A USB interface is installed inside the piano case. Very simple and non-intrusive.


A simple modifcation of the center pedal provides a mute for the piano. An even simpler "down and left" movement of the pedal mutes and un-mutes it.		 A Good Thing Whether They Hear it, Or Not

Daynes Music can bring the piano in your home into the digital age, albeit quietly. With a very simple modification, we can provide you with the means to mute almost any "regular" piano, i.e., a grand or upright, and turn it into a digital keyboard, without any effect whatsoever on the normal sound, playability, or appearance of the piano. This means you can practice to your heart's content without bothering anyone, and your piano will look as beautiful as ever. The exciting part is that you can also hook up your piano to a computer and enjoy all of the benefits that come with the ever broadening world of music software.

A Simple Modification

Modifying your piano consists of two simple steps: 1) installing an optical sensor, called PNOScan (Piano Scan) under the keys, and 2) installing a "mute rail" which mutes the strings. Installing the sensor, which connects to a USB interface, the standard computer hook-up for all types of peripherals, including printers, iPods, digital cameras, etc., is a very simple, completely non-intrusive process that results in a small cable inside the piano's case (see photo). This cable can then be connected to your computer. The mute rail, which is also completely unobtrusive, can be operated with a simple "down-and-left" foot movement (see the short video clip), or via a cable mounted under the keyboard. Your piano becomes all but silent, and the action of the keys is not affected. In fact, nothing whatsoever is affected.

A Win-Win for All Sorts of Reasons

Modifying your piano with a sensor/USB interface and a mute raill is a great solution for all sorts of reasons. Not only can you play your piano quietly, but you can also experience the additional thrill of new sounds, music printing, recording, and education, all without sacrificing the tone and playability of your piano. (One of the major criticisms of digital keyboards is their mushy, largely non-responsive keyboard actions, a problem that won't exist since you'll be playing on a real piano with a real "hammered" action.) And today, there is so much wonderful music software to choose from. Software that can turn your piano into a full orchestra, turn your living room (or music room) into a world class recording studio, and make you a better player, all facilitated by this simple upgrade. For more information, check out our video demo right here.

Contact Daynes, and we'll let you know how we can sell you a new or used piano with the USB/Mute installed, or how we can retrofit your existing piano.

Sometimes, the "sounds of silence" can be a good thing.