Common Problems

(Updated June 30th 2023) I get lots of questions about sticking keys. Some people think sticking keys means there is something horribly wrong with their piano, but that’s not always true. Nearly every piano I’ve serviced had at least one key that was a little slow.

Even new pianos have sticking keys

I’m often the first technician to address a piano after it’s been unboxed and placed on the showroom floor, fresh from the factory. The first things I do is check for sticking keys, and there’s almost always a few that could be improved. See? Even new pianos can have little things that need to be ironed out.

I have a fine tuned process for going over a new piano to make sure everything is working as it should. Most new pianos, whether they come from Indonesia, Japan, Germany or New York are very close to perfection right out of the box! But for all the little things that happen during transport, or to catch anything that was missed, I will be there to make it right.

What about older pianos?

Sometimes on an older piano half of the keys stick, and occasionally all of them do. Knowing why this is happening is important. Does the piano need to be completely restored? Is it verti-grease? Does it just need lubricated? Should the piano be hauled away and recycled? If your piano hasn’t been serviced in a long time, let us help you determine the cause of your sticking keys and if it’s worth repairing.

If you live in a climate with big humidity swings (like here in Chicago), one day with the windows open could be all the piano needs to start misbehaving. However, when your piano is serviced every 6 months, sticking keys should appear infrequently. We will check thoroughly for sticking keys every time we are in front of your piano, and will also point out anything else you should be aware of. Pianos are very technician dependent, but the payoff of a perfectly functioning piano is satisfying in a way that no virtual piano can ever be!

If you would like us to evaluate your piano virtually before you make an appointment, email caleb@chicagopianotuners.com or text anytime at 312-785-9393. If you’re ready to book, please proceed to the scheduler below.

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Pianos are intricate and precise pieces of equipment designed with finely tuned parts that work together to create wonderful sounds. However, just like any instrument, regular cleanings and maintenance is the key to keeping everything functioning correctly. So, while you might want to put this chore on hold in favor of other household tasks, it’s vital to the longevity of the device that you don’t. These are a few reasons why it’s important to clean your piano.

Slower Deterioration of Parts

Acoustic pianos are very strong and durable devices, but even they are sensitive to a series of environmental conditions. Humidity, specifically, can have drastic and lasting effects on the way your instrument looks and performs. In fact, it can even cause the internal components to rust and lose their flexibility. Regularly cleaning these parts can significantly slow the deterioration process and keep the mechanisms running smoother for a longer time.

Less Frequent Maintenance

Likewise, frequent cleanings can also result in less frequent maintenance for your piano. The more often you wipe it down and address any issues, the lower your chances are of needing to get it professionally fixed. This cuts the overall costs you would need to spend to maintain your instrument and allows you to preserve its value.

A Sleek, Well-Kept Appearance

Additionally, regular cleaning practices allow you to keep your piano looking as gorgeous as the day you bought it. The deep, natural sheen of the finished wood can fade over time as your instrument collects dust from the room around it. Without proper care, this dust can remove the piano’s characteristic shine and begin staining the once beautiful surface. Because of this, it’s highly recommended that you occasionally dust off and clean the piano exterior with a dry or slightly damp cotton cloth, depending on the finish.

Better Overall Performance

Most notably, it’s important to clean your piano because of the way it affects performance. Dirty pianos are often met with sticky keys, off-tune notes, and squeaking peddles. All these occurrences can make the instrument more difficult to use correctly and can hurt the music you’re trying to create. As such, removing extra oil and dirt from the keys, dusting the inner mechanics, and shining the exterior will all contribute to the show you give on your piano.

Piano care is our calling at Chicago Piano Tuners. Whether you need to move your instrument or conduct a few necessary repairs, we’ll be there to provide you with the best possible assistance. Additionally, our affordable piano tuning services will ensure that your piano not only performs at its best but also that your budget remains intact.