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MMD > Archives > March 2002 > 2002.03.24 > 07Prev  Next


Sound Isolation Materials
By Mike Ryan

I have a 5'9" Young Chang piano-shaped-object with PianoDisc 128+.
I live in a loft and my neighbor below has complained about the piano's
volume.

The piano is not near a wall.  We have a carpeted 3" concrete floor
between us.  I bought a sound level meter at Radio Shack and took some
readings.

When I play a file at 80 dB the sound level downstairs is 60 dB.  When
I play my stereo at 90 dB (louder than I ever would listen to) you
can't even hear it down there.  We've concluded that much of the sound
is being conducted directly via the piano's legs.

I've been prowling the Internet for information; see the article at
www.earsc.com/engineering/vibration/isolation on vibration absorption
and isolation.  I hope I can solve (or at least minimize) the problem
by placing pads under the legs.

There are several anti-vibration products used in industry including
neoprene pads (www.noisecontrol.net/neopads) and a product called
Sorbothane (www.sorbothane.com), which claims to be more effective.

I would appreciate reading anybody's experiences and thoughts on this
topic, including the type, durometer (hardness) and thickness of the
vibration-absorbing material.  Richard Stibbons has already suggested
suspending my piano from the ceiling with ropes.   Levitation or
anti-gravity solutions are welcome but may be impractical because the
piano would move when played by hand.

Regards,

Mike Ryan
Milwaukee WI

 [ Try a short stack of salvaged carpet tiles under each leg,
 [ for mechanical isolation.  -- Robbie


(Message sent Mon 25 Mar 2002, 02:46:41 GMT, from time zone GMT-0600.)

Key Words in Subject:  Isolation, Materials, Sound

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