How can I reduce the shrill sound from my piano?

Question

I have moved into a new apartment with considerably less furniture than my old one, and the sound of my piano here is much sharper and crisper than it used to be and then I would like. I have placed a thick carpet underneath it which has helped a little, but not enough. A non-musician friend recommended placing insulating mats (those which fit behind radiators) behind and underneath he piano (it currently stands against the wall). Would this work?

Thanks for your help

Answer 1

I assume you've got an upright piano, in which case you can put something that is sound-absorbing against the sounding board.  A beach towel might do it.  You could also have your piano tuner put in softer hammers.  My suggestion is that you give it some time and that you'll become accustomed to the tone.  Be thankful your hearing is good enough that you hear the difference.

Answer 2

Call a store that sells pianos. Ask for their recommendation for a good piano tuner. The first step to solving your problem is getting to square one. If the piano has been moved, it is out of tune, particularly if it has not been tuned for a while.

Answer 3

One sure way to "reduce the shrill sound from your piano" as you ask....stop playing it !

Answer 4

High frequency sound, the shrill levels, can be attenuated with sound absorption on the walls and floor and a barrier installed against the panel over the pedals. Perhaps you should install it inside the panel.

Answer 5

First your piano needs to be tuned.

Some of what you are hearing could be 'dissonance'..... very likely since you mention having just moved.  Pianos have 2 strings per note on the lower notes, and 3 strings per note on the mid to upper notes.  Those matching strings need to be tuned perfectly with each other.  If even one is slightly off from the other(s) in the same note, it creates a 'dissonance'.  Moving the piano causes it to flex a bit, and the strings to gain/lose tension.

Now, if the piano is simply too loud... you can hang a heavy quilt or blanket on the backside...this will help quite a bit.

By the way.... the piano should be set on an INTERIOR wall... never an EXTERIOR wall.  The temperature variation on an exterior wall will cause, at minimum, it to go out of tune faster, and possibly even some sound board problems.

And just in passing.... a piano should be cleaned with a damp rag, do not use wax products.

I play the piano, and also do some tuning on the side....I recently demonstrated how those strings need to be matched, and how much it affects the sound to a local church.

Have Fun