Some time ago, I have found this toy piano on a flea market. I thought that it could be nice source of bright sounds, probably good when reversed. And recording its response and dropping it to convolution reverb also sounded promising.

I have heard stories of using grand piano for atonal sustain generator when reamping sounds. Some time ago I have recorded grand piano impulse response, bursting plastic packaging bags (used to keep stuff safe during shipping) under the piano. I came to that idea while crushing them before putting to trash. It is VERY loud. And it sounds similar to starting pistol, so I thought it could work well.

Here here are some sounds processed by Altiverb with grand piano impulse response:

So back to toy piano, here are some sounds from that session:

[Mix of DPA 4060 stereo pair/Neumann KMR 81/Barcus Berry Plenar Wave 4000]

Reveresed:

Pitched down (original recording done @192kHz):

And some sounds processed by Altiverb with toy piano response (I just hitted it with hand and soft mallets):

Always after recording “normal” stuff, I try to find some unusual sounds performing with props. I found that reversing piano upside down and hitting it, creates this amazing sound – sounds just like after heavy granular processing.

And using this sound as an impulse resonse:

So I started with just a fan recorded with Neumann KMR 81 and Barcus Berry Plenar Wave 4000 contact mic attached to it, doing variations stopping it with fingers:

On next takes I attached contact mic to objects which I touched with propeller. All sounds below are mix of both mics.

So there goes small plastic object:

Metal box:

Metal pot (pitched):

and a beer glass (pitched):

I love that moment while recording props, when I learn how to mic it, then learn performing with it and finding new ways using it.

Playing with a cardboard (pitched):

Paper bag (pitched):

Plastic bag (pitched):

Sanding paper (pitched):

But the best object from this session was birds feather.
I am a fan of sound design of Bugs Life. Recently being with my kid in the cinema to see Epic I enjoyed diversity of wing flaps. I think this would work nice for that purpose.

Birds feather (pitched):

And with a bit of doppler:

For dessert I tried it on a Zither which I found some time ago on a flea market:

[Neumann KMR 81 / KM 120 MS kit]
 

And 192k recording pitched down with a bit of reverb:

Those sounds can easily become components for engines (of a car or plane) – cartoon style or real, grinding sounds or insects.
Such a small toy and so much fun!