What are your options for live cello and piano?
Wedding venue sound restrictions do not necessarily mean that you cannot have live cello and piano. JAM Duo can offer different instrument, speaker and connection options depending on the venue’s requirements.
Wedding venues approach sound in different ways. Some have a specific decibel limit, some require musicians to use the venue’s installed sound system, and others restrict the size or type of speaker that can be used. A small number only permit completely acoustic music in particular locations.
JAM Duo can offer several different instrument and sound-system arrangements. The right option depends upon the precise restriction, the part of the wedding day, the performance location and the facilities available at the venue.
The most important thing is to establish exactly what the venue means by a “sound restriction”. Once we know that, we can normally recommend a practical solution.
Why do wedding venues have sound restrictions?
Venues may manage sound because of their location, nearby residents, planning or licensing conditions, or simply to maintain an appropriate atmosphere throughout the property.
A restriction might involve:
- A sound limiter with a specified decibel level
- A maximum permitted speaker size
- A requirement to use the venue’s installed sound system
- Amplified music being allowed indoors but not outside
- Acoustic instruments only in a particular ceremony space
- Restrictions applying during certain hours
- Different rules for daytime musicians and evening entertainment
These situations are not all the same. “Acoustic only”, for example, is different from “amplification permitted at a low level”. It is therefore helpful to obtain the venue’s exact wording before making assumptions about what is possible.
JAM Duo’s three instrument setups
We have three possible instrument arrangements.
| Setup | Instruments | Amplification required |
|---|---|---|
| Standard setup | Nord Piano 5 and Yamaha SVC300F electric cello | Piano and cello |
| Hybrid setup | Nord Piano 5 and wooden acoustic cello | Piano only |
| Fully acoustic setup | Venue piano and wooden acoustic cello | None |
1. Our standard setup
Our usual setup consists of a Nord Piano 5 and Yamaha SVC300F electric cello.
Both instruments require amplification, but their individual levels can be controlled very precisely. This gives us excellent control over the balance between piano and cello and allows us to adapt the overall volume to the ceremony, drinks reception or wedding breakfast.
Amplified does not have to mean loud. For daytime wedding music, our aim is clarity, warmth and atmosphere rather than the volume associated with an evening band or DJ.
The standard setup provides the greatest consistency because we are using instruments and equipment that have been carefully matched and balanced.
2. Our hybrid setup
Where a venue prefers the cello to be acoustic, we can use our traditional wooden cello alongside the Nord Piano 5.
The cello is heard naturally without electronic amplification. The piano still requires a speaker because the Nord Piano 5 does not produce an audible performance sound by itself.
This can be a useful compromise where a venue permits limited amplification but would prefer fewer amplified instruments.
It is important to understand that this is not a completely acoustic performance. Even though the cello is acoustic, the piano still needs amplification.
3. Our fully acoustic setup
A completely unamplified performance is possible when the venue has a suitable acoustic piano in the required performance location. We can then use the venue piano with our wooden acoustic cello.
No speaker or sound system is required.
Before agreeing to this option, we would need to establish:
- Where the venue piano is situated
- Whether it can be used for the wedding
- Whether it is in suitable playing condition
- Whether it is regularly tuned
- Whether it is available at every point where music is required
A venue piano may work beautifully for a ceremony but cannot necessarily be moved to the drinks reception or wedding breakfast.
We do own a grand piano, but it is not a touring instrument and cannot be transported to weddings. A fully acoustic duo therefore depends upon a suitable piano already being available at the venue.
Our speaker options
Where amplification is permitted, we can adapt the sound system to suit the venue.
Yamaha STAGEPAS column speaker
Our default option is a Yamaha STAGEPAS column speaker.
This provides clear and balanced coverage without needing excessive volume. It works well for ceremonies, drinks receptions and wedding breakfasts and allows us to control the piano and cello individually.
The column design helps distribute the sound around the performance area, rather than directing a concentrated blast of sound at the nearest guests.
Yamaha STAGEPAS 100
For venues that require a physically smaller speaker, we also carry a Yamaha STAGEPAS 100.
