diff --git a/client/public/help.json b/client/public/help.json
index 7e31c2b..d4735f5 100644
--- a/client/public/help.json
+++ b/client/public/help.json
@@ -87,7 +87,7 @@
         },
         {
           "keys": "Piano mode",
-          "description": "When using a piano: ASDFGHJKL;' plays C major notes, WETYUOP] plays sharps, Enter/Escape exits"
+          "description": "When using a piano: 1-9 changes instrument, ASDFGHJKL;' plays C major notes, WETYUOP] plays sharps, Enter/Escape exits"
         }
       ]
     },
diff --git a/client/public/version.js b/client/public/version.js
index 92a1ee6..21fda7e 100644
--- a/client/public/version.js
+++ b/client/public/version.js
@@ -1,5 +1,5 @@
 // Maintainer-controlled web client version.
 // Format: YYYY.MM.DD Rn (example: 2026.02.20 R2)
-window.CHGRID_WEB_VERSION = "2026.02.22 R201";
+window.CHGRID_WEB_VERSION = "2026.02.22 R202";
 // Optional display timezone for timestamps. Falls back to America/Detroit if unset/invalid.
 window.CHGRID_TIME_ZONE = "America/Detroit";
diff --git a/client/src/audio/pianoSynth.ts b/client/src/audio/pianoSynth.ts
index 123822d..43ce39b 100644
--- a/client/src/audio/pianoSynth.ts
+++ b/client/src/audio/pianoSynth.ts
@@ -128,16 +128,19 @@ const PRESETS: Record<Exclude<PianoInstrumentId, 'drum_kit'>, InstrumentPreset>
   },
 };
 
-export const DEFAULT_ENVELOPE_BY_INSTRUMENT: Record<PianoInstrumentId, { attack: number; decay: number }> = {
-  piano: { attack: 15, decay: 45 },
-  electric_piano: { attack: 12, decay: 40 },
-  guitar: { attack: 8, decay: 35 },
-  organ: { attack: 25, decay: 70 },
-  bass: { attack: 10, decay: 35 },
-  violin: { attack: 22, decay: 75 },
-  synth_lead: { attack: 6, decay: 30 },
-  nintendo: { attack: 2, decay: 28 },
-  drum_kit: { attack: 1, decay: 22 },
+export const DEFAULT_PIANO_SETTINGS_BY_INSTRUMENT: Record<
+  PianoInstrumentId,
+  { attack: number; decay: number; release: number; brightness: number }
+> = {
+  piano: { attack: 15, decay: 45, release: 35, brightness: 55 },
+  electric_piano: { attack: 12, decay: 40, release: 30, brightness: 62 },
+  guitar: { attack: 8, decay: 35, release: 25, brightness: 50 },
+  organ: { attack: 25, decay: 70, release: 45, brightness: 48 },
+  bass: { attack: 10, decay: 35, release: 28, brightness: 38 },
+  violin: { attack: 22, decay: 75, release: 55, brightness: 58 },
+  synth_lead: { attack: 6, decay: 30, release: 22, brightness: 72 },
+  nintendo: { attack: 2, decay: 28, release: 18, brightness: 85 },
+  drum_kit: { attack: 1, decay: 22, release: 12, brightness: 68 },
 };
 
 /** Maps 0..100 control values to note attack seconds. */
@@ -152,6 +155,18 @@ function decayPercentToSeconds(value: number): number {
   return 0.05 + (clamped / 100) * 2.7;
 }
 
+/** Maps 0..100 control values to release tail seconds after note-off. */
+function releasePercentToSeconds(value: number): number {
+  const clamped = Math.max(0, Math.min(100, value));
+  return 0.03 + (clamped / 100) * 3.4;
+}
+
+/** Maps 0..100 control values to low-pass filter brightness multiplier. */
+function brightnessPercentToMultiplier(value: number): number {
+  const clamped = Math.max(0, Math.min(100, value));
+  return 0.45 + (clamped / 100) * 1.55;
+}
+
 /** Converts midi note number to frequency in hertz. */
 function midiToFrequency(midi: number): number {
   return 440 * Math.pow(2, (midi - 69) / 12);
@@ -188,12 +203,14 @@ export class PianoSynth {
     instrument: PianoInstrumentId,
     attackPercent: number,
     decayPercent: number,
+    releasePercent: number,
+    brightnessPercent: number,
     context: PianoContext,
