diff --git a/client/public/help.json b/client/public/help.json
index 3350639..8f76e82 100644
--- a/client/public/help.json
+++ b/client/public/help.json
@@ -87,7 +87,7 @@
         },
         {
           "keys": "Piano mode",
-          "description": "When using a piano: 1-9 (and 0 for the 10th slot) changes instrument, -/= changes octave, ASDFGHJKL;' plays C major notes, WETYUOP] plays sharps, Escape exits"
+          "description": "When using a piano: 1-9 (and 0 for the 10th slot) changes instrument, -/= changes octave, ASDFGHJKL;' plays C major notes, WETYUOP] plays sharps, comma starts/stops recording, period plays recording, Escape exits"
         }
       ]
     },
diff --git a/client/public/version.js b/client/public/version.js
index 9189dac..709f3a6 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 R204";
+window.CHGRID_WEB_VERSION = "2026.02.22 R205";
 // Optional display timezone for timestamps. Falls back to America/Detroit if unset/invalid.
 window.CHGRID_TIME_ZONE = "America/Detroit";
diff --git a/client/src/main.ts b/client/src/main.ts
index f3dfdb6..da9877f 100644
--- a/client/src/main.ts
+++ b/client/src/main.ts
@@ -256,6 +256,8 @@ let activeTeleportLoopToken = 0;
 let activePianoItemId: string | null = null;
 const activePianoKeys = new Set<string>();
 const activePianoKeyMidi = new Map<string, number>();
+const activePianoHeldOrder: string[] = [];
+let activePianoMonophonicKey: string | null = null;
 const activeRemotePianoKeys = new Set<string>();
 let pianoPreviewTimeoutId: number | null = null;
 let activeTeleport:
@@ -881,6 +883,8 @@ async function startPianoUseMode(itemId: string): Promise<void> {
   activePianoItemId = itemId;
   activePianoKeys.clear();
   activePianoKeyMidi.clear();
+  activePianoHeldOrder.length = 0;
+  activePianoMonophonicKey = null;
   state.mode = 'pianoUse';
   await audio.ensureContext();
   updateStatus(`using ${item.title}, press escape to stop.`);
@@ -900,6 +904,8 @@ function stopPianoUseMode(announce = true): void {
   activePianoItemId = null;
   activePianoKeys.clear();
   activePianoKeyMidi.clear();
+  activePianoHeldOrder.length = 0;
+  activePianoMonophonicKey = null;
   state.mode = 'normal';
   if (announce) {
     updateStatus('Stopped piano.');
@@ -907,6 +913,85 @@ function stopPianoUseMode(announce = true): void {
   }
 }
 
