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Sticky Piano Keys
By Diana Rogers
Sometimes piano keys or notes sustain long after you release them. Have you ever wondered what to do about those sticking keys? How about those squeaks and rattles, or a “touch” that is too sluggish or too “light”? Other times you might hear an echo that results from a hammer striking multiple times with just one blow. So, what do you do? Many piano problems require services of a competent technician. I have a local piano tuner in my area that can troubleshoot major problems that may arise with my acoustic piano. But there are things that I can learn to do between piano tuning visits. To begin with, I think it is important to understand that the piano sounds are created by a number of separate, but very interdependent, components. So tuning a piano won’t automatically fix broken keys, make the action more responsive, eliminate buzzes, or change the quality of sound. There are a few things you can do to trouble shoot the problem. Here are the main components of all pianos: The Soundboard amplifies the vibrations of the strings and it’s usually made of spruce. The Plate is found directly over the soundboard. It’s usually made of cast-iron. Its function is to rigidly support the structure of the piano, so it can withstand the pull of strings. The strings are secured at the back end to the plate’s hitch pins, and at the front end to threaded tuning pins, which are embedded in the pin block or wrest-plank. So, all problems concerning the general “feel” and responsiveness of the piano, and most malfunctions of individual notes can be traced to the action and keys. The problem of sticky or sluggish notes, meaning when the note plays but returns slowly or only partway so that repetition is poor, is most noticeable when the sustain pedal is depressed. There are many possible causes of this problem.
Keys can stick because: • Something is rubbing against something else it shouldn’t be touching, so it’s getting “hung up.”
• A point of rotation or contact between a stationary and a moving part is too tight or somehow bound up or impeded, hindering free movement of that action part.
• A spring that is necessary to the return of a moving action part is broken or weak.
• A piece of action felt has become pitted or worn in such a way that the part that rides against it gets caught up. These four points don’t include all possibilities, but they certainly cover a lot of territory. So, if you still don’t know why the piano keys are sticking, please call your local piano tuner. Here in California, piano tuning can cost around $75.00 for a tuning and then they go from there. I have heard that antique piano strings can cost $1000.00 per string... so sometimes looking for another piano is a better route than trying to fix broken strings and sticky keys! |
    
Piano Plate
Piano Strings
Piano Soundboard
Piano Tuner
Sticky Keys
PLEASE VISIT THE CONTRIBUTOR'S WEBSITE
LadyD Piano
Piano teacher and kindergarten music.
ladydpiano.blogspot.com
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I was once studying to be a piano tuner. It is a lot of work getting three strings to sound like one. Fixing the action is something else I tried to learn. I think I would need to find someone to apprenticeship with rather than a home study course. I still have my wedges, tuning fork and tuning hammer. Another thing that will make sticky keys if if the kids play the piano with strawberry jam on their fingers.
CONTRIBUTOR'S REPLY
Oh yes, one must clean those darling little piano hands! :)
I seem to enjoy the challenge of taking apart pianos and telling myself, "I can fix this!" And then calling the piano tuner to come rescue a damsel in distress!! I always look forward to your input... thank you!
And I thought that changing guitar strings was a pain...
CONTRIBUTOR'S REPLY
Good one! I can't tell you how many times I'd watch a guitar player on the worship team bust a string and change it quickly or grab another guitar on stage. Of course we would keep vamping until he could join us once again. So different from a piano string! lol Thanks for stopping by...
Thank you for sharing all of this information, Diana.
Many years ago, I bought a Baby Grand piano at a country auction for $400.00. I loved the size and the finish was great. However, it cost me $1200.00 to replace some worn parts and to get it tuned. The piece brought great music into the house.
Best wishes.
Frederick
CONTRIBUTOR'S REPLY
Nice to know my intel is being read and appreciated... thanks Frederick. I've always loved the action when playing on a Baby Grand. Your hands sure get a work out! :)
I meant to ask you another question yesterday, Diana.
Is the Piano Plate image from your piano?
What is the age of the piano?
It is a very interesting plate.
Thank you for sharing.
Best to you.
Frederick
CONTRIBUTOR'S REPLY
Steinway Grand Piano Plate Patents (I'm not sure of the age, sorry and not from my piano) but I just love this photo because the patent information is found within the plate... thanks for asking... it is indeed interesting to look at.
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If you use this content according to the license specified, you must link to the following URL:
http://ladyd.qondio.com/
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This intel was contributed by LadyD
LadyD
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May, 2012
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