Stop Believin'' has sparked curiosity among listeners. One theory suggests that the unique sound can be attributed to the specific piano used by the band during their concerts. Observers have noted that Journey consistently used the same brown piano, which resembles an 80s-era Yamaha G series instrument. This particular model was a lower-cost line intended for home use, which may have contributed to its distinct tone.
The consistent use of this piano across different concerts suggests that its distinct sound was an intentional choice by the band. The challenge of transporting and setting up a grand piano for each performance would have been significant, yet Journey appeared to prioritize the use of this specific instrument. This indicates that the band valued the unique timbre it brought to their performances, including the memorable song "Don't Stop Believin'".
Additionally, the chorus effect applied to the piano may have also played a role in creating its distinctive sound. The chorus effect was a popular trend in 80s music, and when combined with the characteristics of the Yamaha G series piano, it likely contributed to the one-of-a-kind sound that listeners have come to associate with Journey's music.
The combination of the Yamaha piano's unique tonal qualities and the creative use of effects has resulted in a piano sound that stands out in the band's performances and recordings. This distinctiveness has left a lasting impression on fans, with many seeking to understand the secrets behind the memorable sound of Journey's "Don't Stop Believin'".
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Transporting and setting up
When transporting any piano, it is crucial to have a clear plan and a dedicated team. Pianos are delicate instruments, and improper handling can result in costly damage. Ensure you have the necessary equipment, such as a specialised piano dolly, moving blankets, and straps to secure the instrument during transit. The piano should be wrapped securely, protecting it from potential scratches or dents.
The process of setting up the piano at the venue requires careful attention to detail. Begin by selecting an appropriate location, considering factors such as acoustics, temperature, and humidity. The piano should be positioned on a sturdy, level surface, away from direct sunlight or heat sources, as extreme temperatures can affect the tuning and cause damage. It is advisable to allow the piano to acclimate to the new environment for a period before tuning and final adjustments are made.
For a song like "Don't Stop Believing," with its iconic piano riff, ensuring the instrument is in optimal condition is crucial. Engage the services of a professional piano technician to fine-tune the instrument and make any necessary adjustments to match the desired sound. This may include regulating the action, voicing the hammers, and addressing any mechanical issues to ensure the piano is responsive and produces the desired tone.
Additionally, consider the amplification and sound reinforcement requirements. Depending on the venue and the size of the audience, external microphones and speakers may be needed to ensure the piano's sound reaches every corner of the room. Work closely with the sound engineering team to strike a balance between the piano's natural acoustics and any electronic enhancements, preserving the authenticity of the performance.
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'80s era
The distinctive piano sound in Journey's "Don't Stop Believin'" is a product of its time, with its roots firmly in the 1980s. The song was released in October 1981, and its success helped cement Journey as one of the most successful rock acts of the era.
The piano used in the song has been identified as an 80's-era Yamaha G series instrument. This particular model was a cheaper line intended for home use. The use of this piano may have contributed to the unique sound that many associate with the song. The chorus effect on the piano was also a popular trend in the 80s, which can be heard in "Don't Stop Believin'".
The song's structure is also notable for its unusual placement of the chorus. In "Don't Stop Believin'", the chorus doesn't arrive until the very end of the song, with only 50 seconds left. This departure from the typical song structure of the time added to the song's unique appeal.
The song's writers, vocalist Steve Perry, guitarist Neal Schon, and keyboardist Jonathan Cain, crafted a mid-tempo rock anthem and power ballad. The song's chord progression, played by the piano in the introduction and continued throughout, is eight chords long, following a I–V–vi–IV–I–V–iii–IV progression. This progression, combined with the piano's sound and the song's structure, helped create a signature sound that has endured for decades.
"Don't Stop Believin'" has continued to find success long after its initial release, with cover versions and new chart entries in recent years. It has been praised for its anthemic qualities and has been recognised as a staple of classic rock radio and 1980s rock music.
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Frequently asked questions
The piano in "Don't Stop Believing" has a unique sound due to the use of a chorus effect, which was popular in the 1980s.
The piano used in "Don't Stop Believing" is believed to be an 80s-era Yamaha G series instrument, a cheaper line intended for home use.
The choice of piano may have been due to its unique sound, as well as the convenience of transporting and setting up a smaller, lighter instrument.
The chorus of the song doesn't hit until the end.
Yes, Journey's "Who's Crying Now" is another song that features a similar piano sound.
