Quiet time system

sooey · Post by **sooey** » 07 Jun 2008, 13:35

Hello all, I'm hoping for some advice on the above system. The circumstances are that my daughter has a bechstein upright piano which she does not play, even though I know that she wants to. She doesn't like the thought of others listening to her for some reason. I know nothing about pianos but have recently heard of the quiet time system, which I believe can be retro fitted in most cases. So could someone please advise on a reputable place in the North West to get one fitted, also I believe that there are many types of system which have different functions, in our case I would just like her to be able to play the piano and be the only one who can hear it through the headphones. Is it possible to have just this installed? if so can it be fitted to an upright bechstein? Is it done at home or does the piano have to be removed? and of course some idea of the costs involved would be appreciated. Sorry for all of the questions, but I am an absolute philistine in musical fields and could do with some guidance.

Thanks for reading sooey.

sussexpianos · Post by **sussexpianos** » 07 Jun 2008, 16:13

a basic system will do and have record and other instruments on it. The system can be fitted in the home and can take 1-4 hours to fit depending on piano. About £1k is the average for a fitted system. Don't expect the value of the piano to increase much by having the system fitted though.

sooey · Post by **sooey** » 07 Jun 2008, 17:09

Thank you for the advice, a basic system sounds fine. Not worried about trying to increase the value, but would be upset if the piano was somehow ruined. With that in mind are there any risks to having one of these systems fitted? or is it all pretty run of the mill stuff to people who know how? Also, I'm not sure if the piano is an overstrung one or not, would that make a difference as to feasability, doability etc.

Grenache · Post by **Grenache** » 07 Jun 2008, 21:18

You might find the touch a bit heavier. I played a Yamaha with and without the factory-fitted silent system and there wasn't much difference, but the Kawai factory-fitted one was substantially heavier - so much so that I felt that the Kawai one was unplayable for me.

sussexpianos · Post by **sussexpianos** » 08 Jun 2008, 17:14

will not harm a piano but being underdamped is a must on some systems.

sooey · Post by **sooey** » 10 Jun 2008, 22:14

Thank you for the replies, sorry not to get back sooner been away for a couple of days. Could anybody point me in the direction of somebody who would fit one of these systems in north merseyside, thank you.