+/** Starts one local piano note and sends the matching network note-on packet. */
+function playLocalPianoNote(
+  item: WorldItem,
+  itemId: string,
+  keyId: string,
+  midi: number,
+  config: ReturnType<typeof getPianoParams>,
+): void {
+  const ctx = audio.context;
+  const destination = audio.getOutputDestinationNode();
+  if (!ctx || !destination) return;
+  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(
+    keyId,
+    `local:${itemId}`,
+    midi,
+    config.instrument,
+    config.voiceMode,
+    config.attack,
+    config.decay,
+    config.release,
+    config.brightness,
+    { audioCtx: ctx, destination },
+    { x: sourceX - state.player.x, y: sourceY - state.player.y, range: config.emitRange },
+  );
+  signaling.send({ type: 'item_piano_note', itemId, keyId, midi, on: true });
+}
+
+/** Handles key release while in piano mode, including mono fallback retrigger behavior. */
+function handlePianoUseModeKeyUp(code: string): void {
+  if (!activePianoKeys.delete(code)) return;
+  const orderIndex = activePianoHeldOrder.lastIndexOf(code);
+  if (orderIndex >= 0) {
+    activePianoHeldOrder.splice(orderIndex, 1);
+  }
+  const itemId = activePianoItemId;
+  const midi = activePianoKeyMidi.get(code);
+  activePianoKeyMidi.delete(code);
+  if (!itemId || !Number.isFinite(midi)) {
+    pianoSynth.noteOff(code);
+    if (activePianoMonophonicKey === code) {
+      activePianoMonophonicKey = null;
+    }
+    return;
+  }
+  const item = state.items.get(itemId);
+  if (!item || item.type !== 'piano') {
+    pianoSynth.noteOff(code);
+    if (activePianoMonophonicKey === code) {
+      activePianoMonophonicKey = null;
+    }
+    return;
+  }
+  const config = getPianoParams(item);
+  if (config.voiceMode !== 'mono') {
+    pianoSynth.noteOff(code);
+    signaling.send({ type: 'item_piano_note', itemId, keyId: code, midi, on: false });
+    return;
+  }
+  if (activePianoMonophonicKey !== code) {
+    return;
+  }
+  pianoSynth.noteOff(code);
+  signaling.send({ type: 'item_piano_note', itemId, keyId: code, midi, on: false });
+  const fallbackCode = activePianoHeldOrder[activePianoHeldOrder.length - 1] ?? null;
+  if (!fallbackCode) {
+    activePianoMonophonicKey = null;
+    return;
+  }
+  const fallbackMidi = activePianoKeyMidi.get(fallbackCode);
+  if (!Number.isFinite(fallbackMidi)) {
+    activePianoMonophonicKey = null;
+    return;
+  }
+  activePianoMonophonicKey = fallbackCode;
+  playLocalPianoNote(item, itemId, fallbackCode, fallbackMidi, config);
+}
+
 /** Plays one short C4 preview using the piano item's current/overridden envelope+instrument. */
 async function previewPianoSettingChange(
   item: WorldItem,
@@ -2328,6 +2413,16 @@ function handlePianoUseModeInput(code: string): void {
     stopPianoUseMode(false);
     return;
   }
+  if (code === 'Comma') {
+    signaling.send({ type: 'item_piano_recording', itemId, action: 'toggle_record' });
+    audio.sfxUiBlip();
+    return;
+  }
+  if (code === 'Period') {
+    signaling.send({ type: 'item_piano_recording', itemId, action: 'playback' });
+    audio.sfxUiBlip();
+    return;
+  }
   if (code === 'Equal' || code === 'Minus') {
     const current = getPianoParams(item).octave;
     const next = Math.max(-2, Math.min(2, current + (code === 'Equal' ? 1 : -1)));
@@ -2385,25 +2480,19 @@ function handlePianoUseModeInput(code: string): void {
   const playedMidi = Math.max(0, Math.min(127, midi + config.octave * 12));
   activePianoKeys.add(code);
   activePianoKeyMidi.set(code, playedMidi);
-  const ctx = audio.context;
-  const destination = audio.getOutputDestinationNode();
-  if (!ctx || !destination) return;
-  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,
-    `local:${itemId}`,
-    playedMidi,
-    config.instrument,
-    config.voiceMode,
-    config.attack,
-    config.decay,
-    config.release,
-    config.brightness,
-    { 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: playedMidi, on: true });
+  activePianoHeldOrder.push(code);
+  if (config.voiceMode === 'mono') {
+    const previousCode = activePianoMonophonicKey;
+    if (previousCode && previousCode !== code) {
+      const previousMidi = activePianoKeyMidi.get(previousCode);
+      pianoSynth.noteOff(previousCode);
+      if (Number.isFinite(previousMidi)) {
+        signaling.send({ type: 'item_piano_note', itemId, keyId: previousCode, midi: previousMidi, on: false });
+      }
+    }
+    activePianoMonophonicKey = code;
+  }
+  playLocalPianoNote(item, itemId, code, playedMidi, config);
 }
 
 /** Handles effect menu list navigation and selection. */
@@ -2871,15 +2960,7 @@ 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 = activePianoKeyMidi.get(code);
-        activePianoKeyMidi.delete(code);
-        if (itemId && Number.isFinite(midi)) {
-          signaling.send({ type: 'item_piano_note', itemId, keyId: code, midi, on: false });
-        }
-      }
+      handlePianoUseModeKeyUp(code);
     }
     if (code) {
       state.keysPressed[code] = false;
diff --git a/client/src/network/protocol.ts b/client/src/network/protocol.ts
index a78303f..8ee4b35 100644
--- a/client/src/network/protocol.ts
+++ b/client/src/network/protocol.ts
@@ -199,6 +199,7 @@ export type OutgoingMessage =
   | { type: 'item_delete'; itemId: string }
   | { type: 'item_use'; itemId: string }
   | { type: 'item_piano_note'; itemId: string; keyId: string; midi: number; on: boolean }
+  | { type: 'item_piano_recording'; itemId: string; action: 'toggle_record' | 'playback' }
   | {
       type: 'item_update';
       itemId: string;
diff --git a/docs/controls.md b/docs/controls.md
index ff6dd7c..e5bede5 100644
--- a/docs/controls.md
+++ b/docs/controls.md
@@ -81,6 +81,8 @@ Applies to effect select, user/item list modes, item selection, item property li
 - `W E T Y U O P ]`: Play sharps
 - Multiple keys can be held/played at once
 - `-` / `=`: Shift octave down/up
+- `,`: Start/stop recording on this piano (max 30s)
+- `.`: Play back saved recording on this piano
 - `Escape`: Exit piano mode
 
