Looking to buy a silent piano? New & used

Silent pianos

Create a silent piano combines the pleasure of a real acoustic piano with the freedom to practice via headphones. During the day, let the piano sound full; when you want to be considerate of housemates or neighbors, switch to silent playing. You continue to play on the keyboard and mechanism of your acoustic instrument.

At Bol Pianos & Grand Pianos, the largest piano store in Europe, you can choose from both new and used pianos. Your selection is much wider than just the silent pianos below: We can install a suitable silent system in virtually every model of acoustic piano.First, choose the piano that suits you. Our piano technicians assess its suitability and take care of the installation and tuning in our own workshop.

View a selection of the options or come compare pianos and silent systems in person in our showroom.

Bolan silent system built into a Perzina piano

Buying a silent piano: choose the piano that suits you

Perhaps you are looking for a new piano for years of playing enjoyment, an affordable second-hand piano, or a restored instrument from your favorite brand. With a silent system, you do not have to limit your choice to models that are already offered as silent pianos.

At Bol Piano's, we start with the instrument itself. What sound do you find beautiful? What touch feels comfortable? What size and finish fit in your home? Next, we look at which silent system matches the chosen piano and your preferences.

This allows you to choose a piano based on sound, playability, appearance, and budget, with the option to play via headphones as well. Installation is possible in virtually any model of acoustic piano, new or used. We assess the precise combination in advance based on the mechanism, available space, and technical condition.

What is a silent piano?

A silent piano is an acoustic piano with an additional system for playing with headphones. The piano retains its strings, soundboard, hammers, keyboard, and mechanism. With the silent function disabled, it sounds acoustic, like a regular piano.

If you switch on the silent function, the hammers are stopped before they strike the strings. Sensors register your playing, and an electronic sound module converts it into a digital piano sound. You hear this through the headphones.

You therefore have two ways of playing the same instrument: its own acoustic sound in the room and a digital sound for personal practice.

Stop list of the Bechstein Vario system that silences the piano

Control panel of the Bechstein Vario silent system

The hammer stop prevents the strings from being struck.

During normal acoustic playing, a key sets a hammer in motion via the mechanism. This strikes the strings. In silent mode, a hammer stop rail is engaged so that the hammers do not reach the strings.

Careful installation and adjustment are important for this conversion. The system must match the piano's mechanism. Our piano technicians ensure that the hammer stop, sensors, and adjustment are synchronized.

Sensors register your touch and pedal usage

Sensors track the movement of the keys. This allows the system to determine which notes you play and how fast you strike the keys. Relevant pedal usage is also registered; the precise capabilities vary by system.

This information is used to digitally reproduce your dynamics and timing. A soft touch should also be controllable through headphones, while more powerful playing must provide sufficient room for expression. Therefore, not only the sound but also the response to your playing is important to try out for yourself.

The sound module provides the sound in your headphones.

The headphones reproduce an electronically generated piano sound. Therefore, it is not a microphone recording of your piano's own strings. The acoustic sound of the instrument and the digital sound of the system may have a different character.

This means that you listen twice when choosing: first to the piano itself, and then to the sound and dynamics through headphones. Both should invite you to play.

How do you operate a silent piano?

Daily operation is simple. The procedure varies by instrument and system, but generally you follow these steps:

Engage the hammer stop. Depending on the installation, this is done with a lever, pedal, or other control.
Turn on the electronic module. This one operates with a power supply.
Connect the headphones. Start with a low volume and adjust it to your liking.
Choose the desired sound or settings. You can simply play the piano; use additional functions when you need them.
Play acoustically again whenever you want. Disable the hammer stop according to your instrument's controls, so that the hammers can strike the strings again.

We demonstrate the controls for the chosen instrument. If your main goal is to be able to sit down and practice quickly, we focus on ease of use. If you also want to record or work with music software, we compare which functions are suitable for that.

When is a silent piano useful?

A silent piano is especially valuable when the time you want to play does not always suit your surroundings. Think of practicing after work, early in the morning, or while someone else in the house is sleeping, studying, or working from home.

