I knock on wood, I have never had real problems with my neighbors due to the inconvenience caused by piano playing. But, it is true that hearing a pianist practicing several hours a day is enough to drive you mad, music lover or not. I got wind of issues related to the noise caused by our instrument (even though brass are worse off). Most often, it ended in badly…

However, judges can be understanding. Indeed, in a judgment released from the District Court of Paris on 3rd December 1992, the fact that the sound level of the instrument doesn’t exceed those of laughs was enough for judges to speak out against a nuisance neighbor, estimating that life in community presupposes a greater tolerance to certain noises, which are unavoidable.

So, what solutions can we find?

Unfortunately, few solutions exist. Soundproofing a flat is an investment far too expensive. Acoustic booths as well. The use of an insulator under the feet, covers on the piano or I don’t know what… Frankly, is it really effective when having problem with neighbors? I’m not sure.

It would seem that the best solution, at least for amateurs, is the silent system. Originally installed or mounted after and relatively not much expensive, it is indisputably the best value for money. However, beware of results, all the sound possibilities offered by a piano are not necessarily found in it.

More and more professionals opt for a much more expensive solution: the purchase or rent of premises less exposed than a flat, to convert into an artist’s studio. The idea is not bad and allows to take full advantage of the piano.

The moral is: it’s tough, the life of a pianist… mostly for neighbors! And you, what solutions did you find to this problem?

Related posts:

1. How to choose a new piano
2. Piano moving
3. Piano and back pains