 ## Help Viewer Mode
diff --git a/docs/item-schema.md b/docs/item-schema.md
index babddf9..85a4330 100644
--- a/docs/item-schema.md
+++ b/docs/item-schema.md
@@ -183,6 +183,8 @@
 - `release`: integer, range `0-100`, default `35`.
 - `brightness`: integer, range `0-100`, default `55`.
 - `emitRange`: integer, range `5-20`, default `15`.
+- `recording`: server-managed array of note events (`t`, `keyId`, `midi`, `on`) captured from piano mode recording.
+- `recordingLengthMs`: server-managed recording duration in milliseconds (`0..30000`).
 
 ## Packet Shapes
 
diff --git a/docs/item-types.md b/docs/item-types.md
index bc72030..d4edef0 100644
--- a/docs/item-types.md
+++ b/docs/item-types.md
@@ -173,6 +173,8 @@ This is behavior-focused documentation for item types and their defaults.
 
 ### Use
 - Announces that the user begins playing the piano (client enters piano key mode).
+- Piano mode controls include `,` to start/stop recording (max 30s) and `.` to play saved recording.
+- Recordings are stored on the item (server-authoritative), so nearby users hear playback.
 
 ### Validation
 - `instrument`: `piano | electric_piano | guitar | organ | bass | violin | synth_lead | brass | nintendo | drum_kit`
diff --git a/docs/protocol-notes.md b/docs/protocol-notes.md
index 39e01aa..cf80a6c 100644
--- a/docs/protocol-notes.md
+++ b/docs/protocol-notes.md
@@ -16,6 +16,7 @@ This is a behavior guide for packet semantics beyond raw schemas.
 - `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.
+- `item_piano_recording`: piano record/playback control (`toggle_record`, `playback`).
 
 ## Server -> Client
 
diff --git a/server/app/items/piano.py b/server/app/items/piano.py
index 30d38cd..0c13e0c 100644
--- a/server/app/items/piano.py
+++ b/server/app/items/piano.py
@@ -105,6 +105,12 @@ PROPERTY_METADATA: dict[str, dict[str, object]] = {
 def validate_update(_item: WorldItem, next_params: dict) -> dict:
     """Validate and normalize piano params."""
 
+    # Recording data is server-managed and not directly editable from client updates.
+    preserved_recording = _item.params.get("recording")
+    preserved_recording_length = _item.params.get("recordingLengthMs")
+    next_params.pop("recording", None)
+    next_params.pop("recordingLengthMs", None)
+
     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)}.")
@@ -171,6 +177,11 @@ def validate_update(_item: WorldItem, next_params: dict) -> dict:
         raise ValueError("emitRange must be between 5 and 20.")
     next_params["emitRange"] = emit_range
 
+    if isinstance(preserved_recording, list):
+        next_params["recording"] = preserved_recording
+    if isinstance(preserved_recording_length, (int, float)):
+        next_params["recordingLengthMs"] = max(0, min(30_000, int(preserved_recording_length)))
+
     return next_params
 
 
diff --git a/server/app/models.py b/server/app/models.py
index ac8c55d..82d72f9 100644
--- a/server/app/models.py
+++ b/server/app/models.py
@@ -75,6 +75,12 @@ class ItemPianoNotePacket(BasePacket):
     on: bool
 
