Voicing

“Piano voicing” typically refers to the adjustment or manipulation of the tonal characteristics of a piano’s sound. It involves altering the balance and quality of the instrument’s tones to achieve a desired sonic result. Voicing is done by making changes to the piano’s hammers, which are the felt-covered parts that strike the strings.

Here are some common aspects of piano voicing:

1. Hardness/Softness of Hammers: The felt on the hammers can be softened or hardened to adjust the tonal quality. Softer hammers produce a mellower sound, while harder hammers create a brighter and more articulate sound.
2. Shape of Hammers: The shape of the hammers can be adjusted to influence the attack and decay of the notes. This affects how quickly or slowly the sound builds up and fades away.
3. Alignment of Hammers: Ensuring that the hammers strike the strings evenly is important for achieving a balanced sound across the entire keyboard. Uneven hammer alignment can lead to inconsistencies in tone.
4. Dynamic Range: Voicing can also impact the piano’s dynamic range, affecting how it responds to changes in touch and playing intensity.
5. Tuning: While not technically part of voicing, tuning is closely related. A well-tuned piano is essential for achieving a clear and pleasant sound.

Voicing is often performed by professional piano technicians who have the skills and knowledge to make these adjustments. It is a process that may need to be repeated periodically as the piano ages and undergoes changes in its environment. The goal of voicing is to ensure that the piano produces a consistent, balanced, and expressive tone across all registers.

Get in touch with us to book an appointment for tuning and voicing to get the best tone out of your piano