Piano Repairs — What’s Good to Know
A piano is a complex mechanical instrument made up of thousands of individual parts, most of them moving. Over time, normal use and ageing cause wear, which can affect how the piano feels, sounds, and responds.
Regular maintenance and timely repairs help keep your piano playing reliably and prevent small issues from becoming expensive ones.
The Main Parts of a Piano
1. The Key Action (Mechanism)
The action is the heart of the piano. When you press a key, a sequence of levers moves the hammer to strike the strings and then resets ready for the next note.
The action includes:
Keys and key bushings
Hammers, shanks, and flanges
Wippens, jacks, and repetition parts
Springs, felt, and leather components
This is the area most affected by wear and the most common source of playing problems.
2. The Keyboard
The keyboard includes the keys themselves and their balance and guide pins. Over time keys can:
Become uneven in height
Feel loose or sluggish
Develop clicking or side-to-side movement
These issues are usually addressed through key regulation and bushing work.
3. The Strings and Tuning Pins
Strings are under very high tension and can:
Corrode or fatigue over time
Break (especially older or heavily played pianos)
Tuning pins can loosen with age, which affects tuning stability.
4. The Soundboard and Bridges
The soundboard amplifies the sound of the strings. While generally very durable, it can develop:
Cracks (often cosmetic and not always a problem)
Loose or worn bridge pins
Not all soundboard cracks require repair — assessment is important.
5. Dampers and Pedals
Dampers stop the strings from vibrating when keys are released. Pedals control sustain, softness, and other functions.
Common issues include:
Notes that continue ringing
Pedals that squeak, stick, or feel loose
Common Piano Repairs and Adjustments
1. Action Regulation
Regulation is the precise adjustment of the action so all notes respond evenly. This affects:
Touch and responsiveness
Repetition speed
Control and consistency
Action regulation is one of the most common and most effective piano services.
2. Key Regulation
Key regulation ensures:
Even key height and depth
Consistent feel across the keyboard
Smooth and quiet key movement
3. Hammer Work
Over time, hammer felt becomes compacted and worn. This can make the piano sound harsh or uneven. Hammer reshaping or replacement can greatly improve tone.
Damper Regulation and Repair
Ensures notes stop cleanly and evenly when keys are released.
Ensures notes stop cleanly and evenly when keys are released.
4. Minor Mechanical Repairs
These include:
Replacing broken or worn parts
Fixing sticking or sluggish notes
Eliminating clicks, rattles, or squeaks
Many issues can be resolved without major disassembly.
When Should a Piano Be Repaired or Regulated?
You may notice:
Uneven touch or response
Notes that stick, don’t repeat properly, or sound late
Excessive noise from the keys or pedals
Loss of control or clarity when playing
These are usually signs that regulation or minor repairs are needed rather than major rebuilding.
Repair vs Replacement
In many cases, targeted repairs and regulation can dramatically improve a piano’s performance at a fraction of the cost of replacement. A professional assessment helps determine what work is worthwhile.