sound reduction

[David Ilvedson]

I have no doubt voicing is a major component of the volume problem...file the hammers, fit to strings and voice...THEN start working with the foam...

David Ilvedson, RPT
Pacifica, CA  94044


----- Original message ----------------------------------------
From: "John M. Formsma" <john at formsmapiano.com>
To: "Pianotech List" <pianotech at ptg.org>
Received: 9/7/2006 8:59:48 AM
Subject: RE: sound reduction


>The volume is down as far as it will go, and it's still too loud. This
>Disklavier is at least a decade old, I'd guess. I haven't accumulated much
>knowledge about Disklaviers so far, as most of my customers have the
>traditional piano.

>The regulation is decent on this piano. It could certainly be voiced down,
>and I will try that next to see what effect it might have. I think most of
>the problem comes from the hard surfaces in the house.

>JF

>-----Original Message-----
>From: pianotech-bounces at ptg.org [mailto:pianotech-bounces at ptg.org] On Behalf
>Of Greg Newell
>Sent: Wednesday, September 06, 2006 10:06 PM
>To: Pianotech List
>Subject: Re: sound reduction

>John,
>         The accoustic foam is easily replaced by 
>4" upolstry foam cut with an electric carving 
>knife. My question is why you need it in the 
>first place? The newer Disklaviers are quite able 
>to play very softly provided a decent regulation 
>and voicing on the piano in question.

>best,
>Greg


>At 12:27 PM 9/6/2006, you wrote:
>>List,
>>
>>I’m needing to further reduce the volume of a 
>>Yam G1 with a Disklavier. I’ve installed a top 
>>foam pad and bottom acoustic foam baffles from 
>>Edwards String Covers. The sound reduction has 
>>been quite noticeable, but is not enough. The 
>>owners want to be able to have the piano play 
>>without drowning out dinner conversation in an 
>>adjacent room. The piano is in a largish room 
>>with hardwood floors throughout the house. The 
>>room is central to the house and is open to the 
>>second floor. Not much for absorbing any sound 
>>in this location, but that’s what I’m working with.
>>
>>What I’m considering doing is adding more 
>>acoustic foam to the bottom of the piano as that 
>>seemed to be where most of the sound comes from, 
>>or at least it’s more noticeable by reflecting 
>>off the floor. There is room for another 4 
>>inches of foam under the soundboard, and I 
>>suppose I could stuff it full as necessary and 
>>cover it with a Dampp Chaser undercover if that 
>>would work. ???  The owners are not ready to put 
>>a rug under the piano, but might consider that 
>>if nothing else will work. I saw something 
>>online (International Piano Supply, I think) 
>>about neoprene caster cups. How much would that help, if any?
>>
>>I don’t have any previous experience with 
>>acoustic foam and am learning as I go. Anyone 
>>have experience with this kind of situation?  Any advice will be
>appreciated.
>>
>>Is there a better place to purchase the acoustic 
>>foam other than Edwards? The pre-cut pieces are 
>>$110 wholesale, but it seems just as easy (and 
>>much cheaper) to cut a piece that will fit into 
>>the various sections divided by the beams. I’ve 
>>looked online at a few places, and have found 
>>sheets of foam for various prices according to 
>>the sound reduction. Any good suppliers you know of?
>>
>>Thanks for any help.
>>
>>John Formsma
>>Blue Mountain, MS
>>PTG Associate
>>Memphis Chapter
>>

>Greg Newell
>Greg's Piano Forté
>mailto:gnewell at ameritech.net
>www.gregspianoforte.com