How to Repair Broken Piano Keys
- Prepare the patch. Find a wooden plank. ...
- Apply glue If the key breaks and doesn’t come out completely, use a toothpick and glue to lighten it. ...
- Apply the patch
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:
- Dust build-up (The sensors are dirty and need to be cleaned)
- A penny or a coin has fallen inside of the key-bed
- Part of the key has snapped (Typically when a key is stuck in place, this is because the backend of the key is broken)
- The spring below the key is broken
Can piano keys be repaired?
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 much does it cost to fix a broken piano key?
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.
How do you fix a broken ivory piano key?
0:562:30Easy Piano Key Top Ivory Repair DIY - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou can use any of the CA glues or like this professional-grade super glue for this you dab a littleMoreYou can use any of the CA glues or like this professional-grade super glue for this you dab a little bit on and you find the matching.
How do you restore plastic piano keys?
For plastic keys, it's okay to use a gentle cleaning solution. For most pianos, regular dish soap and a washcloth will do the trick. Be advised, however, that if you have an electric piano, any liquid (even water) should be avoided, as this can damage the electrical components inside.
Are the ivory keys on a piano worth anything?
Ivory keytops are not valuable. Because the trade in ivory is completely outlawed around the world, the keytops are not valuable. But even if it was legal, remember that only a thin veneer on top of the key is made of ivory.
How much does it cost to Repin a piano?
The cost to restring a piano varies quite a bit, ranging from $1,000 to $10,000. If you look at specific types of pianos you will see that upright pianos usually cost $2,000 to $4,000 for restringing, while baby grand or grand pianos sit in the range of $4,000 to $10,000.
What is the best glue for ivory piano keys?
SUPERIOR 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 I know if my piano keys are ivory?
Look for an ultraviolet torch. Hold it above the piano keys. If you notice the keys reflect either bright white or violet-blue colours, the keys are made of ivory. Artificial material like resins or plastics will show a completely different reaction.
How do you fix broken ivory?
Mix clear glue with fine ivory, bone or antler shavings. Fill the crack with the glue and shavings mixture. Press the crack together and hold for two minutes for a thorough bond. Allow two to three hours for the mixture to dry.
Can you use Clorox wipes on piano keys?
Disinfecting Piano Keys Use diluted alcohol-based disinfectants, do not use bleach-based disinfectants or any product containing citrus.
Can you clean piano keys with alcohol?
The easiest solution for cleaning your key tops is the following: A Damp – not wet. If this doesn't get all the dirt and gunk off the keys then you can try a high solution of alcohol (90% rubbing alcohol) but just damp and not wet. It's important not to use too much alcohol on the keys as it can damage them.
Can you paint piano keys?
0:062:12Painting Piano Keys - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAll these keys here would paint like a white plastic paint. So it's starting at C V. And then itMoreAll these keys here would paint like a white plastic paint. So it's starting at C V. And then it ends to be we're gonna paint each out to the different color we're on a good sandpaper.
Why do piano keys stop working?
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 dead key?
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...•
Can stuck piano keys be fixed?
The fix is reasonably simple, requiring the unscrewing of the two key blocks located at both ends of the key slip to gently work it out. While it is removed, dust and other objects that may be stuck within the piano can be removed and then the key slip replaced to its correct position.
Can you replace ivory on piano keys?
0:182:53Can You Replace Just One Ivory Key on Your Piano? - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWell maybe you can it really depends a lot of tuners will carry. Around spare ivories from pianosMoreWell maybe you can it really depends a lot of tuners will carry. Around spare ivories from pianos that had ivories. But half of them were broken. So they take off the others.
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.
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.
What is Bradfield Piano?
At Bradfield Piano, our piano technicians are qualified to work on instruments from all manufacturers. We offer a wide range of services, including maintenance and repairs , Steinway restorations and piano refinishing. State-of-the-art technology, decades of experience and a love of music come together in a Bradfield Piano repair and restoration project.
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.
Can you replace a key on a Steinway piano?
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 to clean ivory piano keys?
First, use a mixture of mild hand soap and warm water to clean the ivory piano key, and then remove all soapy residue with a water-dampened cloth.
How to make a piano key color?
Take a plastic cup and mix the Acrylic Polymer Powder with the Acrylic Monomer Liquid (add a little bit of the Yellow Acrylic Polymer Powder if you need to in order to match the color of your piano keys).
What is the bleaching process on keys?
We use a special bleaching process on the keys to whiten them, as pictured below. Our whitening process uses commercial grade hydrogen peroxide and a strong UV light.
Can you whiten ivory keys?
In addition to repairing broken keys, we can also clean and whiten ivory keys that have yellowed. Again, this is something that you can try doing on your own first, but be very careful as using improper cleaning solutions or techniques can damage the keys.
Can Moore piano repair ivory keys?
As you can see, there are quite a few materials required for this process, which is why we recommend having a professional like Moore Piano do the repairs for you. The following “before and after” pictures are an example of an ivory piano key that we repaired. Contact us today to request a quote on our services.
Can ivory piano keys be repaired?
Many people are not aware that chipped ivory piano keys can be repaired. There is actually a product called AcryliKey that is made specifically for this purpose. Similar in nature to dental epoxy, AcryliKey is a special powder that is mixed with Acrylic Monomer Liquid and applied to the chipped piano key.