 
+class ItemPianoRecordingPacket(BasePacket):
+    type: Literal["item_piano_recording"]
+    itemId: str
+    action: Literal["toggle_record", "playback"]
+
+
 class ItemUpdatePacket(BasePacket):
     type: Literal["item_update"]
     itemId: str
@@ -94,6 +100,7 @@ ClientPacket = (
     | ItemDeletePacket
     | ItemUsePacket
     | ItemPianoNotePacket
+    | ItemPianoRecordingPacket
     | ItemUpdatePacket
 )
 
diff --git a/server/app/server.py b/server/app/server.py
index b7eb4d4..48aa0de 100644
--- a/server/app/server.py
+++ b/server/app/server.py
@@ -11,6 +11,7 @@ import logging
 import os
 import re
 import ssl
+import time
 import uuid
 from pathlib import Path
 from typing import Literal
@@ -48,6 +49,7 @@ from .models import (
     ItemDropPacket,
     ItemPianoNoteBroadcastPacket,
     ItemPianoNotePacket,
+    ItemPianoRecordingPacket,
     ItemPickupPacket,
     ItemRemovePacket,
     ItemUpdatePacket,
@@ -69,6 +71,8 @@ LOGGER = logging.getLogger("chgrid.server")
 PACKET_LOGGER = logging.getLogger("chgrid.server.packet")
 CLIENT_PACKET_ADAPTER = TypeAdapter(ClientPacket)
 MAX_ACTIVE_PIANO_KEYS_PER_CLIENT = 12
+PIANO_RECORDING_MAX_MS = 30_000
+PIANO_RECORDING_MAX_EVENTS = 4096
 
 
 class SignalingServer:
@@ -94,6 +98,8 @@ class SignalingServer:
         self.item_service = ItemService(state_file=state_file)
         self.item_last_use_ms: dict[str, int] = {}
         self.active_piano_keys_by_client: dict[str, set[str]] = {}
+        self.piano_recording_state_by_item: dict[str, dict] = {}
+        self.piano_playback_tasks_by_item: dict[str, asyncio.Task[None]] = {}
         self.grid_size = max(1, grid_size)
         self.instance_id = str(uuid.uuid4())
         self.server_version = self._resolve_server_version()
@@ -164,6 +170,185 @@ class SignalingServer:
             return item.useSound.strip()
         return None
 
