A silent piano is an acoustic piano where there is an option to silence the strings by means of an interposing hammer bar. A silent piano is designed for private silent practice.
In the silent mode, sensors pick up the piano key movement. Older models used mechanical sensors which affected the touch and produced a clicking sound, whereas newer models use optical sensors which do not affect the feel or sound of the piano. The key movement is then converted to a midi signal and can link to a sound module, allowing the person to utilize headphones. The pianos also have full midi capability and can be linked to a computer for use with notation software

Computer music

Computer music is a term that was originally used within academia to describe a field of study relating to the applications of computing technology in music composition; particularly that stemming from the Western art music tradition...

 etc.

Mechanics

In all silent systems, engaging the silent function causes a bar to move into place such that it intercepts the shank and stops the hammer from hitting the piano string.

In more advanced systems, usually on grand pianos, the piano's action

Action (piano)

The piano action mechanism, or the key action mechanism, or simply the action of a piano or other musical keyboards, is the mechanical assembly which translates the depression of the keys into rapid motion of a hammer, which creates sound by striking the strings. Action can be referred to a pianos...

 is also altered when the silent function is engaged. This changes the action's setoff setting so that the escapement trips at a lower point in the hammer's motion towards the string. This allows the action to be regulated correctly in the non-silent setting. Without it the action must be regulated to be a compromise between what is needed in non-silent mode and what is needed in silent mode.

Manufacturers

Silent pianos are available from Steinway

Steinway

Steinway may refer to:* Steinway & Sons, an American and German piano manufacturer* Steinway Hall, a building housing concert halls, showrooms and sales departments for Steinway & Sons pianos* Steinway D-274, the concert grand piano by Steinway & Sons...

, Bechstein

Bechstein

Bechstein is a surname and may refer to:*Johann Matthäus Bechstein , a German naturalist and forester.*Ludwig Bechstein , a German writer....

, Bösendorfer

Bösendorfer

Bösendorfer is an Austrian piano manufacturer, and a wholly owned subsidiary of Yamaha. The brand is known for producing pianos with a uniquely rich, singing, and sustaining tone...

, Kawai

Kawai

The of Japan is best known for its grand and upright pianos, electronic keyboards and electronic synthesizers. The company was established in August 1927, and has its headquarters in Hamamatsu, Shizuoka.-Pianos:...

, Yamaha

Yamaha

Yamaha may refer to:* Yamaha Corporation, a Japanese company with a wide range of products and services** Yamaha Motor Company, a Japanese motorized vehicle-producing company...

, Schimmel

Schimmel

Schimmel is a German and Dutch surname and may refer to:* Dr. Annemarie Schimmel , German Islam scholar* Hendrik Jan Schimmel* Jason Schimmel* Michael Schimmel* Robert Schimmel* Wilhelm Schimmel, Piano manufacturer* William Schimmel...

 and Seiler

Seiler

Seiler is a surname, and may refer to:* Jack Seiler* Lewis Seiler* Reinhard Seiler* Sonny Seiler...

.