Even in an apartment or terraced house, the silent function can help significantly reduce the acoustic piano sound. For families with multiple pianists, it is pleasant that not every practice session fills the entire room. And when you frequently repeat difficult passages, you can concentrate on your own practice with headphones.

You do not have to use the silent mode constantly. The ability to switch is precisely the added value: playing acoustically when possible, practicing with headphones when that is more convenient.

G. Steinberg piano in a living room with a built-in Bolan silent system

Yamaha U1 piano in matte walnut with built-in Bolan silent system

The benefits of a silent piano

More freedom in your practice times. You are less dependent on moments when playing acoustically is convenient.

One instrument for two ways of playing. You do not need a second piano for headphone use.

The actual keyboard and mechanism remain your starting point. You practice on the same keys as you play acoustically.

You retain the unique sound of your piano. Outside of silent mode, you enjoy the strings and soundboard of the instrument.

Wide selection of new and used. A suitable installation makes many more models compatible than just the pre-configured silent versions.

Additional practice opportunities where desired. Depending on the system, you can use, for example, a metronome, other sounds, or digital connections.

Is a silent piano completely soundless?

No. The loud acoustic piano sound disappears because the hammers do not strike the strings, but the keys, mechanism, and pedals continue to move. Those mechanical sounds may still be audible. Vibrations can also be transmitted through the floor.

A silent piano significantly reduces the sound, but it is no guarantee that someone in a very quiet or thin-sounding home will hear nothing at all. Also, try out the system in the showroom while someone else plays and you listen without headphones. That gives a better idea of the remaining playing sound.

New and second-hand silent pianos

A new piano with a silent system

When purchasing a new piano, you can immediately include the option for silent playing. We will assess which combination of piano, finish, and system best suits your needs. Depending on the technical possibilities, this could be a model from our range by Rippen, Perzina, Gerh. Steinberg, C. Bechstein, W. Hoffmann, or Zimmermann, for example.

View our new acoustic pianosIs your favorite model not yet listed as a silent version? Then ask about the possibilities of equipping it with a system for you.

A used piano with a silent system

A second-hand piano can also be an excellent basis for silent playing. You can choose a used or restored instrument whose sound, playing style, and appearance appeal to you, and combine this with a suitable system.

With a used piano, we first assess the instrument itself. A silent system does not replace technical maintenance and does not remedy wear and tear on the mechanism. The quality of the piano remains the determining factor for the playing feel, even when using headphones.

Explore our second-hand pianosYou can also inquire about a suitable combination for a used or restored Yamaha.

Which silent systems can you choose from us?

When choosing a complete silent piano, we advise on both the instrument and the system. Below you will find the systems you can compare with us. We assess the available functions and suitability for each model and piano.

Control panel of Bolan Essence silent system

Control panel of PianoDisc Quiettime silent system

Control panel of Bechstein Vario Duet silent system

Bolan Essence: accessible and practical

Bolan Essence is an attractive choice if you prefer to practice comfortably with headphones. The system offers, among other things, various sounds, a metronome, and two headphone jacks. This allows, for example, a student and teacher to listen together.

look at it Bolan Essence silent system or try out the controls and sound with us.

PianoDisc QuietTime / ProRecord: silent playing and digital possibilities

PianoDisc offers the ability to combine headphone use with recording and MIDI functions. Which functions are available depends on the chosen version. We help you determine which features you actually use and demonstrate the relevant controls.

Read more about PianoDisc QuietTime with ProRecord.

C. Bechstein VARIO: a digital sound world of its own

The C. Bechstein VARIO is of interest if you want to experience the digital Bechstein sound and the operation of this system. In particular, compare how the system responds to soft touches, dynamic variations, and pedal usage. We will discuss which configuration is available for your chosen piano.

Discover the C. Bechstein VARIO silent system.

For a comprehensive overview of technology, functions, and installation, we refer you to our page about silent systemsThe systems mentioned are set up and operational in our showrooms, so that you can compare them yourself.

What do you look for when choosing a silent piano?

Start with the acoustic piano

Play the instrument first without the silent function. Listen to the sound and feel if you have sufficient control over the touch. The piano must also match your preferences acoustically; the system is an addition to that instrument.

