Toy Piano – Free Ableton Live Pack
I found this little toy piano this past Spring, abandoned in the alley by my house. Covered with dirt, it still had a gorgeous plinky toy sound, and the missing top made it perfect for mic’ing it up!
I recorded it with a small-diaphragm condenser from 6 or 8 inches away, and simultaneously with a contact microphone stuck inside, against the metal bar that holds the tines. The Ableton instrument has a macro knob that lets you crossfade smoothly between the two mics, and includes not only 4x round robins, but release samples, too!
There’s something about the sound of this instrument that reminds me of psychotic clowns, so feel free to load it up next time you’re scoring a circus-themed horror movie. (Or, if you don’t share my neurotic associations, perhaps you can use it for something actually playful or kid-themed.)
Take a look at the quick overview video I made, and click the link to download the Live Pack above. Enjoy!
Comments (14)
Frans-Jan
| #
This is an awesome instrument. I just want to let you know your work is much appreciated. Thank you.
Reply
Critical Vibrations
| #
You are very welcome, and thanks for your kind words!
-Jeff
Reply
julia
| #
just wanted to say thanks and that this is exactly what i was looking for!! cool story behind it too.
Reply
Critical Vibrations
| #
You’re welcome, glad it fits the bill for you :) If you create something cool with it, we’d love to hear it if you’re willing to share!
-Jeff
Reply
Tiffany
| #
This one does not work for me for some reason. I cannot extract the file :( I also want to thank you for everything you’ve done
Reply
Critical Vibrations
| #
Hmmmm…..not sure why you’re having trouble. I just checked and the file should download perfect. Is it giving you a specific error? ( and you’re welcome :) )
-Jeff
Reply
J Lee
| #
hey Jeff –thank you loads from me too! cant wait to try out the toy piano and wurld peace. cheers & peace J.
Reply
Critical Vibrations
| #
J, you are very welcome! If you make something cool, I’d love to hear it!
Reply
James
| #
Hi Jeff, I really like your stuff and want to say THANK YOU very much. Cheers James.
Reply
Critical Vibrations
| #
Thanks for your kind words, you are very welcome, James!
-Jeff
Reply
Jose
| #
Hello,
Thanks for this pack. I am having some issues trying to install it. I am installing in the same folder as other packs but it’s not showing up in Ableton. Any help here please?
Reply
Critical Vibrations
| #
You’re very welcome! Sorry you’re having trouble installing it….take a look at the “how to install” video on the FAQ page on this site, and see if that helps. Let me know if you still have trouble!
-Jeff
Reply
sergiu
| #
Hi guys i just tried to download a few of your packs and it says something about the format ..not sure why it cant open them ,any thoughts? much appreciated .
Sergiu
Reply
Critical Vibrations
| #
Hi Sergiu! Sorry for the delay…if you’re still having trouble, post here the error message(s) you’re getting, and I’ll see if I can help figure it out.
-Jeff
Reply