     spatial: PianoSpatialSource,
   ): void {
     if (this.voices.has(keyId)) return;
     if (instrument === 'drum_kit') {
-      this.playDrumHit(keyId, midi, context, spatial, attackPercent, decayPercent);
+      this.playDrumHit(keyId, midi, context, spatial, attackPercent, decayPercent, releasePercent, brightnessPercent);
       return;
     }
 
@@ -201,7 +218,7 @@ export class PianoSynth {
     const now = context.audioCtx.currentTime;
     const attackSeconds = attackPercentToSeconds(attackPercent);
     const decaySeconds = decayPercentToSeconds(decayPercent);
-    const releaseSeconds = Math.max(0.02, decaySeconds * (preset.releaseScale ?? 1));
+    const releaseSeconds = Math.max(0.02, releasePercentToSeconds(releasePercent) * (preset.releaseScale ?? 1));
 
     const spatialMix = resolveSpatialMix({
       dx: spatial.x,
@@ -222,7 +239,7 @@ export class PianoSynth {
     if (preset.filter) {
       const filter = context.audioCtx.createBiquadFilter();
       filter.type = preset.filter.type;
-      filter.frequency.setValueAtTime(preset.filter.frequency, now);
+      filter.frequency.setValueAtTime(preset.filter.frequency * brightnessPercentToMultiplier(brightnessPercent), now);
       filter.Q.setValueAtTime(preset.filter.q ?? 0.7, now);
       voiceGain.connect(filter);
       tailNode = filter;
@@ -310,6 +327,8 @@ export class PianoSynth {
     spatial: PianoSpatialSource,
     attackPercent: number,
     decayPercent: number,
+    releasePercent: number,
+    brightnessPercent: number,
   ): void {
     const now = context.audioCtx.currentTime;
     const spatialMix = resolveSpatialMix({
@@ -322,7 +341,9 @@ export class PianoSynth {
     const typeIndex = Math.abs((midi % DRUM_VARIANTS.length) + this.hashKey(keyId)) % DRUM_VARIANTS.length;
     const variant = DRUM_VARIANTS[typeIndex];
     const decaySeconds = 0.03 + decayPercentToSeconds(decayPercent) * 0.5;
+    const releaseSeconds = 0.02 + releasePercentToSeconds(releasePercent) * 0.35;
     const attackSeconds = Math.max(0.001, attackPercentToSeconds(attackPercent) * 0.18);
+    const brightnessMultiplier = brightnessPercentToMultiplier(brightnessPercent);
 
     const gain = context.audioCtx.createGain();
     gain.gain.setValueAtTime(0.0001, now);
@@ -340,34 +361,34 @@ export class PianoSynth {
     }
 
     if (variant === 'kick_808') {
-      this.playKick808(context, gain, now, decaySeconds);
+      this.playKick808(context, gain, now, decaySeconds + releaseSeconds * 0.35);
       return;
     }
     if (variant === 'tom_low') {
-      this.playTom(context, gain, now, 120, 68, decaySeconds * 0.95);
+      this.playTom(context, gain, now, 120, 68, decaySeconds * 0.95 + releaseSeconds * 0.2);
       return;
     }
     if (variant === 'tom_high') {
-      this.playTom(context, gain, now, 220, 125, decaySeconds * 0.8);
+      this.playTom(context, gain, now, 220, 125, decaySeconds * 0.8 + releaseSeconds * 0.16);
       return;
     }
     if (variant === 'hat_closed') {
-      this.playNoiseDrum(context, gain, now, decaySeconds * 0.25, 'highpass', 6500, false);
+      this.playNoiseDrum(context, gain, now, decaySeconds * 0.25, 'highpass', 6500 * brightnessMultiplier, false);
       return;
     }
     if (variant === 'hat_open') {
-      this.playNoiseDrum(context, gain, now, decaySeconds * 0.8, 'highpass', 5200, false);
+      this.playNoiseDrum(context, gain, now, decaySeconds * 0.8 + releaseSeconds * 0.2, 'highpass', 5200 * brightnessMultiplier, false);
       return;
     }
     if (variant === 'noise_8bit') {
-      this.playNoiseDrum(context, gain, now, decaySeconds * 0.45, 'bandpass', 2700, true);
