Piano World Home Page Forums Our Most Popular Forums Piano Tuner-Technicians Forum Loose key?

I am not sure if the title adequately explains the problem, but recently on my piano a few of the keys in the middle register (middle C and up) have seemed to have lost their sense of "friction" that the other keys have. They feel lighter and "sloppier" than the other keys, and is a real pain when playing because I will inevitably play them louder due to their ease of press down. What might be some of the possible causes of this? How might one remedy it?

My piano technician has already come out to look at it, and said that by adding mass to the hammers the problem to be alleviated. He applied so glue to the back of the hammers to make them a bit heavier, but this has not helped at all...

Thanks!

This is more than likely wear on the key bushing cloth. Your technician's answer is not good. You need a second opinion.

Agreed. Get someone else out there.

I've never heard of adding weight or glue to the hammer before. Adding a lead weight to the key is a common practice, but not to the hammer.

The only logical explanation would be that the key bushing is worn and is not providing enough leverage to the pin for it to remain steady. In which case, you would have to find a way to mend the key bushing or replace it.

There is also the possibility that the problem is in the action. In which case, minor regulation on those specific keys should suffice to restore their original touch.

You must be local to my area. This sounds a lot like something I would see done by Larry, proud owner of "Larry's Snowmobile Repair, Chainsaw Sharpening and Piano Tuning Emporium." If you happen to own all three (snowmobile, chainsaw and a piano (he pronounces it "pie-anner"), he has a great package deal on coming out to service the entire lot. Very efficient in that he uses the same tools throughout, from what I've heard. Amazing what you can do with a crescent wrench! Chuck

@OP It sounds like he did a great job!

You should call him for a complete lost-motion regulation on the action, those Jaws of Life in his garage would sure come in handy.