Repairing Guides

how to repair a piano key

by Ms. Assunta Cassin II Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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  • Open the hinged cover top, then unscrew the front panel. Push the hammer forward to see if the key is released. ...
  • Remove any debris that shouldn’t be on the piano.
  • Grab the stuck key and force it up and down, then move them slightly left and right. ...
  • Spray the keys with a special cleaning solution. This will help remove dust and another build-up. The solution can be used on wood, ivory, and plastic keys.

Part of a video titled Easy Piano Key Top Ivory Repair DIY - YouTube
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Put a little steam on just this key if you have the key off the piano. And it'll loosen the glue upMorePut a little steam on just this key if you have the key off the piano. And it'll loosen the glue up but I just chipped it off this key over here I did that before it was also broken.

Full Answer

How much does it cost to replace a piano key?

These services can run anywhere between $750 and $3500 depending on the extent of the work. In other cases such as basic interior rebuilding which includes, restringing, damper work, hammer replacement, regulation, tuning and voicing, the prices can range between $3500 and $9500.

How do you fix a broken piano key?

Supplies Needed

  • Carpenter's glue
  • Toothpicks and your fingers to apply the glue to the key
  • 2 pressure clamps
  • No. 100 and No. 400 (one coarse and one fine) sanding paper
  • scissors
  • 2 very, very thin pieces of wood for each key
  • 2 pieces of thicker wooden pieces to help the clamps to press on the applied patch

How to clean piano keys properly?

  • Fill a small bowl with clean water and a few drops of liquid dish detergent or vinegar. ...
  • Wring out the excess water and gently rub a few keys using the back-to-front motion.
  • Take the cloth that's damp with clean water and go over those keys to remove excess cleaning solution.
  • Go over the keys with the dry cloth. ...

How to fix a broken key on a piano?

The main problems that we’ve seen with broken keys are the following:

  1. Dust build-up (The sensors are dirty and need to be cleaned)
  2. A penny or a coin has fallen inside of the key-bed
  3. Part of the key has snapped (Typically when a key is stuck in place, this is because the backend of the key is broken)
  4. The spring below the key is broken

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Can a broken piano key Be Fixed?

Small physical obstructions or tight key bushings can often be repaired while keeping the keys intact. If a key needs to be replaced, we use only genuine parts, including Steinway & Sons NY parts. Our expert technicians have the knowledge and experience to choose the correct part for your piano's model and year.

How do you fix a dead key on a upright piano?

4:446:43How to Fix Dead Keys on Piano - Bridal Straps - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou press it down until it just touches the rubber bushing. And then you just push it into that holeMoreYou press it down until it just touches the rubber bushing. And then you just push it into that hole. And then you just twist it off easily. And there you have it. Then just take the other end.

How do you reattach a piano key?

How to Replace Piano KeysStep 1: Remove the Cabinet Parts of the Piano. ... Step 2: Number the Keys. ... Step 3: Remove the Old Key Tops. ... Step 4: Lightly Sand the Key Surface. ... Step 5: Apply PVC Glue. ... Step 6: Position and Clamp New Key Top. ... Step 7: Check Fit and File the Edges. ... Step 8: Reassemble the Piano.

How much does it cost to repair a key on a piano?

There are also bushings the center of the key, called the balance rail, which are right behind the fall board, which need to be “eased”. However, as in all repairs, sometimes it does get a little more complicated, and the key has to be removed to be eased, which can cost anywhere from $10 – $75.

What causes a dead piano key?

A piano key is considered “dead” when it does not make a sound when struck. This is a common occurrence with pianos both new and old, especially in Florida. The usual culprit for our climate is humidity. Many modern pianos have dehumidifiers built in to the cabinet.

How do you fix a piano key that doesn't work?

5:397:24Fixing A Sticking Jack - Piano Tuning & Repair - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIf you want a quick fix you can just pull up on the spring. You know stretch. It out so it's got aMoreIf you want a quick fix you can just pull up on the spring. You know stretch. It out so it's got a little more tension to it.

What glue is best for piano keys?

Professional Piano PVC-E GlueSUPERIOR PERFORMANCE GLUE: Professional Piano PVC-E Glue - It dries completely clear. Excellent adhesive for piano keys, cloth, felt, or leather. Adequate adhesive to repair a full set of piano keytops or any other piano projects you may be working on. PVC-E Glue is the preferred adhesive among piano technicians.

