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So I've been playing Rachmaninoff and Chopin on my Yamaha N-1 late at night with my headphone and I can totally understand why my neighbor downstairs were not very happy with me. The sound of the hammers are just too strong. Is there a way I can eliminate the noise as much as possible? I saw some videos of people building a noise platform with tennis balls but I am not sure if those balls can support the super heavy N-1. I have also tried adding simple noise absorption pads underneath the piano, but it doesn't seem to solve the problem. Piano caster cups do not fit the N-1's design. Any suggestions on what I can do? Thanks in advance!
This has been discussed numerous times here, so you should be able to find some suggestions to help out.
Of note, it's probably not the sound that your neighbor is noticing, but the vibrations from the keypresses and action carrying down the body of the piano into the floor. You can try using Sorbothane pads/mats (they come in many different shapes, sizes and ratings for weight) which is likely your best bet for vibration mitigation. Other than that, you could try to relocate the piano so it's not immediately over wherever your neighbor is noticing it at night.
Hybrid actions are IMO louder than digital actions but the latter can still irritate if in the same room or directly above those without the pleasure of listening. My partner always tells me she doesn't mind listening out loud to practice but I've yet to subject her to half an hour of the same few bars... I can imagine she'll rather the click-clacking.
Are you sure piano caster cups don't fit into the design of N1? I seem to remember some N1X owners using piano caster cups.
And an ultimate solution if you can move: move to the first floor
Piano: Yamaha N3X VST(preference in order): VSL Synchron Pianos, Vienna Imperial, Garritan CFX, VI Labs Modern U, Ivory II American Concert D, Pianoteq
I expect that, if you use enough tennis balls, and (worst case) stiffen the plywood sheet that supports the DP, you should be able to build a tennis-ball damping platform that handles an N1 nicely.
Sorbothane might be better, but tennis balls are cheap, and the idea is very low-tech elegant.
. Charles --------------------------- PX-350 / microKorg XL+ / Pianoteq
I don’t know about the N1, but yes, I’m using sorbathane caster cups on my N1X with no problem, they fit perfectly. Specifically these: Eison Piano Caster Cups for Upright Piano Wooden Piano Caster Piano Leg Floor Protectors with Non-Slip & Anti-Noise Foam Hardwood Floor Protectors, Set of 4, Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07FTFHGGL/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_fabc_UAFWFbCE2JZ5Y
They have eliminated all complaint from my wife and kids when they watch TV in the room right below the piano.
Now learning: Chopin C# minor Nocturne (posth), Mozart Sonata in C K. 545, R. Schumann Fantasy Dance, Joplin The Chrysanthemum Instruments: Yamaha N1X, Kawai ES110, Roland GO:PIANO, Piano de Voyage
I will have neighbors downstairs soon too And I will have to research a solution for my N1X too. Any European N1X owner to recommend a product? I'm afraid that the N1X rear support is not like a real piano with legs but there's this rectangular horizontal metal frame with two rubber bumps on each side and so it may not fit the regular caster cups.
I don’t know about the N1, but yes, I’m using sorbathane caster cups on my N1X with no problem, they fit perfectly. Specifically these: Eison Piano Caster Cups for Upright Piano Wooden Piano Caster Piano Leg Floor Protectors with Non-Slip & Anti-Noise Foam Hardwood Floor Protectors, Set of 4, Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07FTFHGGL/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_fabc_UAFWFbCE2JZ5Y
They have eliminated all complaint from my wife and kids when they watch TV in the room right below the piano.
How did the caster cups fit the flat leg at the back? Would you mind taking a picture of that? Thank you!
Neoprene is sometimes used to isolate studios and concert hall interiors from the foundations. Some city centre locations need the extra help to eliminate infrasound.
I remember there used to be an old cinema here where you could sometimes feel a heavy truck passing by, even though there was no sound.
Why do people buy such stuff when they live in appartments? The repercussioons from angry neighbours could be life threatening or changing. People will do absolutely anything to get a bit of peace!
Why do people buy such stuff when they live in appartments? The repercussioons from angry neighbours could be life threatening or changing. People will do absolutely anything to get a bit of peace!
Because apartment dwellers have dreams of playing musical instruments like everybody else. New York is full of amateur and professional musicians who practice in their apartments.
Why do people buy such stuff when they live in appartments? The repercussioons from angry neighbours could be life threatening or changing. People will do absolutely anything to get a bit of peace!
Because apartment dwellers have dreams of playing musical instruments like everybody else. New York is full of amateur and professional musicians who practice in their apartments.
Of course BUT you have to face the reality of your living conditions. YOUR dreams cannot come at the expense of someone else's rights. When I was living in an apartment I will play with headphones all the time because I wouldn't like to be home and have someone else's movie or instrument sounds bothering me.
Kawai CA79 Rosewood *Young Chang Y185 6'-1" (gone) *Baldwin Hamilton Studio '67 (gone) *Young Chang Y150 (Del F design) (gone)
Why do people buy such stuff when they live in appartments? The repercussioons from angry neighbours could be life threatening or changing. People will do absolutely anything to get a bit of peace!
Because apartment dwellers have dreams of playing musical instruments like everybody else. New York is full of amateur and professional musicians who practice in their apartments.
Of course BUT you have to face the reality of your living conditions. YOUR dreams cannot come at the expense of someone else's rights. When I was living in an apartment I will play with headphones all the time because I wouldn't like to be home and have someone else's movie or instrument sounds bothering me.
But we all have a right to make music in our respective apartments as long as it is outside of quiet hours. Those are the rules in the apartments I lived in in New York. Nobody gets perfect silence and perfect silence does not exist. I’ve had people say that they liked hearing my violin and piano practice. I can’t stand to wear headphones all the time. I had neighbors who were accomplished musicians and I liked listening to their practice.
Why do people buy such stuff when they live in appartments? The repercussioons from angry neighbours could be life threatening or changing. People will do absolutely anything to get a bit of peace!
Because apartment dwellers have dreams of playing musical instruments like everybody else. New York is full of amateur and professional musicians who practice in their apartments.
Of course BUT you have to face the reality of your living conditions. YOUR dreams cannot come at the expense of someone else's rights. When I was living in an apartment I will play with headphones all the time because I wouldn't like to be home and have someone else's movie or instrument sounds bothering me.
But we all have a right to make music in our respective apartments as long as it is outside of quiet hours. Those are the rules in the apartments I lived in in New York. Nobody gets perfect silence and perfect silence does not exist. I’ve had people say that they liked hearing my violin and piano practice. I can’t stand to wear headphones all the time. I had neighbors who were accomplished musicians and I liked listening to their practice.
We all choose how to live. I choose to respect others as I want to be respected.
Kawai CA79 Rosewood *Young Chang Y185 6'-1" (gone) *Baldwin Hamilton Studio '67 (gone) *Young Chang Y150 (Del F design) (gone)