A Schimmel Silent brings together two worlds that usually rule each other out: the touch and sound of a full acoustic manufactory piano, and the option to practise silently through headphones at any time. The Twin Tone System makes that possible without cutting back on the acoustic action.
If you want to play in the evening without disturbing your family or neighbours, yet do not want to give up a real piano, this is the clean solution. This article explains what happens inside the piano when you switch over, and which models offer it.
01An acoustic piano with strings, not a digital piano
A Schimmel Silent is first of all an ordinary acoustic piano: strings, soundboard, a wooden hammer action. In acoustic mode it sounds and plays like any other Schimmel. The Silent system is an extra layer you switch on when you need it, not a replacement for the real instrument.
That sets a Silent apart fundamentally from a purely digital or hybrid piano without strings. If you want to understand the difference between Silent, TransAcoustic and string-less hybrids, our article on Silent and TransAcoustic pianos compares the approaches side by side.
02How the Twin Tone System works
When you switch to silent mode, the hammers are intercepted just before the strings, so no acoustic tone is produced. Schimmel solves this in a particularly clean mechanical way: instead of altering the individual jacks, the rail carrying the set-off buttons is lowered. The familiar touch of the action is largely preserved as a result.
At the same time, optical sensors read every key movement precisely and pass it on to the integrated Twin Tone sound module. You hear the resulting piano sound through headphones. The middle pedal activates the mute, so switching between loud and quiet takes a single move.
| Acoustic mode | Silent mode | |
|---|---|---|
| Sound source | strings and soundboard | Twin Tone module via headphones |
| Hammers | strike the strings | intercepted just before |
| Volume | fully acoustic | silent in the room |
| Touch | original Schimmel action | largely the same feel |
03Which Schimmel models offer it
Twin Tone Silent is available from the factory on the Schimmel Classic pianos. Two common heights are the more compact Schimmel Classic C 116 Tradition – schwarz poliert mit Twin Tone Silent System and the slightly larger Schimmel Classic C 121 Tradition – schwarz poliert mit Twin Tone Silent System. Both come from the German Schimmel manufactory and combine the characteristic sound of that tradition with the silent function.
For more on the manufactory, the series and the origins of the brand, see our Schimmel manufactory portrait. You will find the current selection of new instruments in the Klaviere - Neu category.
04Who a Schimmel Silent is worth it for
A Silent is worth it above all for players who want a real piano with the sound and action of a manufactory, but who need fixed practice times that do not depend on the hour of day. Flats, families with children, late evenings: in all these cases the silent function allows hours of practice without disturbing anyone.
Because the instrument remains fully acoustic, it is not a compromise but a premium piano with an added function. Anyone who is buying a piano of this class anyway gains flexibility with the Silent version, without losing anything in acoustic playing.
A Schimmel with Twin Tone Silent is the answer for everyone who wants the premium piano yet wants to practise at any time of day. It stays fully acoustic, and goes quiet at the press of a pedal.
Frequently asked questions
Is a Schimmel Silent a digital piano?
How does the piano go silent with the Twin Tone System?
Does the touch stay the same in silent mode?
Which Schimmel models offer Twin Tone Silent?
Can I also play the piano fully acoustically?
Discover the Schimmel Silent
Take a look at the Schimmel Classic models with the Twin Tone Silent System and our current selection of new pianos.
View the Schimmel Classic C 116View new pianosPassende Produkte
Schimmel Classic C 116 Tradition – Polished Ebony with Twin Tone Silent System
Schimmel Classic C 121 Tradition – Polished Ebony with Twin Tone Silent System