+    def _get_client_by_id(self, client_id: str) -> ClientConnection | None:
+        """Resolve one connected client by id."""
+
+        for connected in self.clients.values():
+            if connected.id == client_id:
+                return connected
+        return None
+
+    def _get_piano_source_position(self, item: WorldItem) -> tuple[int, int]:
+        """Resolve world position used for piano note spatial broadcasts."""
+
+        if item.carrierId:
+            carrier = self._get_client_by_id(item.carrierId)
+            if carrier is not None:
+                return carrier.x, carrier.y
+        return item.x, item.y
+
+    async def _broadcast_item_piano_note(
+        self,
+        item: WorldItem,
+        *,
+        sender_id: str,
+        key_id: str,
+        midi: int,
+        on: bool,
+        exclude: ServerConnection | None = None,
+    ) -> None:
+        """Broadcast one piano note event using current item synth settings."""
+
+        instrument = str(item.params.get("instrument", "piano")).strip().lower()
+        voice_mode = str(item.params.get("voiceMode", "poly")).strip().lower()
+        if voice_mode not in {"poly", "mono"}:
+            voice_mode = "poly"
+        octave = int(item.params.get("octave", 0)) if isinstance(item.params.get("octave", 0), (int, float)) else 0
+        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, source_y = self._get_piano_source_position(item)
+        await self._broadcast(
+            ItemPianoNoteBroadcastPacket(
+                type="item_piano_note",
+                itemId=item.id,
+                senderId=sender_id,
+                keyId=key_id,
+                midi=max(0, min(127, int(midi))),
+                on=on,
+                instrument=instrument,
+                voiceMode=voice_mode,
+                octave=max(-2, min(2, octave)),
+                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)),
+            ),
+            exclude=exclude,
+        )
+
+    def _cancel_piano_playback(self, item_id: str) -> None:
+        """Cancel active playback task for one piano item, if any."""
+
+        task = self.piano_playback_tasks_by_item.pop(item_id, None)
+        if task is not None and not task.done():
+            task.cancel()
+
+    async def _finalize_piano_recording(self, item_id: str, *, status_message: str | None = None) -> None:
+        """Persist and broadcast one active recording session, then clear runtime state."""
+
+        session = self.piano_recording_state_by_item.pop(item_id, None)
+        if not session:
+            return
+        auto_stop_task = session.get("autoStopTask")
+        if isinstance(auto_stop_task, asyncio.Task) and not auto_stop_task.done():
+            auto_stop_task.cancel()
+        item = self.items.get(item_id)
+        if not item or item.type != "piano":
+            return
+        now_monotonic = time.monotonic()
+        started = float(session.get("startedMonotonic", now_monotonic))
+        elapsed_ms = int((now_monotonic - started) * 1000)
+        elapsed_ms = max(0, min(PIANO_RECORDING_MAX_MS, elapsed_ms))
+        recorded_events = session.get("events")
+        events = list(recorded_events) if isinstance(recorded_events, list) else []
+        item.params["recording"] = events
+        item.params["recordingLengthMs"] = elapsed_ms
+        item.updatedAt = self.item_service.now_ms()
+        item.version += 1
+        self.item_service.save_state()
+        await self._broadcast_item(item)
+        owner_id = str(session.get("ownerClientId", ""))
+        owner = self._get_client_by_id(owner_id) if owner_id else None
+        if owner and status_message:
+            await self._send_item_result(owner, True, "use", status_message, item.id)
+
+    async def _auto_stop_piano_recording(self, item_id: str) -> None:
+        """Stop a recording automatically at the max recording duration."""
+
+        try:
+            await asyncio.sleep(PIANO_RECORDING_MAX_MS / 1000)
+            await self._finalize_piano_recording(item_id, status_message="Recording reached 30.0 s and was saved.")
+        except asyncio.CancelledError:
+            return
+
+    async def _start_piano_playback(self, item: WorldItem) -> None:
+        """Run one piano recording playback task and broadcast note events."""
+
+        sender_id = f"item:{item.id}:playback"
+        raw_events = item.params.get("recording")
+        if not isinstance(raw_events, list):
+            return
+        events: list[dict[str, object]] = []
+        for event in raw_events:
+            if not isinstance(event, dict):
+                continue
+            raw_time = event.get("t")
+            raw_key = event.get("keyId")
+            raw_midi = event.get("midi")
+            raw_on = event.get("on")
+            if not isinstance(raw_time, (int, float)) or not isinstance(raw_key, str) or not isinstance(raw_midi, (int, float)) or not isinstance(raw_on, bool):
+                continue
+            events.append(
+                {
+                    "t": max(0, min(PIANO_RECORDING_MAX_MS, int(raw_time))),
+                    "keyId": raw_key[:32] or "KeyA",
+                    "midi": max(0, min(127, int(raw_midi))),
+                    "on": raw_on,
+                }
+            )
+        events.sort(key=lambda entry: int(entry["t"]))
+        if not events:
+            return
+
+        active_keys: dict[str, int] = {}
+        previous_at_ms = 0
+        try:
+            for event in events:
+                current_at_ms = int(event["t"])
+                delay_ms = max(0, current_at_ms - previous_at_ms)
+                if delay_ms > 0:
+                    await asyncio.sleep(delay_ms / 1000)
+                current_item = self.items.get(item.id)
+                if not current_item or current_item.type != "piano":
+                    break
+                key_id = str(event["keyId"])
+                midi = int(event["midi"])
+                on = bool(event["on"])
+                if on:
+                    active_keys[key_id] = midi
+                else:
+                    active_keys.pop(key_id, None)
+                await self._broadcast_item_piano_note(
+                    current_item,
+                    sender_id=sender_id,
+                    key_id=key_id,
+                    midi=midi,
+                    on=on,
+                )
+                previous_at_ms = current_at_ms
+        except asyncio.CancelledError:
+            pass
+        finally:
+            current_item = self.items.get(item.id)
+            if current_item and current_item.type == "piano":
+                for key_id, midi in list(active_keys.items()):
+                    await self._broadcast_item_piano_note(
+                        current_item,
+                        sender_id=sender_id,
+                        key_id=key_id,
+                        midi=midi,
+                        on=False,
+                    )
+            current_task = self.piano_playback_tasks_by_item.get(item.id)
+            if current_task is asyncio.current_task():
+                self.piano_playback_tasks_by_item.pop(item.id, None)
+
     def _is_in_bounds(self, x: int, y: int) -> bool:
         """Check whether a coordinate is inside server-authoritative world bounds."""
 
