Repairing Guides

how to repair piano keys

by Valentin Roberts I Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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How to fix it on an upright piano?

  • Open the hinged cover top, then unscrew the front panel. Push the hammer forward to see if the key is released. If...
  • 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. Hold the other keys with your hand,...
  • Spray the keys with a special cleaning...

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

Can you fix a sticky key on a piano?

Stuck or damaged keys are common issues that piano owners encounter — and they can be some of the trickiest to fix. Repairing piano keys is sometimes a matter of giving the sticky key a slight wiggle to help everything fall back into place. But you could risk further damaging your piano by trying to mend a key yourself.

Are your piano keys damaged beyond repair?

But sometimes piano keys can become damaged beyond repair due to time and improper maintenance. Professional piano technicians — like our factory-trained, proven staff at Bradfield Piano — work to preserve the original keys whenever possible. Small physical obstructions or tight key bushings can often be repaired while keeping the keys intact.

How to fix a digital grand piano that won't turn on?

On a digital grand piano, you first need to remove the card that is in front of the keys. Check which brand you have. Some slide up, and others slide out. Once the cover is removed, look for any objects that may have fallen in and might be trapped inside. Pencils are often found stuck in action.

Why are my piano keys stuck?

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. So how do you fix them? Simply cleaning your piano may be all you need to make a key come unstuck.

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Can you fix a piano key?

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.

How do you fix dead keys on a 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 much does it cost to fix piano keys?

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 glue do you use 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.

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 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.

Can chipped 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.

Is my old piano worth fixing?

In many cases, a new(er) piano will play better than the antique piano will, even when rebuilt. Ultimately, the answer for whether to rebuild or replace an antique or a family heirloom piano depends on the severity of the rebuilding needed and the emotional attachment of the owner.

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.

What is the best glue for ivory piano keys?

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

How do you glue the black keys back on a piano?

3:217:46Easy Piano Key Replacement - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipMake sure that the edges are equal on both sides of the key. And then you just push it flat. You'reMoreMake sure that the edges are equal on both sides of the key. And then you just push it flat. You're probably gonna have a little bit of glue come out that the front here.

What glue works best on ivory?

White glue, such as Elmer's, works in most cases, but epoxy works better for inserting ivory into flat grain wood. If the ivory and the object you would like to glue the ivory to are both smooth, CA glues work well. PVA resin glue works on most projects and tends to be stronger than white glue.

How do you fix a dead key on a mechanical keyboard?

If a mechanical keyboard key stopped working, a squirt or two of zero-residue contact cleaner and a couple of minutes of keypresses usually restores it.

Can a piano be too old to tune?

sound vibrant and young but the tuning is incredibly stable and you would never have known it was a piano from over 100 years ago. This is a very rare occurrence but it does happen and with the right environment the date of manufacture may be superfluous.

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 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 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.

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.

How to get rid of sticky keys on piano?

Keep your temperature balanced around the piano or keep the piano in the most suitable room. This is how you can get rid of sticky piano keys. It is the most natural and easy way to unstick piano keys. There is no other natural way, but you can always check and play blindly. You need to press the key beside the sticky key for a longer period ...

Why do piano keys stick?

If there is an excess of humidity at a particular place, then there are higher chances of your keys to stick. Due to wooden build body, humidity, and air both affect the keys. Keep your temperature balanced around the piano or keep the piano in ...

How to get stuck keys out of a car?

Once you remove all the sticking keys, use a vacuum cleaner with medium pressure. Make sure you completely blow out the humidity or water with the help of a vacuum cleaner. Now when you have cleaned and set the base dry. Fix the keys back as they were.

How to know how many keys are sticking?

To understand the sticking of keys, keep pressing all the keys four to five times, and give a long press on the keys. Soon you will get to know that how many no. of keys are sticking. We will work from left to right. The wood on which the keys are dependent is known as the fulcrum.

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 Repair A Broken Digital Piano Key

First things first, make sure you take pictures frequently and place parts that you take out together. The last thing you want to do is fix the key and then forget where the parts go.

Broken Synthesizer Keys

I have dealt with this problem on my Dave Smith Prophet keyboard many of times. Typically, what happens is one of the keys will begin to stick up.

Wrapping Up

Replacing a key on a digital piano is frustrating, but it can be gratifying as you’re potentially saving hundreds of dollars.

Reasons Behind Piano Keys Not Working

Particles that have fallen from the air. This is most common in newer pianos and can be fixed by cleaning the keys with a damp cloth or opening up the piano to clean out any particles caught inside.

What to Do if the Keys of My Piano Gets Stuck?

This is a common problem on pianos, and it can be fixed with the following steps.

What to Do When My Piano Goes Out of Tune?

The first thing you should do is try to identify the problem. Usually, a piano will go out of tune due to humidity levels in your home or because someone has played it too much and bent keys. If you think an outside force caused the issue, then please contact a professional as soon as possible.

Precautions While Fixing Piano Keys

Wear a dust mask when sanding or scraping keys to avoid inhaling the particles. This will also help protect against any paint, stain, and varnish that may be on your lungs from old finishes.

Conclusion

I hope that the processes I have mentioned here will surely be beneficial for fixing your piano keys that are not working. Thank you, and have a good day.

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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