diff --git a/client/public/help.json b/client/public/help.json
index ec11d66..7e31c2b 100644
--- a/client/public/help.json
+++ b/client/public/help.json
@@ -84,6 +84,10 @@
         {
           "keys": "Enter",
           "description": "Use item"
+        },
+        {
+          "keys": "Piano mode",
+          "description": "When using a piano: ASDFGHJKL;' plays C major notes, WETYUOP] plays sharps, Enter/Escape exits"
         }
       ]
     },
diff --git a/client/public/version.js b/client/public/version.js
index 59f619a..eb82c58 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 R198";
+window.CHGRID_WEB_VERSION = "2026.02.22 R199";
 // 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
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..0f53bc7
--- /dev/null
+++ b/client/src/audio/pianoSynth.ts
@@ -0,0 +1,330 @@
+import { resolveSpatialMix } from './spatial';
+
+export const PIANO_INSTRUMENT_OPTIONS = [
+  'piano',
+  'electric_piano',
+  'guitar',
+  'organ',
+  'bass',
+  'violin',
+  'synth_lead',
+  'drum_kit',
+] as const;
+
+export type PianoInstrumentId = (typeof PIANO_INSTRUMENT_OPTIONS)[number];
+
+type VoiceRuntime = {
+  gain: GainNode;
+  panner: StereoPannerNode | null;
+  oscillators: OscillatorNode[];
+  releaseSeconds: number;
+};
+
+type PianoContext = {
+  audioCtx: AudioContext;
+  destination: AudioNode;
+};
+
+type PianoSpatialSource = {
+  x: number;
+  y: number;
+  range: number;
+};
+
+type InstrumentPreset = {
+  oscillators: Array<{ type: OscillatorType; detune?: number; gain?: number; ratio?: number }>;
+  filter?: { type: BiquadFilterType; frequency: number; q?: number };
+  gain: number;
+  releaseScale?: number;
+};
+
+const PRESETS: Record<Exclude<PianoInstrumentId, 'drum_kit'>, InstrumentPreset> = {
+  piano: {
+    oscillators: [
+      { type: 'triangle', gain: 1 },
+      { type: 'sine', ratio: 2, gain: 0.28 },
+    ],
+    filter: { type: 'lowpass', frequency: 5200, q: 0.7 },
+    gain: 0.32,
+    releaseScale: 0.9,
+  },
+  electric_piano: {
+    oscillators: [
+      { type: 'sine', gain: 1 },
+      { type: 'triangle', detune: 5, gain: 0.35 },
+    ],
+    filter: { type: 'lowpass', frequency: 4200, q: 0.8 },
+    gain: 0.3,
+    releaseScale: 0.8,
+  },
+  guitar: {
+    oscillators: [
+      { type: 'triangle', gain: 1 },
+      { type: 'sawtooth', detune: -3, gain: 0.2 },
+    ],
+    filter: { type: 'lowpass', frequency: 3200, q: 0.9 },
+    gain: 0.24,
+    releaseScale: 0.7,
+  },
+  organ: {
+    oscillators: [
+      { type: 'square', gain: 0.8 },
+      { type: 'sine', ratio: 2, gain: 0.28 },
+      { type: 'sine', ratio: 3, gain: 0.2 },
+    ],
+    filter: { type: 'lowpass', frequency: 6500, q: 0.6 },
+    gain: 0.18,
+    releaseScale: 1.4,
+  },
+  bass: {
+    oscillators: [
+      { type: 'sawtooth', gain: 0.9 },
+      { type: 'square', ratio: 0.5, gain: 0.25 },
+    ],
+    filter: { type: 'lowpass', frequency: 1500, q: 1.1 },
+    gain: 0.28,
+    releaseScale: 0.9,
+  },
+  violin: {
+    oscillators: [
+      { type: 'sawtooth', gain: 0.8 },
+      { type: 'triangle', detune: 3, gain: 0.35 },
+    ],
+    filter: { type: 'lowpass', frequency: 3600, q: 1.0 },
+    gain: 0.24,
+    releaseScale: 1.5,
+  },
+  synth_lead: {
+    oscillators: [
+      { type: 'sawtooth', gain: 0.85 },
+      { type: 'square', detune: 6, gain: 0.3 },
+    ],
+    filter: { type: 'lowpass', frequency: 5400, q: 0.9 },
+    gain: 0.2,
+    releaseScale: 1,
+  },
+};
+
+/** Maps 0..100 control values to note attack seconds. */
+function attackPercentToSeconds(value: number): number {
+  const clamped = Math.max(0, Math.min(100, value));
+  return 0.002 + (clamped / 100) * 0.6;
+}
+
+/** Maps 0..100 control values to note decay/release seconds. */
+function decayPercentToSeconds(value: number): number {
+  const clamped = Math.max(0, Math.min(100, value));
+  return 0.05 + (clamped / 100) * 2.7;
+}
+
+/** Converts midi note number to frequency in hertz. */
+function midiToFrequency(midi: number): number {
+  return 440 * Math.pow(2, (midi - 69) / 12);
+}
+
+/** Small helper to safely stop audio nodes. */
+function safeStop(oscillator: OscillatorNode, when: number): void {
+  try {
+    oscillator.stop(when);
+  } catch {
+    // Ignore already-stopped oscillators.
+  }
+}
+
+export class PianoSynth {
+  private readonly voices = new Map<string, VoiceRuntime>();
+  private readonly drumNoiseBuffers = new WeakMap<AudioContext, AudioBuffer>();
+
+  /** Stops and disconnects all active notes. */
+  stopAll(): void {
+    for (const key of Array.from(this.voices.keys())) {
+      this.noteOff(key);
+    }
+  }
+
+  /** Starts one note for a specific keyboard key id. */
+  noteOn(
+    keyId: string,
+    midi: number,
+    instrument: PianoInstrumentId,
+    attackPercent: number,
+    decayPercent: number,
+    context: PianoContext,
+    spatial: PianoSpatialSource,
+  ): void {
+    if (this.voices.has(keyId)) return;
+    if (instrument === 'drum_kit') {
+      this.playDrumHit(keyId, context, spatial, attackPercent, decayPercent);
+      return;
+    }
+
+    const preset = PRESETS[instrument] ?? PRESETS.piano;
+    const now = context.audioCtx.currentTime;
+    const attackSeconds = attackPercentToSeconds(attackPercent);
+    const decaySeconds = decayPercentToSeconds(decayPercent);
+    const releaseSeconds = Math.max(0.02, decaySeconds * (preset.releaseScale ?? 1));
+
+    const spatialMix = resolveSpatialMix({
+      dx: spatial.x,
+      dy: spatial.y,
+      range: spatial.range,
+      baseGain: 1,
+    });
+    if (!spatialMix || spatialMix.gain <= 0) return;
+
+    const voiceGain = context.audioCtx.createGain();
+    voiceGain.gain.setValueAtTime(0.0001, now);
+    const peakGain = Math.max(0.0001, preset.gain * spatialMix.gain);
+    const sustainGain = Math.max(0.0001, peakGain * 0.55);
+    voiceGain.gain.exponentialRampToValueAtTime(peakGain, now + attackSeconds);
+    voiceGain.gain.exponentialRampToValueAtTime(sustainGain, now + attackSeconds + decaySeconds * 0.6);
+
+    let tailNode: AudioNode = voiceGain;
+    if (preset.filter) {
+      const filter = context.audioCtx.createBiquadFilter();
+      filter.type = preset.filter.type;
+      filter.frequency.setValueAtTime(preset.filter.frequency, now);