+      this.playNoiseDrum(context, gain, now, decaySeconds * 0.45, 'bandpass', 2700 * brightnessMultiplier, true);
       return;
     }
     if (variant === 'clap') {
-      this.playClap(context, gain, now, decaySeconds);
+      this.playClap(context, gain, now, decaySeconds + releaseSeconds * 0.1);
       return;
     }
-    this.playSnare(context, gain, now, decaySeconds);
+    this.playSnare(context, gain, now, decaySeconds + releaseSeconds * 0.12);
   }
 
   /** 808-like kick: deep sine sweep with long-ish tail. */
diff --git a/client/src/items/itemPropertyEditor.ts b/client/src/items/itemPropertyEditor.ts
index 8820124..a32e3f9 100644
--- a/client/src/items/itemPropertyEditor.ts
+++ b/client/src/items/itemPropertyEditor.ts
@@ -319,6 +319,8 @@ export function createItemPropertyEditor(deps: EditorDeps): {
         propertyKey === 'emitRange' ||
         propertyKey === 'attack' ||
         propertyKey === 'decay' ||
+        propertyKey === 'release' ||
+        propertyKey === 'brightness' ||
         propertyKey === 'sides' ||
         propertyKey === 'number'
       ) {
diff --git a/client/src/items/itemRegistry.ts b/client/src/items/itemRegistry.ts
index c2a0cba..c917226 100644
--- a/client/src/items/itemRegistry.ts
+++ b/client/src/items/itemRegistry.ts
@@ -61,7 +61,7 @@ const DEFAULT_PIANO_INSTRUMENT_OPTIONS = [
 const DEFAULT_ITEM_TYPE_EDITABLE_PROPERTIES: Record<ItemType, string[]> = {
   radio_station: ['title', 'streamUrl', 'enabled', 'mediaVolume', 'mediaChannel', 'mediaEffect', 'mediaEffectValue', 'facing', 'emitRange'],
   dice: ['title', 'sides', 'number'],
-  piano: ['title', 'instrument', 'attack', 'decay', 'emitRange'],
+  piano: ['title', 'instrument', 'attack', 'decay', 'release', 'brightness', 'emitRange'],
   wheel: ['title', 'spaces'],
   clock: ['title', 'timeZone', 'use24Hour'],
   widget: ['title', 'enabled', 'directional', 'facing', 'emitRange', 'emitVolume', 'emitSoundSpeed', 'emitSoundTempo', 'emitEffect', 'emitEffectValue', 'useSound', 'emitSound'],
@@ -241,6 +241,8 @@ export function itemPropertyLabel(key: string): string {
   if (key === 'instrument') return 'instrument';
   if (key === 'attack') return 'attack';
   if (key === 'decay') return 'decay';
+  if (key === 'release') return 'release';
+  if (key === 'brightness') return 'brightness';
   if (key === 'useSound') return 'use sound';
   if (key === 'emitSound') return 'emit sound';
   return key;
diff --git a/client/src/main.ts b/client/src/main.ts
index 0a1d2dc..3459499 100644
--- a/client/src/main.ts
+++ b/client/src/main.ts
@@ -14,7 +14,12 @@ import {
   shouldProxyStreamUrl,
 } from './audio/radioStationRuntime';
 import { ItemEmitRuntime } from './audio/itemEmitRuntime';
-import { DEFAULT_ENVELOPE_BY_INSTRUMENT, PianoSynth, type PianoInstrumentId } from './audio/pianoSynth';
+import {
+  DEFAULT_PIANO_SETTINGS_BY_INSTRUMENT,
+  PIANO_INSTRUMENT_OPTIONS,
+  PianoSynth,
+  type PianoInstrumentId,
+} from './audio/pianoSynth';
 import { normalizeDegrees } from './audio/spatial';
 import {
   applyPastedText,
@@ -789,7 +794,14 @@ function getItemSpatialConfig(item: WorldItem): { range: number; directional: bo
 }
 
 /** Resolves piano params with safe defaults for local play mode. */
-function getPianoParams(item: WorldItem): { instrument: PianoInstrumentId; attack: number; decay: number; emitRange: number } {
+function getPianoParams(item: WorldItem): {
+  instrument: PianoInstrumentId;
+  attack: number;
+  decay: number;
+  release: number;
+  brightness: number;
+  emitRange: number;
+} {