How do you glue ivory keys back on piano?

As for the best glue for ivory adhesion, I use clear melamine adhesive mixed with titanium dioxide powder so that it dries white.

Do old pianos have any value?

Antique pianos and organs can be valued anywhere from a few hundred dollars to tens of thousands of dollars. It is important that sellers realize the real value difference between a restored instrument and an unrestored instrument.

Is it worth tuning an old piano?

Tuning obviously falls under basic maintenance and is something that any piano owner should keep up on. Unfortunately, we have often found that an old piano that has not been properly maintained over the years may not be tunable without a serious amount of repair/restoration work.

How do you fix a dead key on a keyboard?

Here's how to fix unresponsive keyboard keys:Unplug the keyboard and plug it back in. ... Try a different cable. ... Replace the batteries. ... Clean the keyboard. ... Blow out the unresponsive switch. ... Use contact cleaner. ... Inspect the solder joints. ... Replace the switch.More items...•

How do you restore old piano keys?

0:372:17Ivory Piano Key Restoration - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipI makes them together until I have the right the right shade because ivory is never perfectly whiteMoreI makes them together until I have the right the right shade because ivory is never perfectly white there's always a little bit of yellow in it you just put this acrylic polymer liquid.

How Much Does It Cost To Fix A Broken Piano Key?

It costs 473 dollars for this procedure. I found upright pianos for $575 and $850. I charge $500.00 for grand piano sets. As an alternative, you can take out the old leads and replace them with new ones by removing the old ones. Approximately $900 is required to replace key leads.

How Do You Restore Plastic Piano Keys?

You can whiten plastic keys with mild soaps, just as whiteners clean ivory keys. To prevent slipping on the keys while using the keys, mix two drops of dish soap together in a damp white washcloth and wipe them down with a soft cloth all the way through.

How Do You Fix A Cracked Piano Key?

ensure that the hole is at an optimal height by placing a thin coat of glue evenly on each side of the key. Avoid moving the pins or levers until the hole has equal width between each end. Two pieces of wood should be applied homogeneously to fix the patches in place, and with the clamps.

How Much Does It Cost To Re Key A Piano?

It will cost an average of $1,000 to $10,000 to restring every piano. If the restring is performed on an upright, it can cost $2000 to $4000; on a baby grand or grand, it can cost $4000 to $10,000. Restring the entire piano may not be necessary if a few areas of the strings are damaged.

How Do You Fix A Broken Piano Key?

It is fairly easy to solve the problem, except one thing: use the keys blocks located at both ends of the key slip to screw them away gently to fix it. After the key slip is removed from the piano, dust and other particles that may have settled within the piano can be removed and an opening can be closed to remove the key.

Can Piano Keys Be Repaired?

While smoothing out old piano keys is sometimes an unpleasant task, we try our best to minimize their significance by giving them a small bit of room. If you don’t mend a key yourself, you might suffer even more damage to your piano. Finding the root of the problem can be made easier if you work with a professional who specializes in the area.

How Do I Get The Yellow Off My Piano Keys?

In most cases, regular soap and washcloths will do the trick for cleaning pianos. Nonetheless, be advised that if you have an electric piano, any liquid (even water) should not be used on it. This can damage its electrical components. In that situation, you should always use a damp sponge or Magic Eraser chemically treated wipe.

What does it mean when your piano keys are stuck?

Repairing piano keys is sometimes a matter of giving the sticky key a slight wiggle to help everything fall back into place.

Why are my piano keys jammed?

Physical Blockage: Small obstructions like food particles often result in jammed keys. Tight Key Bushings: The balance pin and guiding pin of a piano key rest inside a felt-cushioned component. If the felt bushings are too tight or have swelled due to moisture, the pins cannot move freely and the key will stick.

Why is my piano key sticky?

What causes a piano key to become stuck in the first place? Here are the most common culprits: Humidity: Changes in the moisture level can cause the keys or the front rail to expand, creating spacing and alignment issues.

What to do if your key is stuck?

When you encounter a stuck, dead or damaged key, always consult with a professional to minimize the risk of damage. It’s imperative to follow a professional’s recommendations to ensure a simple key repair does not become a larger issue.

Why Are Piano Key Stuck? (Common Problem)

Before going deeper into how to fix a sticky piano key, we must learn about what makes them stuck.

How To Fix Stuck Piano Keys

There’s a passive and an active method to solve swollen keys from humidity.