+      filter.Q.setValueAtTime(preset.filter.q ?? 0.7, now);
+      voiceGain.connect(filter);
+      tailNode = filter;
+    }
+
+    let panner: StereoPannerNode | null = null;
+    if (typeof context.audioCtx.createStereoPanner === 'function') {
+      panner = context.audioCtx.createStereoPanner();
+      panner.pan.setValueAtTime(spatialMix.pan, now);
+      tailNode.connect(panner).connect(context.destination);
+    } else {
+      tailNode.connect(context.destination);
+    }
+
+    const frequency = midiToFrequency(midi);
+    const oscillators: OscillatorNode[] = [];
+    for (const partial of preset.oscillators) {
+      const oscillator = context.audioCtx.createOscillator();
+      oscillator.type = partial.type;
+      oscillator.frequency.setValueAtTime(frequency * (partial.ratio ?? 1), now);
+      oscillator.detune.setValueAtTime(partial.detune ?? 0, now);
+      const oscGain = context.audioCtx.createGain();
+      oscGain.gain.setValueAtTime(partial.gain ?? 1, now);
+      oscillator.connect(oscGain).connect(voiceGain);
+      oscillator.start(now);
+      oscillators.push(oscillator);
+    }
+
+    this.voices.set(keyId, {
+      gain: voiceGain,
+      panner,
+      oscillators,
+      releaseSeconds,
+    });
+  }
+
+  /** Releases one active note tied to a keyboard key id. */
+  noteOff(keyId: string): void {
+    const voice = this.voices.get(keyId);
+    if (!voice) return;
+    this.voices.delete(keyId);
+    const now = voice.gain.context.currentTime;
+    const currentGain = Math.max(0.0001, voice.gain.gain.value);
+    voice.gain.gain.cancelScheduledValues(now);
+    voice.gain.gain.setValueAtTime(currentGain, now);
+    voice.gain.gain.exponentialRampToValueAtTime(0.0001, now + voice.releaseSeconds);
+    for (const oscillator of voice.oscillators) {
+      safeStop(oscillator, now + voice.releaseSeconds + 0.02);
+    }
+    window.setTimeout(() => {
+      try {
+        voice.gain.disconnect();
+      } catch {
+        // Ignore stale disconnects.
+      }
+      if (voice.panner) {
+        try {
+          voice.panner.disconnect();
+        } catch {
+          // Ignore stale disconnects.
+        }
+      }
+    }, Math.max(60, Math.round((voice.releaseSeconds + 0.04) * 1000)));
+  }
+
+  /** Plays one synthesized drum hit for drum-kit instrument mode. */
+  private playDrumHit(
+    keyId: string,
+    context: PianoContext,
+    spatial: PianoSpatialSource,
+    attackPercent: number,
+    decayPercent: number,
+  ): void {
+    const now = context.audioCtx.currentTime;
+    const spatialMix = resolveSpatialMix({
+      dx: spatial.x,
+      dy: spatial.y,
+      range: spatial.range,
+      baseGain: 1,
+    });
+    if (!spatialMix || spatialMix.gain <= 0) return;
+    const typeIndex = Math.abs(this.hashKey(keyId)) % 4;
+    const decaySeconds = 0.03 + decayPercentToSeconds(decayPercent) * 0.45;
+    const attackSeconds = Math.max(0.001, attackPercentToSeconds(attackPercent) * 0.2);
+
+    const gain = context.audioCtx.createGain();
+    gain.gain.setValueAtTime(0.0001, now);
+    gain.gain.exponentialRampToValueAtTime(0.22 * spatialMix.gain, now + attackSeconds);
+    gain.gain.exponentialRampToValueAtTime(0.0001, now + decaySeconds);
+
+    let tailNode: AudioNode = gain;
+    if (typeof context.audioCtx.createStereoPanner === 'function') {
+      const panner = context.audioCtx.createStereoPanner();
+      panner.pan.setValueAtTime(spatialMix.pan, now);
+      tailNode.connect(panner).connect(context.destination);
+      tailNode = panner;
+    } else {
+      tailNode.connect(context.destination);
+    }
+
+    if (typeIndex === 0) {
+      const kick = context.audioCtx.createOscillator();
+      kick.type = 'sine';
+      kick.frequency.setValueAtTime(150, now);
+      kick.frequency.exponentialRampToValueAtTime(45, now + decaySeconds * 0.85);
+      kick.connect(gain);
+      kick.start(now);
+      safeStop(kick, now + decaySeconds + 0.04);
+      return;
+    }
+
+    const noise = context.audioCtx.createBufferSource();
+    noise.buffer = this.getNoiseBuffer(context.audioCtx);
+    const noiseFilter = context.audioCtx.createBiquadFilter();
+    noiseFilter.type = typeIndex === 1 ? 'highpass' : typeIndex === 2 ? 'bandpass' : 'lowpass';
+    noiseFilter.frequency.setValueAtTime(typeIndex === 1 ? 1700 : typeIndex === 2 ? 900 : 1300, now);
+    noise.connect(noiseFilter).connect(gain);
+    noise.start(now);
+    safeStop(noise, now + decaySeconds + 0.03);
+  }
+
+  /** Returns deterministic hash for key ids to map drum voice variants. */
+  private hashKey(value: string): number {
+    let out = 0;
+    for (let index = 0; index < value.length; index += 1) {
+      out = ((out << 5) - out + value.charCodeAt(index)) | 0;
+    }
+    return out;
+  }
+
+  /** Returns or lazily builds short white-noise buffer for percussion synthesis. */
+  private getNoiseBuffer(audioCtx: AudioContext): AudioBuffer {
+    const existing = this.drumNoiseBuffers.get(audioCtx);
+    if (existing) return existing;
+    const length = Math.max(1, Math.floor(audioCtx.sampleRate * 0.5));
+    const buffer = audioCtx.createBuffer(1, length, audioCtx.sampleRate);
+    const data = buffer.getChannelData(0);
+    for (let index = 0; index < length; index += 1) {
+      data[index] = Math.random() * 2 - 1;
+    }
+    this.drumNoiseBuffers.set(audioCtx, buffer);
+    return buffer;
+  }
+}
diff --git a/client/src/items/itemPropertyEditor.ts b/client/src/items/itemPropertyEditor.ts
index 13d184f..1f22da3 100644
--- a/client/src/items/itemPropertyEditor.ts
+++ b/client/src/items/itemPropertyEditor.ts
@@ -309,6 +309,8 @@ export function createItemPropertyEditor(deps: EditorDeps): {
         propertyKey === 'mediaVolume' ||
         propertyKey === 'emitVolume' ||
         propertyKey === 'emitRange' ||
+        propertyKey === 'attack' ||
+        propertyKey === 'decay' ||
         propertyKey === 'sides' ||
         propertyKey === 'number'
       ) {
diff --git a/client/src/items/itemRegistry.ts b/client/src/items/itemRegistry.ts
index e17f300..e938869 100644
--- a/client/src/items/itemRegistry.ts
+++ b/client/src/items/itemRegistry.ts
@@ -45,11 +45,22 @@ const DEFAULT_CLOCK_TIME_ZONE_OPTIONS = [
   'UTC',
 ] as const;
 