   const rawInstrument = String(item.params.instrument ?? 'piano').trim().toLowerCase();
   const instrument: PianoInstrumentId =
     rawInstrument === 'electric_piano' ||
@@ -804,11 +816,16 @@ function getPianoParams(item: WorldItem): { instrument: PianoInstrumentId; attac
       : 'piano';
   const rawAttack = Number(item.params.attack);
   const rawDecay = Number(item.params.decay);
+  const rawRelease = Number(item.params.release);
+  const rawBrightness = Number(item.params.brightness);
   const rawEmitRange = Number(item.params.emitRange ?? getItemTypeGlobalProperties(item.type).emitRange ?? 15);
+  const defaults = DEFAULT_PIANO_SETTINGS_BY_INSTRUMENT[instrument];
   return {
     instrument,
-    attack: Math.max(0, Math.min(100, Number.isFinite(rawAttack) ? Math.round(rawAttack) : 15)),
-    decay: Math.max(0, Math.min(100, Number.isFinite(rawDecay) ? Math.round(rawDecay) : 45)),
+    attack: Math.max(0, Math.min(100, Number.isFinite(rawAttack) ? Math.round(rawAttack) : defaults.attack)),
+    decay: Math.max(0, Math.min(100, Number.isFinite(rawDecay) ? Math.round(rawDecay) : defaults.decay)),
+    release: Math.max(0, Math.min(100, Number.isFinite(rawRelease) ? Math.round(rawRelease) : defaults.release)),
+    brightness: Math.max(0, Math.min(100, Number.isFinite(rawBrightness) ? Math.round(rawBrightness) : defaults.brightness)),
     emitRange: Math.max(5, Math.min(20, Number.isFinite(rawEmitRange) ? Math.round(rawEmitRange) : 15)),
   };
 }
@@ -870,7 +887,10 @@ function stopPianoUseMode(announce = true): void {
 }
 
 /** Plays one short C4 preview using the piano item's current/overridden envelope+instrument. */
-async function previewPianoSettingChange(item: WorldItem, overrides: Partial<{ instrument: PianoInstrumentId; attack: number; decay: number }>): Promise<void> {
+async function previewPianoSettingChange(
+  item: WorldItem,
+  overrides: Partial<{ instrument: PianoInstrumentId; attack: number; decay: number; release: number; brightness: number }>,
+): Promise<void> {
   if (item.type !== 'piano') return;
   await audio.ensureContext();
   const ctx = audio.context;
@@ -880,6 +900,8 @@ async function previewPianoSettingChange(item: WorldItem, overrides: Partial<{ i
   const instrument = overrides.instrument ?? current.instrument;
   const attack = Math.max(0, Math.min(100, Math.round(overrides.attack ?? current.attack)));
   const decay = Math.max(0, Math.min(100, Math.round(overrides.decay ?? current.decay)));
+  const release = Math.max(0, Math.min(100, Math.round(overrides.release ?? current.release)));
+  const brightness = Math.max(0, Math.min(100, Math.round(overrides.brightness ?? current.brightness)));
   const sourceX = item.carrierId === state.player.id ? state.player.x : item.x;
   const sourceY = item.carrierId === state.player.id ? state.player.y : item.y;
   const previewKeyId = '__piano_preview_c4__';
@@ -890,6 +912,8 @@ async function previewPianoSettingChange(item: WorldItem, overrides: Partial<{ i
     instrument,
     attack,
     decay,
+    release,
+    brightness,
     { audioCtx: ctx, destination },
     { x: sourceX - state.player.x, y: sourceY - state.player.y, range: current.emitRange },
   );
@@ -911,6 +935,8 @@ function playRemotePianoNote(note: {
   instrument: string;
   attack: number;
   decay: number;
+  release: number;
+  brightness: number;
   x: number;
   y: number;
   emitRange: number;
@@ -927,6 +953,8 @@ function playRemotePianoNote(note: {
     normalizePianoInstrument(note.instrument),
     Math.max(0, Math.min(100, Math.round(note.attack))),
     Math.max(0, Math.min(100, Math.round(note.decay))),
