“I want to practice the piano, but I’m afraid of being a nuisance to the neighbors.” The No. 1 reason for buying a soundproof room is undoubtedly the piano.
However, the piano is said to be “one of the most difficult instruments to soundproof in the world”. This is because it is “loud” and it “shakes the floor (vibration)”.
In this article, we will explain the standards of soundproof performance (D-Value) required for each of the upright piano and grand piano.
The Volume of a Piano is “90dB to 100dB”#
First, know your enemy. The volume of a piano played seriously by a pro is a noise level about the same as under a subway overpass or a dog’s howl. This needs to be lowered to the level of a “quiet library (40dB)”.
In other words, a cut (soundproofing) of 50dB to 60dB is required.
1. Soundproof Standards for Upright Piano#
This is a vertical piano installed with its back to the wall. Sound is emitted from the rear (soundboard) toward the wall, so the impact on the neighboring house is large.
- Recommended D-Value: Dr-35 to Dr-40
- In the case of Dr-35: Practicing from daytime to around 8 PM is OK.
- In the case of Dr-40: Practice is possible almost anytime unless it’s late at night or early in the morning.
- Point: Since strong sound comes out from the rear, it is an ironclad rule to install it “10cm to 15cm away from the wall” even inside a soundproof room.
2. Soundproof Standards for Grand Piano#
This is a piano where the strings are stretched parallel to the floor and the sound spreads up and down. The sound energy is more powerful than the upright, and the lower notes’ echo is also rich.
- Recommended D-Value: Dr-40 (Essential)
- At Dr-35?: Insufficient. When played in fortissimo, the sound leaks and is heard.
- At Dr-40: For practice in a general home, it can be covered sufficiently.
- Point: Due to its large size, the soundproof room itself requires width (2.0 tatami or more). If the room is narrow, the sound saturates and the ears get tired.
The Biggest Blind Spot: “Clattering Sound (Solid-borne Sound)”#
People tend to care only about D-Value (soundproofing of the wall), but the most common cause of complaints in piano soundproofing is “vibration”.
- Keystroke Sound: The “thumping” sound of hitting the keys.
- Pedal Operation: The “thudding” sound of stepping with feet.
These are not transmitted through the air, but through the foot of the piano → floor → frame of the building, echoing downstairs or in the next room. This is called “solid-borne sound”.
The Only Solution is “Floating Floor”#
Even if you lay a normal carpet, the vibration will not stop. The absolute condition is to choose a type where the “soundproof room itself is floating from the floor (floating floor structure)”. Yamaha and Kawai unit soundproof rooms have this structure as standard, but it becomes a fatal weakness in self-made or simple soundproof rooms.
Summary#
- Upright: Dr-35 is OK, Dr-40 if doing at night.
- Grand: Dr-40 only. Dr-35 is anxious.
- Common: Not only “air sound” but also a floating floor structure that stops “vibration to the floor” is essential.
Piano is a lifetime hobby. Since it is something you use for a long time once you buy it, choosing Dr-40 without compromise will be the best “peace of mind”.
→ Related: Guide to Sound Insulation Performance Dr Grade (D-Value) → Sound Insulation Performance D-Value Guide (Top)