This compact system can be used as the main speaker where appropriate. It gives us another option for smaller ceremony rooms, restricted performance spaces or venues that do not permit a larger column speaker.
We sometimes use the STAGEPAS 100 as foldback when the main sound is being delivered through a venue system. Foldback allows us to hear the balance of our instruments while performing. It is not used as the principal output for the guests in that arrangement.
It is worth remembering that a small speaker is still amplification. If a venue prohibits all amplified music, changing to a physically smaller speaker does not make the performance acoustic.
Using a venue’s installed sound system
Some wedding venues require musicians and DJs to connect to an installed sound system rather than bringing independent audience speakers.
This is often described as using a “DJ socket”. The connection is usually made using an XLR audio cable.
JAM Duo carry a compact mixer that allows us to connect our instruments to these systems.
The signal arrangement is:
Piano and cello → JAM Duo mixer → venue connection → venue speakers
This arrangement has several advantages.
We retain control over the musical balance between the piano and cello. The venue retains control over the final output level from its installed system.
This can be particularly helpful where:
- The venue has a strict sound limit
- Independent speakers are not permitted
- Speakers are installed around a large room
- Music needs to be heard evenly in several areas
- The venue wishes to manage the overall volume centrally
- The musicians are positioned away from some of the guests
A distributed venue system can sometimes provide better coverage than a single speaker beside the musicians. Guests can hear the music in different parts of the room without the volume being unnecessarily high near the performance area.
We simply need the venue to confirm the type and location of the connection and whether any member of staff or sound engineer needs to be present.
Common venue restrictions and our solutions
The venue has a sound limiter
A sound limiter monitors the level of sound within a venue. Some systems display a warning as the volume approaches the permitted level, while others can interrupt the electrical supply if the limit is exceeded.
Our instruments and mixer provide precise volume control. We can set the system at a suitable level during the sound check and maintain an appropriate balance throughout the performance.
We would ideally like to know:
- The permitted decibel level
- Where the sound is measured
- Whether the system gives a visual warning
- What happens if the limit is reached
- Whether the limiter controls particular electrical sockets
- Whether musicians must use the venue system
Daytime cello and piano generally require much less volume than evening entertainment, but knowing how the venue’s system operates allows us to prepare properly.
The venue permits amplification but imposes a decibel limit
This is usually straightforward.
We can use our standard or hybrid instrument setup and adjust the speaker output to remain within the venue’s limit. Where necessary, we can use the smaller STAGEPAS 100 or connect to the venue’s own controlled system.
The decibel figure alone does not always tell the whole story. The position of the measuring equipment and the acoustics of the room can also affect the reading. We are therefore happy to discuss the arrangement directly with the venue.
The venue requires a smaller speaker
Where the restriction concerns the physical size or visual impact of the speaker, the Yamaha STAGEPAS 100 may be suitable.
We will also consider the room, guest numbers and the purpose of the music. A compact speaker may be entirely appropriate for a ceremony or intimate reception, while an installed venue system may provide better coverage in a larger room.
The venue requires us to use its sound system
We can normally provide a balanced XLR feed from our mixer to the venue’s “DJ socket” or equivalent connection.
JAM Duo control the relationship between the piano and cello, while the venue controls the overall volume delivered through its speakers.
We will need advance confirmation that the connection is suitable for live instruments and is available in the required performance location.
Amplification is allowed indoors but not outside
We can use our standard amplified setup indoors.
For an outdoor ceremony or drinks reception, the available options will depend upon the venue’s precise rule. An acoustic cello can be used without amplification, but the Nord Piano 5 still requires a speaker.
A fully acoustic duo outside would only be possible if a suitable acoustic piano were already available in that exact location. In most circumstances, the practical alternatives will need to be discussed with the venue.
For more information, see our guide to outdoor wedding music.
The venue prohibits all amplification
If no amplification of any kind is permitted, our only full cello-and-piano option is the wooden acoustic cello with a suitable venue piano.