-const DEFAULT_ITEM_TYPE_SEQUENCE: ItemType[] = ['clock', 'dice', 'radio_station', 'wheel', 'widget'];
+const DEFAULT_ITEM_TYPE_SEQUENCE: ItemType[] = ['clock', 'dice', 'piano', 'radio_station', 'wheel', 'widget'];
+const DEFAULT_PIANO_INSTRUMENT_OPTIONS = [
+  'piano',
+  'electric_piano',
+  'guitar',
+  'organ',
+  'bass',
+  'violin',
+  'synth_lead',
+  'drum_kit',
+] as const;
 
 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'],
   wheel: ['title', 'spaces'],
   clock: ['title', 'timeZone', 'use24Hour'],
   widget: ['title', 'enabled', 'directional', 'facing', 'emitRange', 'emitVolume', 'emitSoundSpeed', 'emitSoundTempo', 'emitEffect', 'emitEffectValue', 'useSound', 'emitSound'],
@@ -58,6 +69,7 @@ const DEFAULT_ITEM_TYPE_EDITABLE_PROPERTIES: Record<ItemType, string[]> = {
 const DEFAULT_ITEM_TYPE_GLOBAL_PROPERTIES: Record<ItemType, Record<string, string | number | boolean>> = {
   radio_station: { useSound: 'none', emitSound: 'none', useCooldownMs: 1000, emitRange: 20, directional: true, emitSoundSpeed: 50, emitSoundTempo: 50 },
   dice: { useSound: 'sounds/roll.ogg', emitSound: 'none', useCooldownMs: 1000, emitRange: 15, directional: false, emitSoundSpeed: 50, emitSoundTempo: 50 },
+  piano: { useSound: 'none', emitSound: 'none', useCooldownMs: 1000, emitRange: 15, directional: false, emitSoundSpeed: 50, emitSoundTempo: 50 },
   wheel: { useSound: 'sounds/spin.ogg', emitSound: 'none', useCooldownMs: 4000, emitRange: 15, directional: false, emitSoundSpeed: 50, emitSoundTempo: 50 },
   clock: { useSound: 'none', emitSound: 'sounds/clock.ogg', useCooldownMs: 1000, emitRange: 10, directional: false, emitSoundSpeed: 50, emitSoundTempo: 50 },
   widget: { useSound: 'none', emitSound: 'none', useCooldownMs: 1000, emitRange: 15, directional: false, emitSoundSpeed: 50, emitSoundTempo: 50 },
@@ -93,6 +105,7 @@ let itemTypeSequence: ItemType[] = [...DEFAULT_ITEM_TYPE_SEQUENCE];
 let itemTypeLabels: Record<ItemType, string> = {
   radio_station: 'radio',
   dice: 'dice',
+  piano: 'piano',
   wheel: 'wheel',
   clock: 'clock',
   widget: 'widget',
@@ -101,6 +114,7 @@ let itemTypeTooltips: Partial<Record<ItemType, string>> = {};
 let itemTypeEditableProperties: Record<ItemType, string[]> = {
   radio_station: [...DEFAULT_ITEM_TYPE_EDITABLE_PROPERTIES.radio_station],
   dice: [...DEFAULT_ITEM_TYPE_EDITABLE_PROPERTIES.dice],
+  piano: [...DEFAULT_ITEM_TYPE_EDITABLE_PROPERTIES.piano],
   wheel: [...DEFAULT_ITEM_TYPE_EDITABLE_PROPERTIES.wheel],
   clock: [...DEFAULT_ITEM_TYPE_EDITABLE_PROPERTIES.clock],
   widget: [...DEFAULT_ITEM_TYPE_EDITABLE_PROPERTIES.widget],
@@ -108,6 +122,7 @@ let itemTypeEditableProperties: Record<ItemType, string[]> = {
 let itemTypeGlobalProperties: Record<ItemType, Record<string, string | number | boolean>> = {
   radio_station: { ...DEFAULT_ITEM_TYPE_GLOBAL_PROPERTIES.radio_station },
   dice: { ...DEFAULT_ITEM_TYPE_GLOBAL_PROPERTIES.dice },
+  piano: { ...DEFAULT_ITEM_TYPE_GLOBAL_PROPERTIES.piano },
   wheel: { ...DEFAULT_ITEM_TYPE_GLOBAL_PROPERTIES.wheel },
   clock: { ...DEFAULT_ITEM_TYPE_GLOBAL_PROPERTIES.clock },
   widget: { ...DEFAULT_ITEM_TYPE_GLOBAL_PROPERTIES.widget },
@@ -116,6 +131,7 @@ let optionItemPropertyValues: Partial<Record<string, string[]>> = {
   mediaEffect: EFFECT_SEQUENCE.map((effect) => effect.id),
   emitEffect: EFFECT_SEQUENCE.map((effect) => effect.id),
   mediaChannel: [...RADIO_CHANNEL_OPTIONS],
+  instrument: [...DEFAULT_PIANO_INSTRUMENT_OPTIONS],
   timeZone: [...DEFAULT_CLOCK_TIME_ZONE_OPTIONS],
 };
 let itemTypePropertyMetadata: Partial<Record<ItemType, Record<string, ItemPropertyMetadata>>> = {};
@@ -221,6 +237,9 @@ export function itemPropertyLabel(key: string): string {
   if (key === 'mediaEffectValue') return 'media effect value';
   if (key === 'emitEffect') return 'emit effect';
   if (key === 'emitEffectValue') return 'emit effect value';
+  if (key === 'instrument') return 'instrument';
+  if (key === 'attack') return 'attack';
+  if (key === 'decay') return 'decay';
   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 754b7a4..39ee77e 100644
--- a/client/src/main.ts
+++ b/client/src/main.ts
@@ -14,6 +14,7 @@ import {
   shouldProxyStreamUrl,
 } from './audio/radioStationRuntime';
 import { ItemEmitRuntime } from './audio/itemEmitRuntime';
+import { PianoSynth, type PianoInstrumentId } from './audio/pianoSynth';
 import { normalizeDegrees } from './audio/spatial';
 import {
   applyPastedText,
@@ -82,6 +83,29 @@ const RECONNECT_MAX_ATTEMPTS = 3;
 const AUDIO_SUBSCRIPTION_REFRESH_MS = 500;
 const TELEPORT_SQUARES_PER_SECOND = 20;
 const TELEPORT_SYNC_INTERVAL_MS = 100;
+const PIANO_WHITE_KEY_MIDI_BY_CODE: Record<string, number> = {
+  KeyA: 60,
+  KeyS: 62,
+  KeyD: 64,
+  KeyF: 65,
+  KeyG: 67,
+  KeyH: 69,
+  KeyJ: 71,
+  KeyK: 72,
+  KeyL: 74,
+  Semicolon: 76,
+  Quote: 77,
+};
+const PIANO_SHARP_KEY_MIDI_BY_CODE: Record<string, number> = {
+  KeyW: 61,
+  KeyE: 63,
+  KeyT: 66,
+  KeyY: 68,
+  KeyU: 70,
+  KeyO: 73,
+  KeyP: 75,
+  BracketRight: 78,
+};
 
 declare global {
   interface Window {
@@ -224,6 +248,9 @@ let subscriptionRefreshPending = false;
 let suppressItemPropertyEchoUntilMs = 0;
 let activeTeleportLoopStop: (() => void) | null = null;
 let activeTeleportLoopToken = 0;
+let activePianoItemId: string | null = null;
+const activePianoKeys = new Set<string>();
+const activeRemotePianoKeys = new Set<string>();
 let activeTeleport:
   | {
       startX: number;
@@ -238,6 +265,7 @@ let activeTeleport:
       completionStatus: string;
     }
   | null = null;
+const pianoSynth = new PianoSynth();
 
 const signalingProtocol = window.location.protocol === 'https:' ? 'wss' : 'ws';
 const signalingUrl = `${signalingProtocol}://${window.location.host}/ws`;
@@ -759,6 +787,136 @@ function getItemSpatialConfig(item: WorldItem): { range: number; directional: bo
   return { range, directional, facingDeg };
 }
 
