foam baffles to quiet pianos
2003-06-29 by Carol Beigel
After many trials, I can now recommend a reasonble and workable solution to foam baffles to quiet pianos. I use Markertek foam, the 3-inch thickness, in two layers. One layer of foam crammed between the beams against the soundboard (underneath on grand pianos, and behind the piano on uprights) does not work as well as two layers. This is a special "pour" sound-absorbing, flame retardant foam in a 54" by 54" sheet from http://www.markertek.com/MTStore/Store.cfm?Search=foam . the "nubbies" go against the soundboard. Make a pattern of your piano using brown wrapping, postal paper. Draw the pattern onto the smooth side of the foam with chalk or a magic marker; the lines can be a bit larger so the foam can woodge between the beams and hold its own weight. If you cut too small, just use that piece for the inner layer. The foam can be cut using a long razor blade. Of course, if you don't want to make these yourself, you can buy them precut from Edwards String Covers in Ocean Side, California at www.edwardscovers@... for just about any size piano. She also sells string covers. These are made from high qualtiy wool and are custom fit for the inside of the piano. For those who like to keep the lids up all the time on their grand pianos, or have cats or hairy dogs, they are wonderfull. They also help the climate control system because you don't have to remove them to play the piano. Carol Beigel crbrpt@... _________________________________________________________________ The new MSN 8: smart spam protection and 2 months FREE* http://join.msn.com/?page=features/junkmail