Piano Repair of Sticky Keys in The Keyboard
Sticky, Jammed or Problematic Keys
Sticky Keys or Sluggish keys can come about due to a variety of reasons.
A careful examination is thus necessary to perform the necessary repair to nurse the affected keys back to working condition again. This maybe done as part of piano services or during a piano tuning session.
Some reasons which could result in the malfunctioning of keys could be fractured keys, cracked key buttons, loose key bushings, loose leads, oxidised leads, loose balance holes and pulley keys.
If the key doesn't move freely, its bushings may be tight or the key pins oxidised. If the resistance is greater toward the ends of the key travel, the balance hole may need to be reamed. There maybe debris or excess glue inside bushing mortises, or the key pin may be nicked. The leads may have expanded and are rubbing against the neighbouring key. The key or the key end felt may rub against its neighbour, or the backcheck may rub against the neighbouring hammer, as in the case of grand pianos.
Hence, the usage of the correct tools and substances is necessary towards the diagnosis and repair, without causing damage to the other surrounding moving parts or the wood finishings.
Learn More
Piano tuning would approximately take an hour and a half to complete. All piano tunings are performed using the aural/scientific method, taking into account piano make and inharmonicity of strings.