+    Math.max(0, Math.min(100, Math.round(note.release))),
+    Math.max(0, Math.min(100, Math.round(note.brightness))),
     { audioCtx: ctx, destination },
     {
       x: note.x - state.player.x,
@@ -1182,6 +1210,8 @@ function inferItemPropertyValueType(item: WorldItem, key: string): string | unde
     key === 'emitRange' ||
     key === 'attack' ||
     key === 'decay' ||
+    key === 'release' ||
+    key === 'brightness' ||
     key === 'sides' ||
     key === 'number' ||
     key === 'useCooldownMs'
@@ -2253,6 +2283,37 @@ function handlePianoUseModeInput(code: string): void {
     stopPianoUseMode(false);
     return;
   }
+  if (code.startsWith('Digit')) {
+    const digit = Number(code.slice(5));
+    if (Number.isInteger(digit) && digit >= 1 && digit <= 9) {
+      const instrument = PIANO_INSTRUMENT_OPTIONS[digit - 1];
+      if (instrument) {
+        const defaults = DEFAULT_PIANO_SETTINGS_BY_INSTRUMENT[instrument];
+        item.params.instrument = instrument;
+        item.params.attack = defaults.attack;
+        item.params.decay = defaults.decay;
+        item.params.release = defaults.release;
+        item.params.brightness = defaults.brightness;
+        signaling.send({
+          type: 'item_update',
+          itemId,
+          params: {
+            instrument,
+          },
+        });
+        void previewPianoSettingChange(item, {
+          instrument,
+          attack: defaults.attack,
+          decay: defaults.decay,
+          release: defaults.release,
+          brightness: defaults.brightness,
+        });
+        updateStatus(`Instrument ${instrument}.`);
+        audio.sfxUiBlip();
+      }
+      return;
+    }
+  }
   const midi = getPianoMidiForCode(code);
   if (midi === null) return;
   if (activePianoKeys.has(code)) return;
@@ -2269,6 +2330,8 @@ function handlePianoUseModeInput(code: string): void {
     config.instrument,
     config.attack,
     config.decay,
+    config.release,
+    config.brightness,
     { audioCtx: ctx, destination },
     { x: sourceX - state.player.x, y: sourceY - state.player.y, range: config.emitRange },
   );
@@ -2528,8 +2591,14 @@ const itemPropertyEditor = createItemPropertyEditor({
     if (item.type !== 'piano') return;
     if (key === 'instrument') {
       const instrument = normalizePianoInstrument(value);
-      const defaults = DEFAULT_ENVELOPE_BY_INSTRUMENT[instrument];
-      void previewPianoSettingChange(item, { instrument, attack: defaults.attack, decay: defaults.decay });
+      const defaults = DEFAULT_PIANO_SETTINGS_BY_INSTRUMENT[instrument];
+      void previewPianoSettingChange(item, {
+        instrument,
+        attack: defaults.attack,
+        decay: defaults.decay,
+        release: defaults.release,
+        brightness: defaults.brightness,
+      });
       return;
     }
     if (key === 'attack') {
@@ -2542,6 +2611,18 @@ const itemPropertyEditor = createItemPropertyEditor({
       const decay = Number(value);
       if (!Number.isFinite(decay)) return;
       void previewPianoSettingChange(item, { decay });
+      return;
+    }
+    if (key === 'release') {
+      const release = Number(value);
+      if (!Number.isFinite(release)) return;
+      void previewPianoSettingChange(item, { release });
+      return;
+    }
+    if (key === 'brightness') {
+      const brightness = Number(value);
+      if (!Number.isFinite(brightness)) return;
+      void previewPianoSettingChange(item, { brightness });
     }
   },
   updateStatus,
diff --git a/client/src/network/messageHandlers.ts b/client/src/network/messageHandlers.ts
index d2e7c94..b064dfd 100644
