I forgot to mention that I do record myself. However, there's nothing like immediate feedback.
theJourney: Yes, that has worried me, too
Took some quick measurements just now (this is a radioshack stick meter fixed on my shoulder, so take with appropriate amount of salt):
- fortissimo in Rachmaninoff op.3 no.2 peaked at 97 dB (transition into 3rd section)
- sforzando in opening of Grieg piano sonata peaked at 92
- quietest volume I can play at reliably is ~74, but this piano does not produce good pianissimo at all
Do these sound like reasonable (approximate) levels for a piano? They don't seem out of the ordinary to me, but my knowledge on the subject is limited. The blocking out sound effect starts to happen around 88-90.
The piano in question at the moment is an
acoustic I mean upright, and not a great one at that. It's in a not-too-bare room with hardwood floors, and feels somewhat louder than pianos I can readily compare it to (mid-size grands and uprights in padded practice rooms). But this has happened on pretty much all pianos that I've played as far as I remember, including practice room instruments. The offending aspect is definitely the volume - it makes it impossible to evaluate the quality of tone while I'm playing. From what I remember, though (I haven't practiced in a while), the tone isn't a problem when I consult a recording. I will be practicing primarily on a digital for the next few years, but I'll definitely consider the earplugs when I get an acoustic.