SILENT PIANOS
The Best Of Both Worlds
Since arriving in the piano market, silent system technology has taken over the acoustic (and digital) piano world by storm. No longer do pianists have to compromise between sound and touch or worry about the time of day they would like to practice.
Silent pianos offer the touch, prowess and tone of an acoustic piano that so many pianists are seeking, whilst also offering the convenience and functionality of a digital piano and the ability to be played through headphones that can be turned on or off at the flick of a switch.
Looking to learn more about silent pianos? Contact our piano experts or try silent pianos in our showroom today!
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Benefits Of Silent Pianos
PRACTICE ANYTIME OF DAY
The biggest draw to a silent piano is the ability to play silently through headphones, making them ideal for both child learners, those with close neighbours and those who wish to avoid outside distraction whilst playing, no matter what time of day it is.
REAL ACOUSTIC TOUCH
Silent pianos offer what digital pianos can not, real piano touch and tone. Because they are placed on real acoustic instruments, silent pianos are unmatched when it comes to piano touch and sensitivity.
LONGEVITY AND DURABILITY
As silent pianos are real acoustic instruments, their lifespan is far longer than that of a digital piano and retain their value incredibly well, offering you peace of mind with your purchase.
How Do Silent Pianos Work?
The Hammer Rail
Whilst all silent pianos vary slightly in approach, the idea is typically the same.
A thin rail is placed in front of the hammers which, when the silent mode is activated (usually by pulling a small leaver on the underside of the piano) will dip slightly in front of the piano's strings, preventing the hammers from striking the strings and thus stopping the strings vibrating and making the piano silent.
The Sensors & Sample
This is where silent piano technology truly comes into its own.
In addition to the hammer rail, a sensor rail is placed beneath the key bed and will either use laser detecting technology or hyper accurate sensors in order to detect how quickly and how powerfully the key has been pressed.
The sensors then record this information and pass it through to the system's processor.
By having the sensors placed under the key bed, this ensures that the touch of the piano is minimally affected.
After receiving the information from the sensor, the system will then interpret the sound and produce the correct tone and note at the correct dynamic range. This is the exact same way that a digital piano functions, but grants you the feel of the acoustic piano.
The samples used on silent systems do vary from brand to brand, however all can be compared to the kinds of samples found on high end digital pianos. For example the C.Bechstein Vario silent piano system takes their samples from a highly sophisticated recording of their D282 concert grand piano.
Don't Compromise Your Playing Ever Again
Most piano players aspire to have a real acoustic piano that delivers an authentic and realistic piano touch and tone that digital pianos simply cannot achieve.
For those concerned with noise and disturbing others however, digital pianos can seem like the obvious choice, but silent pianos make this reality possible and combine the best of the digital and acoustic worlds.
Never feel limited by your piano again and have the ability to play both acoustically out loud and silently at your convenience. By opting for a silent acoustic piano, you are investing in an instrument that will hold its value and last for many years to come.
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These instruments have been already fitted with their associated brand's silent system. From the C.Bechstein Vario, the Kawai ATX silent system, there are a plethora of options available. For other brands and makes such as C.Bechstein pianos or our Ritmuller range, these can all be fitted with silent systems after purchase or later when the piano is in the home. To view our full range of acoustic upright pianos, almost all of which can have silent systems installed explore here.
Kawai Anytime ATX4
Found on the iconic Kawai K-Series of upright pianos, the Kawai ATX4 silent piano system is truly a leader in innovation and bringing forth the best of what a silent piano is capable of, featuring a sample from their world leading SK-EX concert grand piano. Learn more about the ATX4 here.
Yamaha SC & Silent Pianos
Yamaha were one of the first innovators of silent piano technology and have created a variety of systems that can be fitted to a variety of their instruments. Our selection of secondhand Yamaha silent pianos varies, however there are many options for those looking for a fantastic deal on a Yamaha silent piano.
C.Bechstein Vario & Vario Duet
Found on the C.Bechstein, W.Hoffmann and Zimmermann upright piano ranges, the Vario and Vario duet by C.Bechstein Digital feature the finest in laser touch technology response, customisation of your sound and acoustic prowess. Learn more about the Vario system and C.Bechstein pianos here.
Silent Piano Systems
These silent piano systems can be fitted either in our showroom or in your home, even after purchase of a new piano. The KIOSHI silent system can be fitted to almost any acoustic upright piano so long as the instrument has 88 keys. The C.Bechstein vario system can only be fitted to C.Bechstein, W.Hoffmann or Zimmermann pianos. For fittings of these systems, please contact our piano experts today.