+/** Resolves piano params with safe defaults for local play mode. */
+function getPianoParams(item: WorldItem): { instrument: PianoInstrumentId; attack: number; decay: number; emitRange: number } {
+  const rawInstrument = String(item.params.instrument ?? 'piano').trim().toLowerCase();
+  const instrument: PianoInstrumentId =
+    rawInstrument === 'electric_piano' ||
+    rawInstrument === 'guitar' ||
+    rawInstrument === 'organ' ||
+    rawInstrument === 'bass' ||
+    rawInstrument === 'violin' ||
+    rawInstrument === 'synth_lead' ||
+    rawInstrument === 'drum_kit'
+      ? rawInstrument
+      : 'piano';
+  const rawAttack = Number(item.params.attack);
+  const rawDecay = Number(item.params.decay);
+  const rawEmitRange = Number(item.params.emitRange ?? getItemTypeGlobalProperties(item.type).emitRange ?? 15);
+  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)),
+    emitRange: Math.max(5, Math.min(20, Number.isFinite(rawEmitRange) ? Math.round(rawEmitRange) : 15)),
+  };
+}
+
+/** Normalizes arbitrary instrument strings into supported piano synth ids. */
+function normalizePianoInstrument(value: unknown): PianoInstrumentId {
+  const raw = String(value ?? 'piano').trim().toLowerCase();
+  if (raw === 'electric_piano') return 'electric_piano';
+  if (raw === 'guitar') return 'guitar';
+  if (raw === 'organ') return 'organ';
+  if (raw === 'bass') return 'bass';
+  if (raw === 'violin') return 'violin';
+  if (raw === 'synth_lead') return 'synth_lead';
+  if (raw === 'drum_kit') return 'drum_kit';
+  return 'piano';
+}
+
+/** Returns playable MIDI note for a piano-mode key code, or null when unmapped. */
+function getPianoMidiForCode(code: string): number | null {
+  if (code in PIANO_WHITE_KEY_MIDI_BY_CODE) {
+    return PIANO_WHITE_KEY_MIDI_BY_CODE[code]!;
+  }
+  if (code in PIANO_SHARP_KEY_MIDI_BY_CODE) {
+    return PIANO_SHARP_KEY_MIDI_BY_CODE[code]!;
+  }
+  return null;
+}
+
+/** Starts local piano key mode for one used piano item. */
+async function startPianoUseMode(itemId: string): Promise<void> {
+  const item = state.items.get(itemId);
+  if (!item || item.type !== 'piano') return;
+  activePianoItemId = itemId;
+  activePianoKeys.clear();
+  state.mode = 'pianoUse';
+  await audio.ensureContext();
+  updateStatus(`Piano mode: ${item.title}. Press Enter or Escape to stop.`);
+  audio.sfxUiBlip();
+}
+
+/** Exits local piano key mode and releases any held notes. */
+function stopPianoUseMode(announce = true): void {
+  if (!activePianoItemId) return;
+  const itemId = activePianoItemId;
+  for (const code of Array.from(activePianoKeys)) {
+    const midi = getPianoMidiForCode(code);
+    if (midi === null) continue;
+    signaling.send({ type: 'item_piano_note', itemId, keyId: code, midi, on: false });
+    pianoSynth.noteOff(code);
+  }
+  activePianoItemId = null;
+  activePianoKeys.clear();
+  state.mode = 'normal';
+  if (announce) {
+    updateStatus('Stopped piano.');
+    audio.sfxUiCancel();
+  }
+}
+
+/** Plays one inbound piano note from another user using item spatial position. */
+function playRemotePianoNote(note: {
+  itemId: string;
+  senderId: string;
+  keyId: string;
+  midi: number;
+  instrument: string;
+  attack: number;
+  decay: number;
+  x: number;
+  y: number;
+  emitRange: number;
+}): void {
+  const ctx = audio.context;
+  const destination = audio.getOutputDestinationNode();
+  if (!ctx || !destination) return;
+  const runtimeKey = `${note.senderId}:${note.keyId}`;
+  if (activeRemotePianoKeys.has(runtimeKey)) return;
+  activeRemotePianoKeys.add(runtimeKey);
+  pianoSynth.noteOn(
+    runtimeKey,
+    Math.max(0, Math.min(127, Math.round(note.midi))),
+    normalizePianoInstrument(note.instrument),
+    Math.max(0, Math.min(100, Math.round(note.attack))),
+    Math.max(0, Math.min(100, Math.round(note.decay))),
+    { audioCtx: ctx, destination },
+    {
+      x: note.x - state.player.x,
+      y: note.y - state.player.y,
+      range: Math.max(1, Math.round(note.emitRange)),
+    },
+  );
+}
+
+/** Stops one inbound piano note previously started for another user. */
+function stopRemotePianoNote(senderId: string, keyId: string): void {
+  const runtimeKey = `${senderId}:${keyId}`;
+  if (!activeRemotePianoKeys.delete(runtimeKey)) return;
+  pianoSynth.noteOff(runtimeKey);
+}
+
+/** Stops all currently active remote piano notes for a sender id. */
+function stopAllRemotePianoNotesForSender(senderId: string): void {
+  const prefix = `${senderId}:`;
+  for (const runtimeKey of Array.from(activeRemotePianoKeys)) {
+    if (!runtimeKey.startsWith(prefix)) continue;
+    activeRemotePianoKeys.delete(runtimeKey);
+    pianoSynth.noteOff(runtimeKey);
+  }
+}
+
 /** Enters help-view mode and announces the first help line. */
 function openHelpViewer(): void {
   if (helpViewerLines.length === 0) {
@@ -973,7 +1131,7 @@ function getItemPropertyValue(item: WorldItem, key: string): string {
 function inferItemPropertyValueType(item: WorldItem, key: string): string | undefined {
   if (key === 'useSound' || key === 'emitSound') return 'sound';
   if (key === 'enabled' || key === 'use24Hour' || key === 'directional') return 'boolean';
-  if (key === 'mediaChannel' || key === 'mediaEffect' || key === 'emitEffect' || key === 'timeZone') return 'list';
+  if (key === 'mediaChannel' || key === 'mediaEffect' || key === 'emitEffect' || key === 'timeZone' || key === 'instrument') return 'list';
   if (
     key === 'x' ||
     key === 'y' ||
@@ -986,6 +1144,8 @@ function inferItemPropertyValueType(item: WorldItem, key: string): string | unde
     key === 'emitEffectValue' ||
     key === 'facing' ||
     key === 'emitRange' ||
+    key === 'attack' ||
+    key === 'decay' ||
     key === 'sides' ||
     key === 'number' ||
     key === 'useCooldownMs'
@@ -1447,6 +1607,11 @@ function disconnect(): void {
   lastSubscriptionRefreshTileY = Math.round(state.player.y);
   stopTeleportLoopAudio();
   activeTeleport = null;
+  stopPianoUseMode(false);
+  for (const key of Array.from(activeRemotePianoKeys)) {
+    activeRemotePianoKeys.delete(key);
+    pianoSynth.noteOff(key);
+  }
 }
 
 const onAppMessage = createOnMessageHandler({
@@ -1482,6 +1647,9 @@ const onAppMessage = createOnMessageHandler({
       gain,
     );
   },
+  playRemotePianoNote,
+  stopRemotePianoNote,
+  stopAllRemotePianoNotesForSender,
   TELEPORT_SOUND_URL,
   TELEPORT_START_SOUND_URL,
   getAudioLayers: () => audioLayers,
@@ -1543,6 +1711,20 @@ async function onSignalingMessage(message: IncomingMessage): Promise<void> {
     startHeartbeat();
   }
   await onAppMessage(message);
+  if (
+    message.type === 'item_action_result' &&
+    message.ok &&
+    message.action === 'use' &&
+    typeof message.itemId === 'string'
+  ) {
+    const item = state.items.get(message.itemId);
+    if (item?.type === 'piano') {
+      await startPianoUseMode(item.id);
+    }
+  }
+  if (activePianoItemId && !state.items.has(activePianoItemId)) {
+    stopPianoUseMode(false);
+  }
   applyConfiguredPeerListenGains();
   if (restartAnnouncement) {
     setConnectionStatus(restartAnnouncement);
@@ -2015,6 +2197,44 @@ function handleMicGainEditModeInput(code: string, key: string, ctrlKey: boolean)
   applyTextInputEdit(code, key, 8, ctrlKey, true);
 }
 
+/** Handles realtime keyboard performance while piano item mode is active. */
+function handlePianoUseModeInput(code: string): void {
+  if (code === 'Escape' || code === 'Enter') {
+    stopPianoUseMode(true);
+    return;
+  }
+  const itemId = activePianoItemId;
+  if (!itemId) {
+    state.mode = 'normal';
+    return;
+  }
+  const item = state.items.get(itemId);
+  if (!item || item.type !== 'piano') {
+    stopPianoUseMode(false);
+    return;
+  }
+  const midi = getPianoMidiForCode(code);
+  if (midi === null) return;
+  if (activePianoKeys.has(code)) return;
+  activePianoKeys.add(code);
+  const ctx = audio.context;
+  const destination = audio.getOutputDestinationNode();
+  if (!ctx || !destination) return;
+  const config = getPianoParams(item);
+  const sourceX = item.carrierId === state.player.id ? state.player.x : item.x;
+  const sourceY = item.carrierId === state.player.id ? state.player.y : item.y;
+  pianoSynth.noteOn(
+    code,
+    midi,
+    config.instrument,
+    config.attack,
+    config.decay,
+    { audioCtx: ctx, destination },
+    { x: sourceX - state.player.x, y: sourceY - state.player.y, range: config.emitRange },
+  );
+  signaling.send({ type: 'item_piano_note', itemId, keyId: code, midi, on: true });
+}
+
 /** Handles effect menu list navigation and selection. */
 function handleEffectSelectModeInput(code: string, key: string): void {
   const control = handleListControlKey(code, key, EFFECT_SEQUENCE, state.effectSelectIndex, (effect) => effect.label);
@@ -2339,6 +2559,11 @@ function codeFromKey(key: string, location: number): string | null {
     if (key === '/' || key === '?') return 'Slash';
     if (key === ',' || key === '<') return 'Comma';
     if (key === '.' || key === '>') return 'Period';
+    if (key === ';' || key === ':') return 'Semicolon';
+    if (key === "'" || key === '"') return 'Quote';
+    if (key === '[' || key === '{') return 'BracketLeft';
+    if (key === ']' || key === '}') return 'BracketRight';
+    if (key === '\\' || key === '|') return 'Backslash';
   }
   return null;
 }
@@ -2411,6 +2636,7 @@ function setupInputHandlers(): void {
         nickname: handleNicknameModeInput,
         chat: handleChatModeInput,
         micGainEdit: handleMicGainEditModeInput,
+        pianoUse: (currentCode) => handlePianoUseModeInput(currentCode),
         effectSelect: (currentCode, currentKey) => handleEffectSelectModeInput(currentCode, currentKey),
         helpView: (currentCode) => handleHelpViewModeInput(currentCode),
         listUsers: (currentCode, currentKey) => handleListModeInput(currentCode, currentKey),
@@ -2431,6 +2657,16 @@ function setupInputHandlers(): void {
 