Compare the digital sound and touch response

Next, play the same music with headphones. Try soft playing, chords, repeated notes, and pedal passages. Does the system respond as you expect? Can you make a melody stand out above the accompaniment?

Pay attention to the headphones and controls

Headphones influence both the sound experience and comfort. Take the time to listen and feel if they fit comfortably. Also demonstrate how you adjust the volume, switch between sounds, and return to acoustic playing.

Choose features that suit your usage

For daily practice, a pleasant piano sound and simple operation may suffice. If you wish to listen back to your playing or connect a computer, have that specific function demonstrated. Not every system offers the same recording, USB, MIDI, or app capabilities.

Discuss the complete budget

The total price consists of the piano, the chosen system, and the necessary work, insofar as this is not already included in the offered configuration. Ask for a proposal for the complete combination, including clear agreements regarding delivery and any accessories.

How much does a silent piano cost?

That depends on the instrument and the system. A used piano with an accessible silent system requires a different budget than a new piano from a higher class with a more extensive feature set.

View the current prices for the silent pianos on offer. If you would like to have another piano from our range fitted with a system, we would be happy to prepare a proposal for that combination. This way, you know in advance what you are choosing and what work is included in the price.

Installation, adjustment, and maintenance at Bol Pianos

We handle the installation in our own workshop. This involves more than just mounting the electronics: the positioning of the hammer stop, the adjustment of the mechanism, and the registration of the sensors also require attention.

After installation, we check and calibrate the system so that the response to your playing is carefully tuned. We then show you how to switch between acoustic and silent playing.

A silent piano remains an acoustic instrument and therefore requires maintenance. Tuning, a suitable indoor climate, and periodic attention to the mechanism remain important. We offer a two-year warranty on the silent systems we supply. We discuss the warranty on the piano itself separately for the specific instrument.

Installation of a silent system in a grand piano in the Bol Piano's workshop

Frequently asked questions about silent pianos

Can a silent system be installed in every piano?

Installation is possible in virtually every model of acoustic piano. However, our piano technicians assess the construction, technical condition, and suitability for the chosen system beforehand. This applies to both new and used pianos.

Can I just keep playing acoustically?

Yes. With the hammer stop disengaged, the hammers can strike the strings again. You will then hear the natural acoustic sound of your piano.

Is the playing feel exactly the same in both modes?

You use the same keyboard and mechanism, but the hammer stop and necessary adjustment play a role in the playing feel. How you experience this depends on the combination of piano, system, and setup. Therefore, compare both settings personally; we do not promise that every system in every piano feels completely identical.

Is a silent piano the same as a digital piano?

No. A silent piano also has real strings, a soundboard, and an acoustic piano mechanism. A digital piano produces its sound electronically. In silent mode, the acoustic piano does use a digital sound module for the headphone sound.

Is a silent system the same as a practice pedal?

No. On many upright pianos, the practice pedal places a strip of felt between the hammers and strings, making the acoustic tone softer and more muted. A silent system, on the other hand, prevents the hammers from striking the strings and reproduces a digital sound via headphones. The function of the middle pedal can vary from piano to piano.

Do I need an app to play?

That depends on the system. With various systems, you can operate the basic functions on the instrument, while an app can offer additional possibilities. Please indicate if you would like to practice without a phone or tablet; we will take that into account in our advice.

Can I have my own piano converted?

Yes, in many cases, a piano you already own can also be equipped with a system. Read more about have a silent system installed or contact us with the make and model of your instrument.

Can a grand piano also be made silent?

A silent system is also possible in many grand pianos. The technology and tuning differ from that of an upright piano. We therefore advise you individually on a suitable combination for your grand piano.

Come and compare silent pianos in person.

The best silent piano for you is an instrument that plays comfortably both acoustically and with headphones. In our showroom, you can experience various pianos and built-in systems, ask questions, and discover which controls suit you best.

Do not limit your choice to the models already listed online as silent pianos. Together, we will review our range of new and used pianos and find a suitable combination for your music, home, and budget.

Visit our showroom in Veenendaal of contact us for advice on a silent piano.

Extensive display of silent pianos in the Bol Pianos showroom

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