--- a/client/src/network/messageHandlers.ts
+++ b/client/src/network/messageHandlers.ts
@@ -54,6 +54,8 @@ type MessageHandlerDeps = {
     instrument: string;
     attack: number;
     decay: number;
+    release: number;
+    brightness: number;
     x: number;
     y: number;
     emitRange: number;
@@ -275,6 +277,8 @@ export function createOnMessageHandler(deps: MessageHandlerDeps): (message: Inco
             instrument: message.instrument,
             attack: message.attack,
             decay: message.decay,
+            release: message.release,
+            brightness: message.brightness,
             x: message.x,
             y: message.y,
             emitRange: message.emitRange,
diff --git a/client/src/network/protocol.ts b/client/src/network/protocol.ts
index 5f32dc9..aab9a4a 100644
--- a/client/src/network/protocol.ts
+++ b/client/src/network/protocol.ts
@@ -160,6 +160,8 @@ export const itemPianoNoteSchema = z.object({
   instrument: z.string(),
   attack: z.number().int().min(0).max(100),
   decay: z.number().int().min(0).max(100),
+  release: z.number().int().min(0).max(100),
+  brightness: z.number().int().min(0).max(100),
   x: z.number().int(),
   y: z.number().int(),
   emitRange: z.number().int().min(1),
diff --git a/docs/controls.md b/docs/controls.md
index 0558f63..7311f2c 100644
--- a/docs/controls.md
+++ b/docs/controls.md
@@ -76,6 +76,7 @@ Applies to effect select, user/item list modes, item selection, item property li
 
 ## Piano Use Mode
 
+- `1-9`: Switch instrument preset quickly
 - `A S D F G H J K L ; '`: Play white keys (C major from C4 upward)
 - `W E T Y U O P ]`: Play sharps
 - Multiple keys can be held/played at once
diff --git a/docs/item-schema.md b/docs/item-schema.md
index db3385c..0be6c33 100644
--- a/docs/item-schema.md
+++ b/docs/item-schema.md
@@ -165,6 +165,8 @@
   "instrument": "piano",
   "attack": 15,
   "decay": 45,
+  "release": 35,
+  "brightness": 55,
   "emitRange": 15
 }
 ```
@@ -174,6 +176,8 @@
 - Selecting a new instrument resets `attack`/`decay` to that instrument's defaults.
 - `attack`: integer, range `0-100`, default `15`.
 - `decay`: integer, range `0-100`, default `45`.
+- `release`: integer, range `0-100`, default `35`.
+- `brightness`: integer, range `0-100`, default `55`.
 - `emitRange`: integer, range `5-20`, default `15`.
 
 ## Packet Shapes
diff --git a/docs/item-types.md b/docs/item-types.md
index fbe3809..a357e11 100644
--- a/docs/item-types.md
+++ b/docs/item-types.md
@@ -159,6 +159,8 @@ This is behavior-focused documentation for item types and their defaults.
   - `instrument="piano"`
   - `attack=15`
   - `decay=45`
+  - `release=35`
+  - `brightness=55`
   - `emitRange=15`
 - Global:
   - `useSound=none`
@@ -174,8 +176,10 @@ This is behavior-focused documentation for item types and their defaults.
 - `instrument`: `piano | electric_piano | guitar | organ | bass | violin | synth_lead | nintendo | drum_kit`
 - `attack`: integer `0..100`
 - `decay`: integer `0..100`
+- `release`: integer `0..100`
+- `brightness`: integer `0..100`
 - `emitRange`: integer `5..20`
-- Instrument changes reset `attack`/`decay` to instrument defaults.
+- Instrument changes reset `attack`/`decay`/`release`/`brightness` to instrument defaults.
 
 ## Adding A New Item Type (Registry V1)
 
diff --git a/server/app/items/piano.py b/server/app/items/piano.py
index c30aa2a..33204a0 100644
--- a/server/app/items/piano.py
+++ b/server/app/items/piano.py
@@ -9,7 +9,7 @@ from ..models import WorldItem
 
 LABEL = "piano"
 TOOLTIP = "Playable keyboard instrument with multiple synth voices."
