What Silent Systems are Available for Acoustic Pianos?

Silent Piano Systems: Play Anytime Without Disturbance

A silent piano system is an innovative solution that allows pianists to practice discreetly without disturbing others. Whether you’re an aspiring musician, a professional player, or simply someone who enjoys playing for personal pleasure, a silent system can give you the flexibility to practice at any time, day or night.

How Do Silent Systems Work?

These systems can be installed in both upright and grand pianos, enabling the instrument to function in two modes:

1. Acoustic Mode – The piano functions as a traditional instrument, with hammers striking the strings to produce sound naturally, exactly as it did without the silent system.

2. Silent Mode – A mechanism prevents the hammers from hitting the strings, and instead, key movements are detected by sensors. The sound is then digitally reproduced and played through headphones or external speakers.

This technology allows pianists to experience the feel of their acoustic instrument while controlling the volume and external sound output.

Advantages of Installing a Silent Piano System

✅ Practice Anytime – Play at night or early in the morning without worrying about disturbing family members or neighbours.

✅ Preserve the Feel of an Acoustic Piano – Unlike digital keyboards, a silent system retains the real touch and response of a traditional piano.

✅ Multiple Sound Options – Many silent systems come with high-quality sampled piano sounds, as well as a range of other instrument tones.

✅ Recording Capability – All systems allow you to record and playback your performance, helping with practice and self-evaluation.

✅ MIDI Connectivity – A USB or MIDI connection can be found on each system, allowing you to connect to external hardware such as laptops and audio interfaces, ideal for recording artists.

Disadvantages of Installing a Silent Piano System

⚠ Installation Complexity – Requires professional installation, as it involves modifying the action and adding sensor technology.

⚠ Cost – Can be a significant investment, especially for high-end systems.

⚠ Slight Action Adjustment – Some pianists may notice a very minor change in touch sensitivity due to the stop rail.

⚠ Requires Power – Silent systems run on mains power, so they need a power source to function in silent mode.

Is a Silent System Right for You?

If you love your acoustic piano but need the flexibility to practice in silence, a silent system could be the perfect solution. Whether you’re a professional musician, a student, or a hobbyist, this upgrade can offer the best of both worlds—authentic acoustic feel and the convenience of digital sound control.

Which silent system is right for you?

There are several systems available, ranging from £1500 to £4000. The more expensive systems have increasingly high quality samples, and you may also find that you get a higher dynamic range. However, not every system is suitable for every piano, so it’s always worth discussing what options are available for your particular piano if you are interested in a retrofitted system.

Want to know more? - Click this link for a breakdown of each available system.

Interested in adding a silent system to your piano? Get in touch and I’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have, or schedule an appointment to evaluate your piano for suitability.