@@ -263,6 +448,10 @@ class SignalingServer:
             if websocket in self.clients:
                 disconnected = self.clients.pop(websocket)
                 self.active_piano_keys_by_client.pop(disconnected.id, None)
+                for item_id, session in list(self.piano_recording_state_by_item.items()):
+                    if session.get("ownerClientId") != disconnected.id:
+                        continue
+                    await self._finalize_piano_recording(item_id)
                 for item in self.item_service.drop_carried_items_for_disconnect(disconnected):
                     await self._broadcast_item(item)
                 self.item_service.save_state()
@@ -589,6 +778,12 @@ class SignalingServer:
                 item.type,
                 item.title,
             )
+            self._cancel_piano_playback(item.id)
+            recording_state = self.piano_recording_state_by_item.pop(item.id, None)
+            if recording_state is not None:
+                auto_stop_task = recording_state.get("autoStopTask")
+                if isinstance(auto_stop_task, asyncio.Task) and not auto_stop_task.done():
+                    auto_stop_task.cancel()
             self.item_service.remove_item(item.id)
             self.item_last_use_ms.pop(item.id, None)
             await self._broadcast(ItemRemovePacket(type="item_remove", itemId=item.id))
@@ -676,41 +871,72 @@ class SignalingServer:
                 active_keys.add(packet.keyId)
             else:
                 active_keys.discard(packet.keyId)
-            instrument = str(item.params.get("instrument", "piano")).strip().lower()
-            voice_mode = str(item.params.get("voiceMode", "poly")).strip().lower()
-            if voice_mode not in {"poly", "mono"}:
-                voice_mode = "poly"
-            octave = int(item.params.get("octave", 0)) if isinstance(item.params.get("octave", 0), (int, float)) else 0
-            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
-            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,
-                    voiceMode=voice_mode,
-                    octave=max(-2, min(2, octave)),
-                    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)),
-                ),
+            recording_state = self.piano_recording_state_by_item.get(item.id)
+            if recording_state and recording_state.get("ownerClientId") == client.id:
+                started = float(recording_state.get("startedMonotonic", time.monotonic()))
+                elapsed_ms = max(0, min(PIANO_RECORDING_MAX_MS, int((time.monotonic() - started) * 1000)))
+                events = recording_state.get("events")
+                if isinstance(events, list) and len(events) < PIANO_RECORDING_MAX_EVENTS:
+                    events.append({"t": elapsed_ms, "keyId": packet.keyId[:32], "midi": packet.midi, "on": packet.on})
+                if elapsed_ms >= PIANO_RECORDING_MAX_MS:
+                    await self._finalize_piano_recording(item.id, status_message="Recording reached 30.0 s and was saved.")
+            await self._broadcast_item_piano_note(
+                item,
+                sender_id=client.id,
+                key_id=packet.keyId,
+                midi=packet.midi,
+                on=packet.on,
                 exclude=client.websocket,
             )
             return
 