   document.addEventListener('keyup', (event) => {
     const code = normalizeInputCode(event);
+    if (state.mode === 'pianoUse' && code) {
+      if (activePianoKeys.delete(code)) {
+        pianoSynth.noteOff(code);
+        const itemId = activePianoItemId;
+        const midi = getPianoMidiForCode(code);
+        if (itemId && midi !== null) {
+          signaling.send({ type: 'item_piano_note', itemId, keyId: code, midi, on: false });
+        }
+      }
+    }
     if (code) {
       state.keysPressed[code] = false;
     }
diff --git a/client/src/network/messageHandlers.ts b/client/src/network/messageHandlers.ts
index 61fb676..d2e7c94 100644
--- a/client/src/network/messageHandlers.ts
+++ b/client/src/network/messageHandlers.ts
@@ -46,9 +46,23 @@ type MessageHandlerDeps = {
   sanitizeName: (value: string) => string;
   randomFootstepUrl: () => string;
   playRemoteSpatialStepOrTeleport: (url: string, peerX: number, peerY: number) => void;
+  playRemotePianoNote: (note: {
+    itemId: string;
+    senderId: string;
+    keyId: string;
+    midi: number;
+    instrument: string;
+    attack: number;
+    decay: number;
+    x: number;
+    y: number;
+    emitRange: number;
+  }) => void;
+  stopRemotePianoNote: (senderId: string, keyId: string) => void;
+  stopAllRemotePianoNotesForSender: (senderId: string) => void;
   TELEPORT_SOUND_URL: string;
   TELEPORT_START_SOUND_URL: string;
-  getAudioLayers: () => { world: boolean };
+  getAudioLayers: () => { world: boolean; item: boolean };
   pushChatMessage: (message: string) => void;
   classifySystemMessageSound: (message: string) => 'logon' | 'logout' | 'notify' | null;
   SYSTEM_SOUND_URLS: { logon: string; logout: string; notify: string };
@@ -159,6 +173,7 @@ export function createOnMessageHandler(deps: MessageHandlerDeps): (message: Inco
         if (peer) {
           deps.updateStatus(`${peer.nickname} has left.`);
         }
+        deps.stopAllRemotePianoNotesForSender(message.id);
         deps.state.peers.delete(message.id);
         deps.peerManager.removePeer(message.id);
         break;
@@ -226,7 +241,7 @@ export function createOnMessageHandler(deps: MessageHandlerDeps): (message: Inco
           if (message.action === 'use') {
             deps.pushChatMessage(message.message);
             const item = message.itemId ? deps.getItemById(message.itemId) : null;
-            if (!item?.useSound && item) {
+            if (!item?.useSound && item && item.type !== 'piano') {
               deps.playLocateToneAt(item.x, item.y);
             }
           } else if (message.action !== 'update') {
@@ -248,6 +263,27 @@ export function createOnMessageHandler(deps: MessageHandlerDeps): (message: Inco
         }
         break;
       }
+
+      case 'item_piano_note': {
+        if (!deps.getAudioLayers().item) break;
+        if (message.on) {
+          deps.playRemotePianoNote({
+            itemId: message.itemId,
+            senderId: message.senderId,
+            keyId: message.keyId,
+            midi: message.midi,
+            instrument: message.instrument,
+            attack: message.attack,
+            decay: message.decay,
+            x: message.x,
+            y: message.y,
+            emitRange: message.emitRange,
+          });
+        } else {
+          deps.stopRemotePianoNote(message.senderId, message.keyId);
+        }
+        break;
+      }
     }
   };
 }
diff --git a/client/src/network/protocol.ts b/client/src/network/protocol.ts
index 4be201e..5f32dc9 100644
--- a/client/src/network/protocol.ts
+++ b/client/src/network/protocol.ts
@@ -2,7 +2,7 @@ import { z } from 'zod';
 
 export const itemSchema = z.object({
   id: z.string(),
-  type: z.enum(['radio_station', 'dice', 'wheel', 'clock', 'widget']),
+  type: z.enum(['radio_station', 'dice', 'wheel', 'clock', 'widget', 'piano']),
   title: z.string(),
   x: z.number().int(),
   y: z.number().int(),
@@ -42,10 +42,10 @@ export const welcomeMessageSchema = z.object({
     .optional(),
   uiDefinitions: z
     .object({
-      itemTypeOrder: z.array(z.enum(['radio_station', 'dice', 'wheel', 'clock', 'widget'])),
+      itemTypeOrder: z.array(z.enum(['radio_station', 'dice', 'wheel', 'clock', 'widget', 'piano'])),
       itemTypes: z.array(
         z.object({
-          type: z.enum(['radio_station', 'dice', 'wheel', 'clock', 'widget']),
+          type: z.enum(['radio_station', 'dice', 'wheel', 'clock', 'widget', 'piano']),
           label: z.string().optional(),
           tooltip: z.string().optional(),
           editableProperties: z.array(z.string()),
@@ -150,6 +150,21 @@ export const itemUseSoundSchema = z.object({
   y: z.number().int(),
 });
 
+export const itemPianoNoteSchema = z.object({
+  type: z.literal('item_piano_note'),
+  itemId: z.string(),
+  senderId: z.string(),
+  keyId: z.string(),
+  midi: z.number().int().min(0).max(127),
+  on: z.boolean(),
+  instrument: z.string(),
+  attack: z.number().int().min(0).max(100),
+  decay: z.number().int().min(0).max(100),
+  x: z.number().int(),
+  y: z.number().int(),
+  emitRange: z.number().int().min(1),
+});
+
 export const incomingMessageSchema = z.discriminatedUnion('type', [
   welcomeMessageSchema,
   signalMessageSchema,
@@ -163,6 +178,7 @@ export const incomingMessageSchema = z.discriminatedUnion('type', [
   itemRemoveSchema,
   itemActionResultSchema,
   itemUseSoundSchema,
+  itemPianoNoteSchema,
 ]);
 
 export type IncomingMessage = z.infer<typeof incomingMessageSchema>;
@@ -173,11 +189,12 @@ export type OutgoingMessage =
   | { type: 'update_nickname'; nickname: string }
   | { type: 'chat_message'; message: string }
   | { type: 'ping'; clientSentAt: number }
-  | { type: 'item_add'; itemType: 'radio_station' | 'dice' | 'wheel' | 'clock' | 'widget' }
+  | { type: 'item_add'; itemType: 'radio_station' | 'dice' | 'wheel' | 'clock' | 'widget' | 'piano' }
   | { type: 'item_pickup'; itemId: string }
   | { type: 'item_drop'; itemId: string; x: number; y: number }
   | { type: 'item_delete'; itemId: string }
   | { type: 'item_use'; itemId: string }
+  | { type: 'item_piano_note'; itemId: string; keyId: string; midi: number; on: boolean }
   | {
       type: 'item_update';
       itemId: string;
diff --git a/client/src/render/canvasRenderer.ts b/client/src/render/canvasRenderer.ts
index 3667169..7500577 100644
--- a/client/src/render/canvasRenderer.ts
+++ b/client/src/render/canvasRenderer.ts
@@ -89,6 +89,8 @@ export class CanvasRenderer {
         ? '#fbbf24'
         : item.type === 'wheel'
           ? '#f97316'
+          : item.type === 'piano'
+            ? '#c4b5fd'
           : item.type === 'clock'
             ? '#86efac'
             : item.type === 'widget'
@@ -103,6 +105,8 @@ export class CanvasRenderer {
         ? 'R'
         : item.type === 'wheel'
           ? 'W'
+          : item.type === 'piano'
+            ? 'P'
           : item.type === 'clock'
             ? 'C'
             : item.type === 'widget'
diff --git a/client/src/state/gameState.ts b/client/src/state/gameState.ts
index 8ee5be9..dc55a5f 100644
--- a/client/src/state/gameState.ts
+++ b/client/src/state/gameState.ts
@@ -2,7 +2,7 @@ export const GRID_SIZE = 41;
 export const HEARING_RADIUS = 20;
 export const MOVE_COOLDOWN_MS = 200;
 
