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My piano is very loud.
It's become the now more obvious because I got back from vacation where I was playing on an electric piano simulator that had a convenient little volume knob I could dial down.

Is this a voicing thing?? Do hammers (Renner) inherently harden over the years or only through playing? Should I shove a pillow underneath the soundboard??

Last time I tuned it I inadvertently used a retarded temperament, so I'll have to tune it back to Young #2 now that I'm back. Might give it a week or so as it needs to re-acclimate to the non-vacation AC setting.

Can new hammers calm things down? Are there hammers not prone to compacting under heavy use? Renner wants a pretty penny for their hammers, not including labor!

New hammers are rarely the answer. A new set of Renner hammers is hard as concrete and it takes multiple sessions of deep needling to give the hammers the desired elasticity.

I would start with acoustic elements in your room first. What made all the difference when my old Steinway B finally arrived in the living room was a carpet with thick and long fibers right under the piano. You can continue with acoustic absorbers glued to the wall(s), which is what I did in the studio with the Steinway D and the Imperial.

I have the privilege of working with an outstanding concert technician to maintain the pianos on concert level through regulating and voicing. And while I like my voicing a little one the mellow side, especially with una corda, it is not really about sheer volume. A good voicing should give you the full dynamic range of the instrument from a whispering ppp to a roaring fff.

In your case I would leave the voicing alone and experiment with all kind of acoustic elements in your room first. What piano is this anyway and how large and square is the room?

Very much agree with Peter's comments. The room would not happen to be literally square (or close to it), would it?

Peter Grey Piano Doctor

If it was okay before you went on vacation, it is your ears that need resetting. Play some soft pieces for a while, and slowly play louder and louder pieces, or learn to play softer and softer.

Besides all the good suggestions above, it's also possible to install acoustic foam underneath the piano between the sound board and ribs and/or on top of the plate. I did this, not for my ears, but to make my Mason & Hamlin BB quieter for my next door neighbor. My tech told me that Yamahas with player systems were, at least at one time, often very loud and this acoustic foam treatment was a common remedy. The cost is not too much and the foam can be removed in a few minutes if you don't like.

A quilted cover can make a huge difference. Leave it on with flap folded back so you can use your music desk. The longer the sides the better.

Peter Grey Piano Doctor

F.C. asked: "Do hammers (Renner) inherently harden over the years or only through playing?"

Answer: Yes. Renner hammers can be very loud and bright.
Hammers that have been played for several years will need revoicing.

I just tuned a piano today for a customer that has complained about the sound level of her Kawai KG1C in a small room. Since the last tuning, she installed a wall treatment that she got at Costco.
These were 2'x2' panels of felt with wood strips. Easily installed/custom cut on a table saw. The customer is a lot happier.
Here's what they look like:
https://www.reddit.com/r/Costco/comments/1j214wf/anyone_have_experience_with_the_artika_slatted/

I can't imagine what quality if foam Costco sells... Iust for context- I bought the cheapest one years go and it did close to nothing

I used to play a restaurants yamaha console that was too loud for customers, being so close to tables.
I put foam on the soundboard and covered it up. Made a big difference. Also, voiced the rock hard hammers.

Also, just tuned a new U1 someone had in a room with cathedral ceilings and nothing at all to absorb sound.
No rugs or curtains. I use earplugs on the treble section. Somehow it was so loud, my ears were hearing the action mechanics up there while setting the pins. First time I ever heard that.
Mentioned the room acoustics to the owner and suggestions. But I think it went in one ear and out...

The room is a relatively small, square, carpeteted.


It's always been uncomfortably loud, but yes my ears definitely needed re-adjusting. I find it more pleasant to play with noise cancelling headphones!

I'll look at the acoustic foam option, but I kind of like my pillow idea.
Re:voicing, maybe I should just yolo it, I'm no longer too terrified to touch anything. Worst case I get new pre-voiced hammers from renner.

Is this a vertical piano?
If so, hang a handkerchief between the hammers and the strings and test the sound. This will give you some idea of how it will sound if the hammers are needled or steamed.

If it's a grand, press the left pedal and search for a place where the sound is softer. This will give you some idea of how it will sound if the hammers are voiced.

For a quick, slight voicing, spritz the hammers lightly with rubbing alcohol and scuff them lightly with a tooth brush. If the hammers are pressed hard from playing, this will relieve some of the hardness.

For a voicing, whether quick or slow, I suggest you hire a competent piano technician instead of 'spritzing' whatever part of the piano is involved with whatever spritzable substance is suggested to be applied to.

But that's just me.