5 Common Piano Problems

Five common piano problems are tuning instability, sticky keys, noisy action parts, aging parts, and environmental factors. Pianos are delicate instruments that need consistent maintenance and care to stay in prime condition. Despite your best efforts, pianos can develop issues over time due to various factors. In this blog post, we’ll discuss some common piano problems.

Tuning Instability

Tuning instability is a frequent issue, causing pianos to go out of tune more often than they should. Factors like temperature changes, humidity, and natural wear and tear of the strings can contribute to this. If your piano isn’t tuned regularly, this problem may worsen and eventually make the piano unplayable.

Piano Keys That Stick

Sticky keys are another common problem. When a key doesn’t return to its original position after being pressed, playing certain notes becomes difficult or impossible. This can result from dirt or debris buildup under the key, a warped wooden key, or a broken spring mechanism.

Noisy Piano Action

Piano action noise can be caused by loose or worn parts and aging felt material. Action noise can range from a light tapping to a loud thump or clunk, which can be distracting and diminish the enjoyment of playing the piano.

Aging Piano Parts

Aging parts, including strings, hammers, felts, and other components, can also cause issues. Over time, these parts may wear out, become brittle, or break, affecting sound quality and playability.

Changing Piano Environment

Environmental factors like high humidity or dryness can also cause significant problems for pianos. Humidity can lead to swelling and warping of wooden components, while dryness can result in cracking and shrinking.

Getting Rid of Common Piano Problems

In conclusion, pianos are intricate instruments that can develop various problems over time. Regular maintenance, including tuning, cleaning, and inspection, can help prevent or reduce many of these issues. 

At Clare’s Player Pianos, we offer a range of repair and restoration services to help maintain your piano. Give us a call at 210-593-8329 or request a quote.