-export type ItemType = 'radio_station' | 'dice' | 'wheel' | 'clock' | 'widget';
+export type ItemType = 'radio_station' | 'dice' | 'wheel' | 'clock' | 'widget' | 'piano';
 
 export type WorldItem = {
   id: string;
@@ -36,7 +36,8 @@ export type GameMode =
   | 'selectItem'
   | 'itemProperties'
   | 'itemPropertyEdit'
-  | 'itemPropertyOptionSelect';
+  | 'itemPropertyOptionSelect'
+  | 'pianoUse';
 
 export type Player = {
   id: string | null;
diff --git a/docs/controls.md b/docs/controls.md
index 0dbb5b6..0558f63 100644
--- a/docs/controls.md
+++ b/docs/controls.md
@@ -74,6 +74,13 @@ Applies to effect select, user/item list modes, item selection, item property li
 - `Space`: Read tooltip/help for current option (where metadata is available)
 - First-letter navigation: jump to next matching entry
 
+## Piano Use Mode
+
+- `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
+- `Enter` / `Escape`: Exit piano mode
+
 ## Help Viewer Mode
 
 - `ArrowUp` / `ArrowDown`: Previous/next help line
diff --git a/docs/item-schema.md b/docs/item-schema.md
index e8ef520..a10ac87 100644
--- a/docs/item-schema.md
+++ b/docs/item-schema.md
@@ -5,7 +5,7 @@
 ```json
 {
   "id": "string",
-  "type": "radio_station | dice | wheel | clock | widget",
+  "type": "radio_station | dice | wheel | clock | widget | piano",
   "title": "string",
   "x": 0,
   "y": 0,
@@ -24,8 +24,8 @@
 - `useSound`: optional client-played one-shot sound when item `use` succeeds; global item field and not user-editable in V1.
 - `emitSound`: optional continuously-looping spatial sound emitted from the item on the grid; global item field and not user-editable in V1.
 - `capabilities`, `useSound`, and `emitSound` are derived from global item-type definitions at runtime (not stored per-instance in persisted state).
-- `useCooldownMs`: global per item type (`radio_station=1000`, `dice=1000`, `wheel=4000`, `clock=1000`, `widget=1000`), not per-instance editable.
-- `emitRange`: global spatial range default per item type (`radio_station=20`, `dice=15`, `wheel=15`, `clock=10`, `widget=15`).
+- `useCooldownMs`: global per item type (`radio_station=1000`, `dice=1000`, `wheel=4000`, `clock=1000`, `widget=1000`, `piano=1000`), not per-instance editable.
+- `emitRange`: global spatial range default per item type (`radio_station=20`, `dice=15`, `wheel=15`, `clock=10`, `widget=15`, `piano=15`).
   - `radio_station` can override this per instance via `params.emitRange` (`5..20`).
 - `directional`: global directional attenuation flag per item type (`radio_station=true`, others `false`); `widget` can override per instance via `params.directional`.
 
@@ -34,7 +34,7 @@
 ```json
 {
   "id": "string",
-  "type": "radio_station | dice | wheel | clock | widget",
+  "type": "radio_station | dice | wheel | clock | widget | piano",
   "title": "string",
   "x": 0,
   "y": 0,
@@ -158,6 +158,23 @@
 - `useSound`: empty, filename (assumed under `sounds/`), or full URL.
 - `emitSound`: empty, filename (assumed under `sounds/`), or full URL.
 
+### `piano`
+
+```json
+{
+  "instrument": "piano",
+  "attack": 15,
+  "decay": 45,
+  "emitRange": 15
+}
+```
+
+- `instrument`: one of
+  `piano | electric_piano | guitar | organ | bass | violin | synth_lead | drum_kit`.
+- `attack`: integer, range `0-100`, default `15`.
+- `decay`: integer, range `0-100`, default `45`.
+- `emitRange`: integer, range `5-20`, default `15`.
+
 ## Packet Shapes
 