How To Maintain Piano Keys

To avoid having to ask yourself how to deal with sticky piano keys every once in a while, you’ll have to properly maintain the ivories. With a piano, prevention is better and much cheaper than cure.

Final Thought About Sticky Piano Key

That should be everything for this guide on how to fix stuck piano keys! If you’re ever in doubt, you may come back to this article or even dial a professional technician to be completely sure.

Can Piano Keys Be Fixed?

In order to fix it, the key slip must be unscrewed using the two key blocks at either end, removing the key slip gently. After removing the key slip, dust and other particles stuck in the piano can be removed and replaced with the original one.

Why Are Piano Keys Loose?

It is advisable that old elbows must be replaced in conjunction with a durable plastic elbow because they cause non-operating and ghostly holding at the ends. A modern plastic elbow will resist wear and tear, which will make them less brittle.

Can Piano Keys Be Repaired?

Generally, if it is not possible to fix the sticky piano key, it makes sense to give it a slight wiggle so that it can fall into place normally again. If you try to repair a key yourself, you may damage your piano further. Finding the root cause of the issue will require a professional’s help.

How Much Does It Cost To Fix A Piano Key?

There is a cost of about $425 to do this procedure. $200 for a soprano piano and $565 for an upright piano. There is an additional charge of $200 for grand piano. As an alternative, you can remove the existing leads and replace them with new ones by. About $900 is needed to replace the keys.

Why Do Piano Keys Sag?

Its plastic production process causes the elbows to be very brittle over time. elbows come in contact with a ghost hand when they fall off of them, causing them to become non-operating.

Check the manual first

The first step is to consult your manual. It should have a section on how to troubleshoot and repair the problem if you’re experiencing no sound or even low-quality sound. Follow the steps carefully on your manual to try to repair the problem.

Tools you need

You can’t use simply use any tools on a digital piano. It requires specialized tools to be able to work on it safely. These tools can be purchased from a music store, hardware store, or electronics workshop. The screwdriver is the most important tool you will need.

How to fix stuck keys?

The way to fix stuck keys will depend on which type of digital piano you have. Below is a step-by-step guide to repairing each version. But first, try to wiggle your fingers through the keys and tap them up and down. If that doesn’t work, use a flathead screwdriver to gently lift the keys that are stuck.

Final thoughts

There is nothing worse than playing the piano and having the keys sick! Even one broken key can ruin the entire experience. When this happens, you are faced with three different options. Either replace the piano by buying a new one, try to repair it yourself, or call a technician to find the problem and see if it can be repaired easily.

How to fix sticky piano keys?

Fix Sticky Piano Keys Step 1: Identify Materials of the Keys Made with. Before you go ahead with cleaning your keys, you need to factor in the materials that they are made with. If your piano has plastic keys, then you may not need to put special care into cleaning them. However, if they are made of some other materials like ebony black ...

Why are my piano keys sticky?

You may simply be experiencing the case of a sticky piano key. There are a number of factors that may cause your keys to stick. A dust particle or even food crumbs may be the culprit in this scenario. Wood swellings, tight bushings, and tight sluggish parts may be a culprit as well.

How to clean a keypad?

First, you get a clean cloth and a bowl of clean water. Next, you add one or two drops of liquid soap. You should do your cleaning using only one edge of the cloth which you would be dipping in the bowl. In order to avoid the occurrence of a stuck key in the future, it would be a great idea to clean all the keys.

How to separate keypads with high humidity?

After identifying it, press it down alongside the key just beside it and use a thin-tipped screwdriver to separate both keys. This would make enough space between both keys so that it is unable to stick.

How to get rid of stuck keys?

So, you should rub each key lightly yet firmly until they are completely clean. Then use the dry part of the cloth to clean the moisture off.

Can you use a toothbrush to clean plastic keys?

Therefore, you cannot use just a piece of cloth and water as in cleaning stuck plastic keys. Instead, you could make use of a non-abrasive toothpaste and apply it with a soft toothbrush. For long term maintenance purposes, you would need to clean each key individually while concentrating on the stuck key (s).

Can you clean ivory keys?

However, you should ensure that you are concentrat ing your cleaning more on the key that is stuck. For ivory keys, you may be needing an ivory scrapper. But if you don’t want to make use of that, you can use another method. Cleaning ivory keys is a very delicate process because the keys are delicate.

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