-EDITABLE_PROPERTIES: tuple[str, ...] = ("title", "instrument", "attack", "decay", "emitRange")
+EDITABLE_PROPERTIES: tuple[str, ...] = ("title", "instrument", "attack", "decay", "release", "brightness", "emitRange")
 CAPABILITIES: tuple[str, ...] = ("editable", "carryable", "deletable", "usable")
 USE_SOUND: str | None = None
 EMIT_SOUND: str | None = None
@@ -21,6 +21,8 @@ DEFAULT_PARAMS: dict = {
     "instrument": "piano",
     "attack": 15,
     "decay": 45,
+    "release": 35,
+    "brightness": 55,
     "emitRange": 15,
 }
 
@@ -36,16 +38,16 @@ INSTRUMENT_OPTIONS: tuple[str, ...] = (
     "drum_kit",
 )
 
-DEFAULT_ENVELOPE_BY_INSTRUMENT: dict[str, tuple[int, int]] = {
-    "piano": (15, 45),
-    "electric_piano": (12, 40),
-    "guitar": (8, 35),
-    "organ": (25, 70),
-    "bass": (10, 35),
-    "violin": (22, 75),
-    "synth_lead": (6, 30),
-    "nintendo": (2, 28),
-    "drum_kit": (1, 22),
+DEFAULT_ENVELOPE_BY_INSTRUMENT: dict[str, tuple[int, int, int, int]] = {
+    "piano": (15, 45, 35, 55),
+    "electric_piano": (12, 40, 30, 62),
+    "guitar": (8, 35, 25, 50),
+    "organ": (25, 70, 45, 48),
+    "bass": (10, 35, 28, 38),
+    "violin": (22, 75, 55, 58),
+    "synth_lead": (6, 30, 22, 72),
+    "nintendo": (2, 28, 18, 85),
+    "drum_kit": (1, 22, 12, 68),
 }
 
 PROPERTY_METADATA: dict[str, dict[str, object]] = {
@@ -61,6 +63,16 @@ PROPERTY_METADATA: dict[str, dict[str, object]] = {
         "tooltip": "How long notes ring out after the initial hit.",
         "range": {"min": 0, "max": 100, "step": 1},
     },
+    "release": {
+        "valueType": "number",
+        "tooltip": "How long notes continue after key release.",
+        "range": {"min": 0, "max": 100, "step": 1},
+    },
+    "brightness": {
+        "valueType": "number",
+        "tooltip": "Tone brightness; higher values sound brighter.",
+        "range": {"min": 0, "max": 100, "step": 1},
+    },
     "emitRange": {
         "valueType": "number",
         "tooltip": "Maximum distance in squares where this piano can be heard.",
@@ -91,11 +103,27 @@ def validate_update(_item: WorldItem, next_params: dict) -> dict:
     if not (0 <= decay <= 100):
         raise ValueError("decay must be between 0 and 100.")
 
+    try:
+        release = int(next_params.get("release", 35))
+    except (TypeError, ValueError) as exc:
+        raise ValueError("release must be an integer between 0 and 100.") from exc
+    if not (0 <= release <= 100):
+        raise ValueError("release must be between 0 and 100.")
+
+    try:
+        brightness = int(next_params.get("brightness", 55))
+    except (TypeError, ValueError) as exc:
+        raise ValueError("brightness must be an integer between 0 and 100.") from exc
+    if not (0 <= brightness <= 100):
+        raise ValueError("brightness must be between 0 and 100.")
