[pianotech] Baffling question

[pmc033 at earthlink.net]

David:
    The link you have supplied lists many different baffles.  Which one have you been using?
    I have also purchased foam for baffles which I installed under the piano between the beams.  And I have the same experience with the amount of sound reduction.  It can take the edge off of the sound and make it tolerable, but the volume is still there.  Judy also recommends a top foam cover over the strings, which I have not tried.  Add another 15% to make 30% reduction.  Someone needs to use a SPL meter to verify the amount of attenuation.  
    Years ago, I had to figure out a way to reduce the noise of a diesel engine which was installed in a motor home.  The original engine cover was removed because it didn't fit the new engine.  I built another cover, but the sound from that engine was deafening.  I found some sound deadening material which had many layers, including a heavy vinyl.  The vinyl layer was necessary to stop the sound from penetrating.  I believe that the foam baffles are simply not heavy enough to stop the amount of sound that is emitted from a piano at usual player levels.  It's the same principle that makes dampers work.  There must be enough mass to absorb the energy.  The egg-crate shape of the foam is meant to trap the echoes in a room, but it's not enough to soundproof it.
    Of course, a well regulated piano, and a properly installed player mechanism is a prerequisite.  The new grand felt rail I saw at a convention (can't recall his name) would be a very good thing.  
    FWIW.
    Paul McCloud
    San Diego


----- Original Message ----- 
From: David Weiss 
To: pianotech at ptg.org
Sent: 03/13/2010 6:06:34 AM 
Subject: Re: [pianotech] Baffling question


Hi Mike,
 
I’ve used the foam baffles a number of times, and I even have them in my piano at home.  I would say they probably bring about a 15%  reduction in sound.  Judy Edwards sells them precut on her web site, and says they give a 30% sound reduction, but that has not been my experience.
 
I purchase mine from a company called Markertek, they call it acoustic foam. . Here’s the link; http://audio-video-supply.markertek.com/search?w=acoustic+foam&asug=. The foam is  inexpensive, and it cuts very easily with an electric carving knife.
 
Perhaps with the foam baffles, room modifications, and regulation you can get the job done.
 
David Weiss
 
From: pianotech-bounces at ptg.org [mailto:pianotech-bounces at ptg.org] On Behalf Of Mike Kurta
Sent: Friday, March 12, 2010 9:00 PM
To: Pianotech
Subject: [pianotech] Baffling question
 
    Hey Gang:
    I visited a customer today with a Yamaha C3 with DisKlavier.  Their complaint is that it is too loud even turned down.  I explained that the slate floor and high soaring ceilings don't help and suggested foam baffles.  
    What has been your experience, who sells them, and how are they installed?  Thanks for the info,
    Mike Kurta, RPT
    Chicago chapter
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