I received a question from someone wanting to know the approximate
decibel levels of a grand piano.  Has anyone ever measured this?

The loudness or softness of a piano can vary greatly depending on 
the piano itself, the expression used, and the venue (public setting
or private residence).  The questioner was trying to determine if
a vintage grand piano would be too loud for an apartment setting.  My
first reaction would be to say if the neighbors bang on your door then
the piano is too loud, but I can't use that as a reply.

In my opinion, unless the apartment lease specifies a maximum decibel
level for renters, actually measuring the decibel levels may not prove
anything since loudness versus softness is a matter of personal
preference.

I welcome your comments on this subject.

Joyce Brite - Player Piano and Mechanical Music Exchange
http://www.mmdigest.com/Exchange/ 

 [ City of Los Angeles noise regulations say it is unlawful to operate
 [ musical instruments (a) in such a manner, as to disturb the peace,
 [ quiet, and comfort of neighbor occupants or any reasonable person
 [ person residing or working in the area; ... and also that (c) any
 [ noise level caused by such use or operation which exceeds the
 [ ambient noise level on the premises of any other occupied property,
 [ or if a condominium, apartment house, duplex, or attached business,
 [ within any adjoining unit, by more than five (5) decibels shall be
 [ a violation of the provisions of this section.
 [
 [ In Los Angeles, it seems, a neighbor's complaint will trump any
 [ scientific measurement.  Five decibels above ambient is less noise
 [ than an animated conversation generates.  There shouldn't be any
 [ complaints if the piano is used only to display family photographs.
 [
 [ Ref. http://www.nonoise.org/lawlib/cities/losangel.htm  and
 [ http://www.amlegal.com/nxt/gateway.dll/California/lamc/municipalcode/chapterxinoiseregulation#JD_112.01. 
 [   City of Los Angeles, Calif. / Chapter XI: Noise regulation /
 [   Article 2: Special noise sources / Sec. 112.01. Radios, television
 [   sets, and similar devices.
 [
 [ See also the loudness comparison chart at
 [ http://www.gcaudio.com/resources/howtos/loudness.html 
 [
 [ -- Robbie