Elton John

From Yamaha Directly Played by Elton John on tour, this one-of-a-kind instrument is the result of our quest to find the bare minimum required to express the qualities of a piano and features Yamaha's CFX full concert grand piano action hidden within an acrylic panel.

We employed computer graphics to gauge how stage lighting from different directions would reflect off the piano and to predict the kind of outlines it would create. This effort shows in the way the clear acrylic scatters light with a prism-like effect from the triangular legs.

The images on the LED monitors embedded around the edge of the acrylic case synchronize with the show lighting, helping to harmonize the piano with its surroundings on stage. Supported by the clear acrylic of its legs, the piano body is transformed instantaneously by these images from a bare slate into a wondrous spectacle that matches each song being performed.

The relationship between the movement of the fingers with the action and hammers can be clearly perceived through the smoked acrylic front board, asserting this piano's identity as an acoustic instrument. The design also emphasizes the delicate associations between the different components that define so much about the piano while taking into account the thermal expansion of the acrylic caused by heat from the LED monitors.

Elton John requested that this piano be a truly inimitable, almost like a high-end sports car. In response, we utilized genuine leather around the keyboard, just like that found in such an extravagant automobile. Our design stresses the importance of touch, with special emphasis on the cushioning and stitching.

In this 1975 photo, Elton John can be seen playing an RMI Electra-Piano and Harpsichord.

In this photo, Elton John can be seen playing a Fender Rhodes electric piano on stage with the Beach Boys in 1972.

In this photo, Elton John can be seen playing a yellow Yamaha CP-80 piano.

In this photo, Elton John can be seen playing a Vox Continental with his original band Bluesology in 1966 as they opened up for Manfred Mann at the Marquee Club in London.

John can be seen with an A-Range at Trident Studios in this 1970 photograph taken by Ray Stevenson, which features on the "Photo Archive" page of Studio Techniques' website with the following caption:

Elton John at Trident Studios, 1970

Sir Elton John with the Sound Techniques console in the remix room at Trident Studios – 1970.

Photo credit: Ray Stevenson/REX Shutterstock

In the video "Elton John - Bennie And The Jets (Red Piano Show - Live in Las Vegas)" Elton John can be seen using a Shure SM58 microphone, confirming its use during this 2005 performance at Caesars Palace. This is not the only time Elton using SM58 mic.

In the image provided, Elton John is seen holding a Shure U2/Beta 87A microphone alongside Smokey Robinson and Sting, confirming his use of this specific gear.

Elton John is confirmed to use the Kurzweil MicroPiano, as evidenced by a photograph taken on April 21, 2004, during the 12th Carnegie Hall Benefit Concert in support of the Rainforest Foundation in New York. This image is credited to John Barrett/Globe Photos/ZUMAPRESS.com and is hosted by Alamy Images.

Elton John uses the Sony C-800G microphone for tracking in the studio, as documented in the YouTube film series 'Who Believes In Angels? Stories From The Edge Of Creation,' which captures the album's creation process.