I probably shouldn't post the qusestion here (but in the piano forum), but I thought there might be some silly thing I'm just missing and that someone maybe recognizes the issue...

I have a Yamaha Clainova digital piano, and suddenly there is a key that is acting strange. More precisely it is the first B above the middle C. Sometimes it feels as usual and sometimes it is as if something was pushing back when I press the key. Let's say I repeatedly play some eith notes on that key, then approximately one time out of five the key will be responding as smoothly as it should.

I'm guessing that there might be a problem with the graded hammer system. But why just this key? I have been moving the piano several times in the last years, last move was last summer. I think it was handeled carefully, but could something have been damaged?

I doubt that it is damage caused by moving. I have an old clavinova (slab style) that has used for live gigs many years and was never damaged due to hauling.

You could call Yamaha and find the nearest certified service center and talk to a technician who works there.

If you feel confident to do so, you could open it up and examine the mechanical parts associated with that key.

Yes, I think I should try doing that. Good suggestion.

I hope I will not end up having to take the piano to the shop myself...

Check your warranty status before you open it up, sometimes that'll void your warranty if you still have one. If your warranty is expired however, then by all means, take it apart, just be careful with it.

You could also try posting your thread here as well:
http://www.pianoworld.com/forum/ubbthrea...20&%20.html

Most of the people there seem really helpful and knowledgeable about digital pianos and might be able to help you out. In any case, I hope you get it all sorted out, best of luck to you!

Basia,

This seems to be a very common problem.

Three of my A keys stick, but only in the winter.

If I press the keys absolutely straight down there is no problem.

But if I use any side-ways force, to the right or left, the key feels very heavy.

Here's a link that might heip:

Fixing Broken Keys


Mel

Just a thought: I would recommend calling Yamaha Service first and finding out if this is a known issue with these keyboards.

I had a 9-year-old P200 with a sticking keys problem. It turns out it was a defect in the original design, and Yamaha offered to fix it for free. They did a one-time total keybed replacement at no cost to me. Have the serial number on-hand when you call, and they'll be able to tell you if there are any special service offers for that particular unit.

Thanks all, that's very helpful! The problem is exactly as Dannylux describes it. I will not open up the piano myself for the reasons AnotherSchmoe mentions. It might take a while for me to find warranty papers and the contact information leaflet, since it probably is in a box in the attic after all the moving around. Hopeful about having it solved though! will let you know how it goes.

Yamaha P60's have an infamous week key mechanism - I had to replace 15 on a school instrument last year. Whether your model is the same, I don't know. Try surfing - I received loads of help.

Is it the same issue that I highlighted on this thread a few months ago?

Yamaha CLP-170 "sticky" keys

If so, I would also like to find out a permanent solution to this. It still isn't sorted!

I'd still call Yamaha - I didn't need any warranty papers or sales receipt for mine. Just the serial number.

The clavinove series has a five year warranty. The the service guy comes to your location.

If it is out of warranty then notice that you can take it in without a mover. the "piano" attaches to the stand with only four screws from the botton and connection to the the peddles simply un-plug from the rear. Five minutes with a screw driver and it becomes movable. Instructions are in the user manual. If you've lost it you can download a copy from Yamaha's web site.


The key stick problem is likely just dirt, dust a dead spider or whatever in the keys. If a key is broken parts are cheap labor isn't.