+
     # When instrument changes, reset envelope to instrument-appropriate defaults.
     if instrument != previous_instrument:
-        attack, decay = DEFAULT_ENVELOPE_BY_INSTRUMENT.get(instrument, (15, 45))
+        attack, decay, release, brightness = DEFAULT_ENVELOPE_BY_INSTRUMENT.get(instrument, (15, 45, 35, 55))
     next_params["attack"] = attack
     next_params["decay"] = decay
+    next_params["release"] = release
+    next_params["brightness"] = brightness
 
     try:
         emit_range = int(next_params.get("emitRange", 15))
diff --git a/server/app/models.py b/server/app/models.py
index ec5d4dd..5c95940 100644
--- a/server/app/models.py
+++ b/server/app/models.py
@@ -232,6 +232,8 @@ class ItemPianoNoteBroadcastPacket(BasePacket):
     instrument: str
     attack: int
     decay: int
+    release: int
+    brightness: int
     x: int
     y: int
     emitRange: int
diff --git a/server/app/server.py b/server/app/server.py
index 76090ca..b26efe7 100644
--- a/server/app/server.py
+++ b/server/app/server.py
@@ -68,7 +68,7 @@ from .models import (
 LOGGER = logging.getLogger("chgrid.server")
 PACKET_LOGGER = logging.getLogger("chgrid.server.packet")
 CLIENT_PACKET_ADAPTER = TypeAdapter(ClientPacket)
-MAX_ACTIVE_PIANO_KEYS_PER_CLIENT = 32
+MAX_ACTIVE_PIANO_KEYS_PER_CLIENT = 12
 
 
 class SignalingServer:
@@ -679,6 +679,8 @@ class SignalingServer:
             instrument = str(item.params.get("instrument", "piano")).strip().lower()
             attack = int(item.params.get("attack", 15)) if isinstance(item.params.get("attack", 15), (int, float)) else 15
             decay = int(item.params.get("decay", 45)) if isinstance(item.params.get("decay", 45), (int, float)) else 45
+            release = int(item.params.get("release", 35)) if isinstance(item.params.get("release", 35), (int, float)) else 35
+            brightness = int(item.params.get("brightness", 55)) if isinstance(item.params.get("brightness", 55), (int, float)) else 55
             emit_range = int(item.params.get("emitRange", 15)) if isinstance(item.params.get("emitRange", 15), (int, float)) else 15
             source_x = client.x if item.carrierId == client.id else item.x
             source_y = client.y if item.carrierId == client.id else item.y
@@ -693,6 +695,8 @@ class SignalingServer:
                     instrument=instrument,
                     attack=max(0, min(100, attack)),
                     decay=max(0, min(100, decay)),
+                    release=max(0, min(100, release)),
+                    brightness=max(0, min(100, brightness)),
                     x=source_x,
                     y=source_y,
                     emitRange=max(5, min(20, emit_range)),
diff --git a/server/tests/test_item_use_cooldown.py b/server/tests/test_item_use_cooldown.py
index 49fa841..71a020f 100644
--- a/server/tests/test_item_use_cooldown.py
+++ b/server/tests/test_item_use_cooldown.py
@@ -379,6 +379,8 @@ async def test_piano_update_and_use(monkeypatch: pytest.MonkeyPatch) -> None:
     assert item.params.get("instrument") == "drum_kit"
     assert item.params.get("attack") == 1
     assert item.params.get("decay") == 22
+    assert item.params.get("release") == 12
+    assert item.params.get("brightness") == 68
     assert item.params.get("emitRange") == 12
 
     await server._handle_message(
@@ -389,6 +391,8 @@ async def test_piano_update_and_use(monkeypatch: pytest.MonkeyPatch) -> None:
     assert item.params.get("instrument") == "nintendo"
     assert item.params.get("attack") == 2
     assert item.params.get("decay") == 28
+    assert item.params.get("release") == 18
+    assert item.params.get("brightness") == 85
 
     await server._handle_message(client, json.dumps({"type": "item_use", "itemId": item.id}))
     assert send_payloads[-1].ok is True
@@ -444,6 +448,8 @@ async def test_piano_note_packet_broadcasts(monkeypatch: pytest.MonkeyPatch) ->
     assert getattr(packet, "instrument", "") == "organ"
     assert getattr(packet, "attack", -1) == 20
     assert getattr(packet, "decay", -1) == 60
+    assert getattr(packet, "release", -1) == 35
+    assert getattr(packet, "brightness", -1) == 55
     assert getattr(packet, "emitRange", -1) == 12
 
 
@@ -467,16 +473,16 @@ async def test_piano_note_key_cap(monkeypatch: pytest.MonkeyPatch) -> None:
     monkeypatch.setattr(server, "_send", fake_send)
     monkeypatch.setattr(server, "_broadcast", fake_broadcast)
 
-    for index in range(32):
+    for index in range(12):
         await server._handle_message(
             sender,
             json.dumps({"type": "item_piano_note", "itemId": item.id, "keyId": f"Key{index}", "midi": 60, "on": True}),
         )
-    assert len(broadcast_payloads) == 32
+    assert len(broadcast_payloads) == 12
 
-    # 33rd distinct held key is dropped by cap.
+    # 13th distinct held key is dropped by cap.
     await server._handle_message(
         sender,
         json.dumps({"type": "item_piano_note", "itemId": item.id, "keyId": "KeyOverflow", "midi": 60, "on": True}),
     )
-    assert len(broadcast_payloads) == 32
+    assert len(broadcast_payloads) == 12