[pianotech] Baffling question

[David Weiss]

Hi Paul,

 

The foam I've used is the 54" x 54" x 3" thick gray Markerfoam.

 

David Weiss

 

From: pianotech-bounces at ptg.org [mailto:pianotech-bounces at ptg.org] On Behalf
Of pmc033 at earthlink.net
Sent: Saturday, March 13, 2010 9:28 AM
To: pianotech at ptg.org
Subject: Re: [pianotech] Baffling question

 

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 <mailto:davidweiss at embarqmail.com>  

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
<http://audio-video-supply.markertek.com/search?w=acoustic+foam&asug>
&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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