 - `item_upsert`:
@@ -201,3 +218,22 @@
   "y": 8
 }
 ```
+
+- `item_piano_note`:
+
+```json
+{
+  "type": "item_piano_note",
+  "itemId": "item-id",
+  "senderId": "user-id",
+  "keyId": "KeyA",
+  "midi": 60,
+  "on": true,
+  "instrument": "piano",
+  "attack": 15,
+  "decay": 45,
+  "x": 12,
+  "y": 8,
+  "emitRange": 15
+}
+```
diff --git a/docs/item-types.md b/docs/item-types.md
index b9c7ce6..c99f902 100644
--- a/docs/item-types.md
+++ b/docs/item-types.md
@@ -151,6 +151,31 @@ This is behavior-focused documentation for item types and their defaults.
 - `useSound`: empty, filename (assumed under `sounds/`), or full URL
 - `emitSound`: empty, filename (assumed under `sounds/`), or full URL
 
+## `piano`
+
+### Defaults
+- Title: `piano`
+- Params:
+  - `instrument="piano"`
+  - `attack=15`
+  - `decay=45`
+  - `emitRange=15`
+- Global:
+  - `useSound=none`
+  - `emitSound=none`
+  - `useCooldownMs=1000`
+  - `emitRange=15`
+  - `directional=false`
+
+### Use
+- Announces that the user begins playing the piano (client enters piano key mode).
+
+### Validation
+- `instrument`: `piano | electric_piano | guitar | organ | bass | violin | synth_lead | drum_kit`
+- `attack`: integer `0..100`
+- `decay`: integer `0..100`
+- `emitRange`: integer `5..20`
+
 ## Adding A New Item Type (Registry V1)
 
 Item types are currently code-registered on both server and client. Server item logic is split per item module and wired through one registry.
diff --git a/docs/protocol-notes.md b/docs/protocol-notes.md
index 77410e0..ba32bea 100644
--- a/docs/protocol-notes.md
+++ b/docs/protocol-notes.md
@@ -15,6 +15,7 @@ This is a behavior guide for packet semantics beyond raw schemas.
 - `chat_message`: player chat.
 - `ping`: latency measurement.
 - `item_add`, `item_pickup`, `item_drop`, `item_delete`, `item_use`, `item_update`: item actions.
+- `item_piano_note`: realtime piano note on/off for active piano use mode.
 
 ## Server -> Client
 
@@ -28,12 +29,17 @@ This is a behavior guide for packet semantics beyond raw schemas.
 - `item_remove`: item deletion.
 - `item_action_result`: action success/failure and user-facing message.
 - `item_use_sound`: spatial one-shot sound on successful item use (if `useSound` configured).
+- `item_piano_note`: broadcast piano note on/off with resolved instrument/envelope/spatial params.
 
 ## Item Packet Behavior
 
 - `item_upsert` is full-state replacement for one item, not partial patch.
 - `item_action_result` messages are intended for direct screen-reader/user status feedback.
 - `item_use_sound` contains absolute item world coordinates (`x`, `y`) and sound path.
+- `item_piano_note` contains:
+  - `itemId`, `senderId`, `keyId`, `midi`, `on`
+  - resolved `instrument`, `attack`, `decay`, `emitRange`
+  - absolute source coordinates `x`, `y`
 
 ## Welcome Metadata
 
diff --git a/docs/runtime-flow.md b/docs/runtime-flow.md
index 22ed750..1112f21 100644
--- a/docs/runtime-flow.md
+++ b/docs/runtime-flow.md
@@ -41,6 +41,7 @@ Core incoming message effects:
 - `item_remove`: remove item and cleanup runtimes.
 - `item_action_result`: success/error status for actions.
 - `item_use_sound`: play one-shot spatial sample (world layer gated).
+- `item_piano_note`: start/stop synthesized piano notes from remote users (item layer gated).
 - `pong`:
   - positive `clientSentAt`: user ping response (`P` command)
   - negative `clientSentAt`: internal heartbeat response
diff --git a/server/app/item_catalog.py b/server/app/item_catalog.py
index 3a4c732..68e4a7d 100644
--- a/server/app/item_catalog.py
+++ b/server/app/item_catalog.py
@@ -5,10 +5,10 @@ from __future__ import annotations
 from dataclasses import dataclass
 from typing import Literal, cast
 
-from .items import clock, radio
+from .items import clock, piano, radio
 from .items.registry import ITEM_MODULES, ITEM_TYPE_ORDER
 
-ItemType = Literal["radio_station", "dice", "wheel", "clock", "widget"]
+ItemType = Literal["radio_station", "dice", "wheel", "clock", "widget", "piano"]
 ITEM_TYPE_SEQUENCE: tuple[ItemType, ...] = cast(tuple[ItemType, ...], ITEM_TYPE_ORDER)
 ITEM_TYPE_LABELS: dict[ItemType, str] = {item_type: ITEM_MODULES[item_type].LABEL for item_type in ITEM_TYPE_SEQUENCE}
 ITEM_TYPE_EDITABLE_PROPERTIES: dict[ItemType, tuple[str, ...]] = {
@@ -19,6 +19,7 @@ CLOCK_DEFAULT_TIME_ZONE = clock.DEFAULT_TIME_ZONE
 CLOCK_TIME_ZONE_OPTIONS = clock.TIME_ZONE_OPTIONS
 RADIO_EFFECT_OPTIONS = radio.EFFECT_OPTIONS
 RADIO_CHANNEL_OPTIONS = radio.CHANNEL_OPTIONS
+PIANO_INSTRUMENT_OPTIONS = piano.INSTRUMENT_OPTIONS
 
 
 @dataclass(frozen=True)
@@ -79,6 +80,7 @@ ITEM_PROPERTY_OPTIONS: dict[str, tuple[str, ...]] = {
     "emitEffect": RADIO_EFFECT_OPTIONS,
     "mediaChannel": RADIO_CHANNEL_OPTIONS,
     "timeZone": CLOCK_TIME_ZONE_OPTIONS,
+    "instrument": PIANO_INSTRUMENT_OPTIONS,
 }
 
 ITEM_TYPE_TOOLTIPS: dict[ItemType, str] = {
diff --git a/server/app/item_service.py b/server/app/item_service.py
index 8966d60..dcaf6f7 100644
--- a/server/app/item_service.py
+++ b/server/app/item_service.py
@@ -33,7 +33,7 @@ class ItemService:
 
         return int(time.time() * 1000)
 
-    def default_item(self, client: ClientConnection, item_type: Literal["radio_station", "dice", "wheel", "clock", "widget"]) -> WorldItem:
+    def default_item(self, client: ClientConnection, item_type: Literal["radio_station", "dice", "wheel", "clock", "widget", "piano"]) -> WorldItem:
         """Create a new server-authoritative item at the caller's position."""
 
         item_def = get_item_definition(item_type)
diff --git a/server/app/items/piano.py b/server/app/items/piano.py
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..bff80be
--- /dev/null
+++ b/server/app/items/piano.py
@@ -0,0 +1,100 @@
+"""Piano item schema metadata and behavior."""
+
+from __future__ import annotations
+
+from typing import Callable
+
+from ..item_types import ItemUseResult
+from ..models import WorldItem
+
+LABEL = "piano"
+TOOLTIP = "Playable keyboard instrument with multiple synth voices."
+EDITABLE_PROPERTIES: tuple[str, ...] = ("title", "instrument", "attack", "decay", "emitRange")
+CAPABILITIES: tuple[str, ...] = ("editable", "carryable", "deletable", "usable")
+USE_SOUND: str | None = None
+EMIT_SOUND: str | None = None
+USE_COOLDOWN_MS = 1000
+EMIT_RANGE = 15
+DIRECTIONAL = False
+DEFAULT_TITLE = "piano"
+DEFAULT_PARAMS: dict = {
+    "instrument": "piano",
+    "attack": 15,
+    "decay": 45,
+    "emitRange": 15,
+}
+
+INSTRUMENT_OPTIONS: tuple[str, ...] = (
+    "piano",
+    "electric_piano",
+    "guitar",
+    "organ",
+    "bass",
+    "violin",
+    "synth_lead",
+    "drum_kit",
+)
+
+PROPERTY_METADATA: dict[str, dict[str, object]] = {
+    "title": {"valueType": "text", "tooltip": "Display name spoken and shown for this item.", "maxLength": 80},
+    "instrument": {"valueType": "list", "tooltip": "Instrument voice used when playing this piano."},
+    "attack": {
+        "valueType": "number",
+        "tooltip": "How quickly notes ramp in. Lower is sharper; higher is softer.",
+        "range": {"min": 0, "max": 100, "step": 1},
+    },
+    "decay": {
+        "valueType": "number",
+        "tooltip": "How long notes ring out after the initial hit.",
+        "range": {"min": 0, "max": 100, "step": 1},
+    },
+    "emitRange": {
+        "valueType": "number",
+        "tooltip": "Maximum distance in squares where this piano can be heard.",
+        "range": {"min": 5, "max": 20, "step": 1},
+    },
+}
+
+
+def validate_update(_item: WorldItem, next_params: dict) -> dict:
+    """Validate and normalize piano params."""
+
+    instrument = str(next_params.get("instrument", "piano")).strip().lower()
+    if instrument not in INSTRUMENT_OPTIONS:
+        raise ValueError(f"instrument must be one of: {', '.join(INSTRUMENT_OPTIONS)}.")
+    next_params["instrument"] = instrument
+
+    try:
+        attack = int(next_params.get("attack", 15))
+    except (TypeError, ValueError) as exc:
+        raise ValueError("attack must be an integer between 0 and 100.") from exc
+    if not (0 <= attack <= 100):
+        raise ValueError("attack must be between 0 and 100.")
+    next_params["attack"] = attack
+
+    try:
+        decay = int(next_params.get("decay", 45))
+    except (TypeError, ValueError) as exc:
+        raise ValueError("decay must be an integer between 0 and 100.") from exc
+    if not (0 <= decay <= 100):
+        raise ValueError("decay must be between 0 and 100.")
+    next_params["decay"] = decay
+
+    try:
+        emit_range = int(next_params.get("emitRange", 15))
+    except (TypeError, ValueError) as exc:
+        raise ValueError("emitRange must be an integer between 5 and 20.") from exc
+    if not (5 <= emit_range <= 20):
+        raise ValueError("emitRange must be between 5 and 20.")
+    next_params["emitRange"] = emit_range
+
+    return next_params
+
+
+def use_item(item: WorldItem, nickname: str, _clock_formatter: Callable[[dict], str]) -> ItemUseResult:
+    """Enter piano play mode for the user who used the item."""
+
+    return ItemUseResult(
+        self_message=f"You begin playing {item.title}.",
+        others_message=f"{nickname} begins playing {item.title}.",
+    )
diff --git a/server/app/items/registry.py b/server/app/items/registry.py
index d819367..1711615 100644
--- a/server/app/items/registry.py
+++ b/server/app/items/registry.py
