How Does Your Piano Play? Common Piano Touch Issues and Solutions

A well-maintained piano can be a joy to play, offering a smooth and responsive touch. However, when something feels off, it can make playing feel like an uphill battle. This sensation, often referred to as the "touch" of the piano, encompasses how the instrument responds to the player’s touch and pressure on the keys. In this post, we’ll delve into common piano touch problems and their solutions, helping you understand how to get the best performance from your instrument.

1. Heavy Keys: Understanding and Fixing Stiff Piano Keys

One of the most frequent complaints with older pianos is keys that feel heavy or stiff. This issue can make it challenging to play for extended periods or to perform softly, as significant effort is needed just to depress the keys. Heavy keys can have several causes, but they generally result from parts of the piano's action mechanism experiencing friction due to the swelling of wooden components.

Solution:
The remedy for heavy keys often involves lubrication at specific contact points in the action mechanism. Depending on the part, this may require different types of lubricants:

• Dry Lubricant: Fine white chalk is often used for areas where wood components rub against each other.

• Wet Lubricant: For more intricate parts, a specialized lubricant like Protek is used by professional piano technicians to reduce friction without causing long-term damage.

Regular maintenance can prevent these issues from escalating, ensuring a lighter and more responsive touch.

2. Lost Motion: When Your Piano Keys Have No Contact

Another common issue is when the piano keys seem to lack contact with the mechanism. You might press a key down and feel a gap before it engages and the hammer moves forward to strike the string. This issue, known as "lost motion," occurs when a felt component within the action becomes compressed over time, creating a gap at a crucial contact point.

Solution:
Lost motion is usually resolved by adjusting a part of the piano called the capstan. This adjustment can eliminate the gap, restoring the correct feel and dynamic range of the keys. It is a relatively straightforward fix that can typically be completed in under 20 minutes. In fact, during a tuning session, if we notice severe lost motion, we often perform this adjustment as part of our service to ensure the best playing experience.

3. Blow Distance: Why Your Piano Might Be Hard to Play Softly

The “blow distance” refers to the distance the hammer travels before it strikes the string. Over time, as various components of the piano action wear down, the hammer can be released from its starting position too far away from the string. This can make it difficult to play softly because the key requires extra force to propel the hammer far enough to hit the string with the necessary velocity.

Solution:
Adjusting the blow distance is crucial for achieving the correct touch and dynamic control. This adjustment is more complex than correcting lost motion and involves precise calibration of the action mechanism. It requires a skilled technician to ensure the piano remains responsive and capable of producing a full dynamic range, from the softest pianissimo to the loudest fortissimo.

4. Other Common Piano Touch Issues and How to Address Them

• Sticky Keys: Often caused by humidity or debris, sticky keys can be fixed by carefully cleaning and lubricating the key pins and bushings.

• Uneven Touch: Variations in the resistance of keys can be due to inconsistent regulation. A full regulation service can balance the touch across the keyboard.

Why Regular Piano Servicing is Essential

Regular servicing and tuning not only maintain the pitch of your piano but also ensure that the touch remains even and responsive. A well-regulated piano enhances the playing experience and can prevent minor issues from developing into major problems that require costly repairs.

If you're experiencing any of these problems or if your piano doesn't feel as responsive as it should, don’t hesitate to reach out. Our team is equipped with the right tools and expertise to solve these issues efficiently. Click the contact button or give us a call to schedule a consultation or service appointment.