The venue piano must be available in the correct location and in an appropriate condition for a professional performance.
Our standard electric cello and Nord piano setup cannot be used without amplification. The hybrid arrangement is also unsuitable because the Nord piano still requires a speaker.
What should you ask your wedding venue?
If your venue mentions a sound restriction, ask for the precise details in writing.
Useful questions include:
- Is live music permitted during the ceremony, drinks reception and wedding breakfast?
- Is amplification allowed in each of those locations?
- Are the rules different indoors and outside?
- Is there a sound limiter?
- What is the decibel limit?
- Where is the sound measured?
- Does the limiter display a warning or disconnect the power?
- Can musicians bring their own speaker?
- Is there a restriction on speaker size?
- Must musicians use the venue’s installed system?
- Is an XLR or “DJ socket” available?
- Where is that connection situated?
- Is an acoustic piano available?
- When was the piano last tuned?
- Can the piano be used by visiting musicians?
- Does a venue technician need to be present?
You may also find our guide to what wedding musicians need from a venue helpful.
What information should you send to JAM Duo?
Please tell us about any sound restriction as early as possible.
A photograph or copy of the venue’s supplier guidance is often helpful. If the venue has provided technical information about its sound system, limiter or connection points, please forward that to us.
The most useful details are:
- The venue contact’s name and email address
- The permitted sound level
- The locations in which music is required
- Whether amplification is allowed outside
- Whether our own speakers are permitted
- Details of any installed sound system
- Details of any venue piano
- The expected number of guests
If anything remains unclear, we are happy to contact the venue directly and discuss the practical requirements.
Frequently asked questions
Can JAM Duo work with a sound limiter?
Yes. Our instruments, mixer and speakers give us precise control over the balance and overall volume.
We regularly perform at controlled daytime levels and can adjust our setup to meet the venue’s requirements. We simply need to know about the limiter in advance.
Does using an electric cello mean the music will be loud?
No. The advantage of an electric cello is that its output can be controlled precisely.
We can use the instrument at a gentle background level for an intimate ceremony or increase the coverage appropriately for a larger reception space.
Is the wooden cello completely acoustic?
Yes, the wooden cello can be played without amplification.
However, if it is being used alongside our Nord Piano 5, the piano will still need a speaker. This makes the overall arrangement a hybrid setup rather than a completely acoustic performance.
Can you use a smaller speaker?
Yes. We carry a Yamaha STAGEPAS 100 for venues or performance spaces that require a more compact speaker.
The suitability of this option depends upon the room, the number of guests and how the music will be used.
Can you plug into the venue’s sound system?
Usually, yes.
We can send a balanced feed from our mixer to a suitable XLR connection or “DJ socket”. We maintain control of the instrumental balance, while the venue controls the final output through its system.
Can you perform without any speakers?
Yes, but only when a suitable venue piano is available.
We can then perform using the venue’s acoustic piano and our wooden acoustic cello. Our own Nord piano and electric cello both require amplification.
Can fully acoustic cello and piano move between locations?
Only if suitable acoustic pianos are available in each location.
Unlike our Nord Piano 5, a venue piano cannot normally be moved quickly from the ceremony to the drinks reception or wedding breakfast. This needs to be considered when planning music for several parts of the day.
What if we do not understand the venue’s restriction?
Send us the information the venue has provided, together with the venue contact’s details.
We can interpret the practical requirements and, where necessary, speak directly with the venue before recommending the most suitable arrangement.
Sound restrictions do not necessarily mean no live music
The phrase “sound restrictions” covers many different situations.
In most cases, it simply means choosing the correct instruments, speaker or connection method and agreeing an appropriate output level with the venue.
JAM Duo can offer:
- A fully controllable amplified piano and electric cello setup
- An amplified piano with a wooden acoustic cello
- A completely acoustic performance using a venue piano
- A standard column speaker
- A compact speaker
- A balanced connection to an installed venue sound system
Tell us about the restriction before your wedding and we will help identify the most practical option.
Return to our Wedding Music Planning Advice or contact JAM Duo to discuss your venue.