Piano Voicing (Tone Regulation) Explained

Piano voicing, AKA tone regulating, refers to the process of adjusting the parts of the piano to produce a change in the tonal quality towards a desired sound. Its a great comfort to know you are never stuck with a piano sounding the way it does and there are many variables that can change voicing; from simply using the pedals to affect tone or having a technician re-align, re-shape, or alter the density of the felts covering the hammers which strike the string to produce a warmer or brighter tone. Variables affecting voicing include hardness” or “softness” of the hammer felts, the weight of each hammer, the shape or “crown” of the soundboard, a piano’s case design and construction, materials used throughout the piano, and also the placement of your piano in a room. On a deeper level, each individual playing the same instrument can produce different tonal qualities or voice just from their unique playing style. Furthermore, there are a number of artists who use prepared pianos; tacks on the hammers, alternative tunings, items placed inside that can add unique texture when the piano is played. Let's take a closer look at piano voicing...