@@ -7,7 +7,7 @@ from typing import Callable, Protocol
 from ..item_types import ItemUseResult
 from ..models import WorldItem
 
-from . import clock, dice, radio, wheel, widget
+from . import clock, dice, piano, radio, wheel, widget
 
 
 class ItemModule(Protocol):
@@ -29,11 +29,12 @@ class ItemModule(Protocol):
     use_item: Callable[[WorldItem, str, Callable[[dict], str]], ItemUseResult]
 
 
-ITEM_TYPE_ORDER: tuple[str, ...] = ("clock", "dice", "radio_station", "wheel", "widget")
+ITEM_TYPE_ORDER: tuple[str, ...] = ("clock", "dice", "piano", "radio_station", "wheel", "widget")
 
 ITEM_MODULES: dict[str, ItemModule] = {
     "clock": clock,
     "dice": dice,
+    "piano": piano,
     "radio_station": radio,
     "wheel": wheel,
     "widget": widget,
diff --git a/server/app/models.py b/server/app/models.py
index d133a3f..ec5d4dd 100644
--- a/server/app/models.py
+++ b/server/app/models.py
@@ -42,7 +42,7 @@ class PingPacket(BasePacket):
 
 class ItemAddPacket(BasePacket):
     type: Literal["item_add"]
-    itemType: Literal["radio_station", "dice", "wheel", "clock", "widget"]
+    itemType: Literal["radio_station", "dice", "wheel", "clock", "widget", "piano"]
 
 
 class ItemPickupPacket(BasePacket):
@@ -67,6 +67,14 @@ class ItemUsePacket(BasePacket):
     itemId: str
 
 
+class ItemPianoNotePacket(BasePacket):
+    type: Literal["item_piano_note"]
+    itemId: str
+    keyId: str = Field(min_length=1, max_length=32)
+    midi: int = Field(ge=0, le=127)
+    on: bool
+
+
 class ItemUpdatePacket(BasePacket):
     type: Literal["item_update"]
     itemId: str
@@ -85,6 +93,7 @@ ClientPacket = (
     | ItemDropPacket
     | ItemDeletePacket
     | ItemUsePacket
+    | ItemPianoNotePacket
     | ItemUpdatePacket
 )
 
@@ -157,7 +166,7 @@ class NicknameResultPacket(BasePacket):
 
 class WorldItem(BaseModel):
     id: str
-    type: Literal["radio_station", "dice", "wheel", "clock", "widget"]
+    type: Literal["radio_station", "dice", "wheel", "clock", "widget", "piano"]
     title: str
     x: int
     y: int
@@ -175,7 +184,7 @@ class WorldItem(BaseModel):
 class PersistedWorldItem(BaseModel):
     model_config = ConfigDict(extra="ignore")
     id: str
-    type: Literal["radio_station", "dice", "wheel", "clock", "widget"]
+    type: Literal["radio_station", "dice", "wheel", "clock", "widget", "piano"]
     title: str
     x: int
     y: int
@@ -211,3 +220,18 @@ class ItemUseSoundPacket(BasePacket):
     sound: str
     x: int
     y: int
+
+
+class ItemPianoNoteBroadcastPacket(BasePacket):
+    type: Literal["item_piano_note"]
+    itemId: str
+    senderId: str
+    keyId: str
+    midi: int
+    on: bool
+    instrument: str
+    attack: int
+    decay: int
+    x: int
+    y: int
+    emitRange: int
diff --git a/server/app/server.py b/server/app/server.py
index a6a017f..d5324a0 100644
--- a/server/app/server.py
+++ b/server/app/server.py
@@ -46,6 +46,8 @@ from .models import (
     ItemAddPacket,
     ItemDeletePacket,
     ItemDropPacket,
+    ItemPianoNoteBroadcastPacket,
+    ItemPianoNotePacket,
     ItemPickupPacket,
     ItemRemovePacket,
     ItemUpdatePacket,
@@ -656,6 +658,39 @@ class SignalingServer:
                 )
             return
 
+        if isinstance(packet, ItemPianoNotePacket):
+            item = self.items.get(packet.itemId)
+            if not item or item.type != "piano":
+                return
+            if item.carrierId not in (None, client.id):
+                return
+            if item.carrierId is None and (item.x != client.x or item.y != client.y):
+                return
+            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
+            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
+            await self._broadcast(
+                ItemPianoNoteBroadcastPacket(
+                    type="item_piano_note",
+                    itemId=item.id,
+                    senderId=client.id,
+                    keyId=packet.keyId,
+                    midi=packet.midi,
+                    on=packet.on,
+                    instrument=instrument,
+                    attack=max(0, min(100, attack)),
+                    decay=max(0, min(100, decay)),
+                    x=source_x,
+                    y=source_y,
+                    emitRange=max(5, min(20, emit_range)),
+                ),
+                exclude=client.websocket,
+            )
+            return
+
         if isinstance(packet, ItemUpdatePacket):
             item = self.items.get(packet.itemId)
             if not item:
diff --git a/server/tests/test_item_use_cooldown.py b/server/tests/test_item_use_cooldown.py
index d90a9dd..31883c4 100644
--- a/server/tests/test_item_use_cooldown.py
+++ b/server/tests/test_item_use_cooldown.py
@@ -339,3 +339,102 @@ async def test_widget_update_and_use(monkeypatch: pytest.MonkeyPatch) -> None:
     )
     assert send_payloads[-1].ok is False
     assert "emitsoundtempo must be between 0 and 100" in send_payloads[-1].message.lower()
+
+
+@pytest.mark.asyncio
+async def test_piano_update_and_use(monkeypatch: pytest.MonkeyPatch) -> None:
+    server = SignalingServer("127.0.0.1", 8765, None, None)
+    ws = _fake_ws()
+    client = ClientConnection(websocket=ws, id="u1", nickname="tester", x=5, y=6)
+    server.clients[ws] = client
+    item = server.item_service.default_item(client, "piano")
+    server.item_service.add_item(item)
+
+    send_payloads: list[object] = []
+    broadcast_payloads: list[object] = []
+
+    async def fake_send(websocket: ServerConnection, packet: object) -> None:
+        send_payloads.append(packet)
+
+    async def fake_broadcast(packet: object, exclude: ServerConnection | None = None) -> None:
+        broadcast_payloads.append(packet)
+
+    monkeypatch.setattr(server, "_send", fake_send)
+    monkeypatch.setattr(server, "_broadcast", fake_broadcast)
+
+    await server._handle_message(
+        client,
+        json.dumps(
+            {
+                "type": "item_update",
+                "itemId": item.id,
+                "params": {
+                    "instrument": "drum_kit",
+                    "attack": 22,
+                    "decay": 67,
+                    "emitRange": 12,
+                },
+            }
+        ),
+    )
+    assert send_payloads[-1].ok is True
+    assert item.params.get("instrument") == "drum_kit"
+    assert item.params.get("attack") == 22
+    assert item.params.get("decay") == 67
+    assert item.params.get("emitRange") == 12
+
+    await server._handle_message(client, json.dumps({"type": "item_use", "itemId": item.id}))
+    assert send_payloads[-1].ok is True
+    assert "begin playing" in send_payloads[-1].message.lower()
+    assert not any(getattr(packet, "type", "") == "item_use_sound" for packet in broadcast_payloads)
+
+    await server._handle_message(
+        client,
+        json.dumps({"type": "item_update", "itemId": item.id, "params": {"instrument": "banjo"}}),
+    )
+    assert send_payloads[-1].ok is False
+    assert "instrument must be one of" in send_payloads[-1].message.lower()
+
+
+@pytest.mark.asyncio
+async def test_piano_note_packet_broadcasts(monkeypatch: pytest.MonkeyPatch) -> None:
+    server = SignalingServer("127.0.0.1", 8765, None, None)
+    ws_sender = _fake_ws()
+    sender = ClientConnection(websocket=ws_sender, id="u1", nickname="tester", x=5, y=6)
+    ws_other = _fake_ws()
+    other = ClientConnection(websocket=ws_other, id="u2", nickname="listener", x=7, y=6)
+    server.clients[ws_sender] = sender
+    server.clients[ws_other] = other
+    item = server.item_service.default_item(sender, "piano")
+    item.params["instrument"] = "organ"
+    item.params["attack"] = 20
+    item.params["decay"] = 60
+    item.params["emitRange"] = 12
+    server.item_service.add_item(item)
+
+    send_payloads: list[object] = []
+    broadcast_payloads: list[object] = []
+
+    async def fake_send(websocket: ServerConnection, packet: object) -> None:
+        send_payloads.append(packet)
+
+    async def fake_broadcast(packet: object, exclude: ServerConnection | None = None) -> None:
+        broadcast_payloads.append(packet)
+
+    monkeypatch.setattr(server, "_send", fake_send)
+    monkeypatch.setattr(server, "_broadcast", fake_broadcast)
+
+    await server._handle_message(
+        sender,
+        json.dumps({"type": "item_piano_note", "itemId": item.id, "keyId": "KeyA", "midi": 60, "on": True}),
+    )
+
+    assert not send_payloads
+    assert broadcast_payloads
+    packet = broadcast_payloads[-1]
+    assert getattr(packet, "type", "") == "item_piano_note"
+    assert getattr(packet, "itemId", "") == item.id
+    assert getattr(packet, "instrument", "") == "organ"
+    assert getattr(packet, "attack", -1) == 20
+    assert getattr(packet, "decay", -1) == 60
+    assert getattr(packet, "emitRange", -1) == 12
diff --git a/server/tests/test_models.py b/server/tests/test_models.py
index 03388ed..43c27b1 100644
--- a/server/tests/test_models.py
+++ b/server/tests/test_models.py
@@ -16,3 +16,9 @@ def test_unknown_type_rejected() -> None:
     except ValidationError:
         return
     assert False, "validation should fail"
+
+
+def test_item_add_accepts_piano_type() -> None:
+    adapter = TypeAdapter(ClientPacket)
+    packet = adapter.validate_python({"type": "item_add", "itemType": "piano"})
+    assert packet.type == "item_add"