+        if isinstance(packet, ItemPianoRecordingPacket):
+            item = self.items.get(packet.itemId)
+            if not item or item.type != "piano":
+                await self._send_item_result(client, False, "use", "Piano not found.")
+                return
+            if item.carrierId not in (None, client.id):
+                await self._send_item_result(client, False, "use", "Piano is not available.", item.id)
+                return
+            if item.carrierId is None and (item.x != client.x or item.y != client.y):
+                await self._send_item_result(client, False, "use", "Piano is not on your square.", item.id)
+                return
+
+            if packet.action == "toggle_record":
+                existing = self.piano_recording_state_by_item.get(item.id)
+                if existing and existing.get("ownerClientId") != client.id:
+                    await self._send_item_result(client, False, "use", "This piano is already recording.", item.id)
+                    return
+                if existing and existing.get("ownerClientId") == client.id:
+                    await self._finalize_piano_recording(item.id, status_message="Recording saved.")
+                    return
+                self._cancel_piano_playback(item.id)
+                recording_state = {
+                    "ownerClientId": client.id,
+                    "startedMonotonic": time.monotonic(),
+                    "events": [],
+                }
+                self.piano_recording_state_by_item[item.id] = recording_state
+                auto_stop_task = asyncio.create_task(self._auto_stop_piano_recording(item.id))
+                recording_state["autoStopTask"] = auto_stop_task
+                await self._send_item_result(client, True, "use", "Recording started. Press comma again to stop.", item.id)
+                return
+
+            if packet.action == "playback":
+                if item.id in self.piano_recording_state_by_item:
+                    await self._send_item_result(client, False, "use", "Stop recording before playback.", item.id)
+                    return
+                recording = item.params.get("recording")
+                if not isinstance(recording, list) or not recording:
+                    await self._send_item_result(client, False, "use", "No recording saved on this piano.", item.id)
+                    return
+                self._cancel_piano_playback(item.id)
+                playback_task = asyncio.create_task(self._start_piano_playback(item))
+                self.piano_playback_tasks_by_item[item.id] = playback_task
+                await self._send_item_result(client, True, "use", f"Playing recording on {item.title}.", item.id)
+                return
+            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 7b3cb9d..543bff3 100644
--- a/server/tests/test_item_use_cooldown.py
+++ b/server/tests/test_item_use_cooldown.py
@@ -507,3 +507,87 @@ async def test_piano_note_key_cap(monkeypatch: pytest.MonkeyPatch) -> None:
         json.dumps({"type": "item_piano_note", "itemId": item.id, "keyId": "KeyOverflow", "midi": 60, "on": True}),
     )
     assert len(broadcast_payloads) == 12
+
+
+@pytest.mark.asyncio
+async def test_piano_recording_toggle_and_save(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] = []
+
+    async def fake_send(websocket: ServerConnection, packet: object) -> None:
+        send_payloads.append(packet)
+
+    async def fake_broadcast(packet: object, exclude: ServerConnection | None = None) -> None:
+        return
+
+    monkeypatch.setattr(server, "_send", fake_send)
+    monkeypatch.setattr(server, "_broadcast", fake_broadcast)
+
+    await server._handle_message(
+        client,
+        json.dumps({"type": "item_piano_recording", "itemId": item.id, "action": "toggle_record"}),
+    )
+    assert send_payloads[-1].ok is True
+    assert item.id in server.piano_recording_state_by_item
+
+    await server._handle_message(
+        client,
+        json.dumps({"type": "item_piano_note", "itemId": item.id, "keyId": "KeyA", "midi": 60, "on": True}),
+    )
+    await server._handle_message(
+        client,
+        json.dumps({"type": "item_piano_note", "itemId": item.id, "keyId": "KeyA", "midi": 60, "on": False}),
+    )
+    await server._handle_message(
+        client,
+        json.dumps({"type": "item_piano_recording", "itemId": item.id, "action": "toggle_record"}),
+    )
+    assert send_payloads[-1].ok is True
+    assert item.id not in server.piano_recording_state_by_item
+    recording = item.params.get("recording")
+    assert isinstance(recording, list)
+    assert len(recording) >= 2
+    assert recording[0]["keyId"] == "KeyA"
+
+
+@pytest.mark.asyncio
+async def test_piano_playback_starts_task(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")
+    item.params["recording"] = [{"t": 0, "keyId": "KeyA", "midi": 60, "on": True}]
+    server.item_service.add_item(item)
+
+    send_payloads: list[object] = []
+    playback_started: list[str] = []
+
+    async def fake_send(websocket: ServerConnection, packet: object) -> None:
+        send_payloads.append(packet)
+
+    async def fake_broadcast(packet: object, exclude: ServerConnection | None = None) -> None:
+        return
+
+    async def fake_start_playback(current_item) -> None:
+        playback_started.append(current_item.id)
+
+    monkeypatch.setattr(server, "_send", fake_send)
+    monkeypatch.setattr(server, "_broadcast", fake_broadcast)
+    monkeypatch.setattr(server, "_start_piano_playback", fake_start_playback)
+
+    await server._handle_message(
+        client,
+        json.dumps({"type": "item_piano_recording", "itemId": item.id, "action": "playback"}),
+    )
+    assert send_payloads[-1].ok is True
+    task = server.piano_playback_tasks_by_item.get(item.id)
+    assert task is not None
+    await task
+    assert playback_started == [item.id]
diff --git a/server/tests/test_models.py b/server/tests/test_models.py
index 43c27b1..238aa81 100644
--- a/server/tests/test_models.py
+++ b/server/tests/test_models.py
@@ -22,3 +22,9 @@ 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"
+
+
+def test_item_piano_recording_packet_validates() -> None:
+    adapter = TypeAdapter(ClientPacket)
+    packet = adapter.validate_python({"type": "item_piano_recording", "itemId": "p1", "action": "toggle_record"})
+    assert packet.type == "item_piano_recording"