Is Your Piano’s Tone Changing?
A Guide to Voicing
If you’ve noticed your piano sounding unusually "metallic," harsh, or even muffled and dull, you aren’t losing your hearing—your piano’s character is shifting.
WhatsApp UsWhile most owners prioritize regular tuning, tuning only addresses the pitch of the strings. If the actual quality of the sound is the problem, you are likely looking at a need for voicing.
Tuning vs. Voicing: Knowing the Difference
Many piano owners mistakenly call a technician for a "tune-up" when they are actually unhappy with the texture of the sound.
Tuning is the process of adjusting the tension of the strings so they vibrate at the correct frequencies.
Voicing, however, is the art of adjusting the physical properties of the hammer felt to change the color and dynamic range of the tone.
The Role of Hammer Felt
The hammers in your piano are made of highly compressed wool felt. Every time you press a key, that felt strikes the high-tension steel strings. Over years of playing, the strike point of the hammer becomes compacted and develops deep grooves.
Impact of Compaction on Tone
As the felt becomes harder and flatter from repeated use, the impact becomes more percussive, leading to a "bright" or "brassy" sound that lacks warmth.
Conversely, if the felt is too soft or has absorbed too much moisture, the piano may sound "mushy" or "dead."
WhatsApp UsThe Process of Reshaping and Needling
01. Filing & Sanding
First, they "file" or sand the hammers to remove grooves and restore the original teardrop shape.
02. Strategic Needling
Second, they use specialized needles to prick the felt at specific depths. By strategically softening certain layers of the wool, the technician can "voice down" a harsh piano to make it mellow, or "voice up" a dull piano to give it more brilliance.
Customizing Tone to Your Playing Style
One of the most rewarding aspects of voicing is that it is subjective. Unlike tuning, which follows strict mathematical frequencies, voicing can be tailored to your preferences.
Whether you want a warm, intimate tone for classical pieces or a punchier, more percussive attack for jazz, a professional can reshape the sound to match your touch.
"Voicing brings back the soul of your instrument, tailored specifically to your touch."
When to Schedule a Voicing Session
You should consider voicing if your piano has plenty of volume but sounds "shrill" at high velocities, or if you find it difficult to play softly because the tone is too aggressive.
Bring Back the Soul of Your Instrument
Is your piano sounding a bit too "loud" or "thin" lately? Don't settle for a tone that doesn't inspire you. Whether your hammers need reshaping or delicate needling, our expert technicians are ready to restore the rich, balanced resonance your piano was born to have. Chat with us today to discuss your piano's needs and get a professional assessment.