Piano Problems: The Most Common

If you have a piano in your home, it is crucial to provide the necessary maintenance to ensure that your piano remains in superior condition over time. However, there are several common issues that can arise with your piano. Watching out for these issues can go a long way toward minimizing the possibility of substantial damage to your piano. Though pianos are certainly designed to be strong and durable, they are made up of many fragile components, so issues may arise over time. It is important to take careful care of your piano to reduce the likelihood of issues. Here are some of the most common piano problems and advice for what to do when you encounter them. If you are ever unsure what the issue is with your piano, you can always contact our experts at Ogden Piano Gallery to obtain guidance from a professional.

Common Piano Problems: Sour Sound

Pianos may have a sound that simply sounds wrong or off. In these situations, the most common issue is that the tuning has fallen out of alignment. It is important to have your piano tuned on a regular basis in order to protect it from substantial damage and ensure that it sounds as good as possible. If you haven’t had your piano serviced recently and it is starting to sound less than pleasant, it is likely that there is an issue with the tuning of your piano. However, it may also be caused by additional piano problems.

For example, the hammers may not be aligned correctly, which will result in additional issues. It is important to pay attention to the overall sound of your piano. This can help you to find potential issues in the early stages, before they are allowed to escalate to far more expensive issues. In most situations, you will want to have an expert come to examine your piano in order to have it restored to its pristine condition.

Sticking Keys

Sticking keys is certainly one of the most common piano problems that the instrument may experience. In addition, the keys can become dirty or chipped, which is why it is critical to not eat or have food near the piano. When you play the piano regularly, the oils from your fingers can transfer onto the keys. These oils can accumulate and cause the keys to stick. Key pad issues and physical blockages can also cause piano keys to stick, which can be frustrating and inconvenient.

Humidity also tends to have a substantial impact on your piano, so issues with humidity can lead to keys sticking, because the wood has expanded or shrunk. If you notice that the keys on your piano are sticking, you should try to clean them thoroughly in order to remove any foreign substance that may be causing the sticking. If this doesn’t resolve the initial issue, you should have an expert examine the piano to determine what the issue is that is causing the sticking keys. In some situations, it may be most beneficial to completely replace the keys in order to provide the best condition for your piano.

Aging Strings

Strings are made of incredibly strong metal components. Unfortunately, there are many ways in which they can wear down or even break over time, which is why aging strings are common piano problems. In some situations, it is only necessary to have the strings tightened or otherwise adjusted. However, in other situations, the strings will need to be replaced completely. Aging strings will generally impact the overall sound of the piano. When you don’t have the strings replaced, it is likely that the piano will fall out of tune far more quickly. New strings can go a long way toward keeping your piano in great condition for an extended period of time.

Rattling or Buzzing Noises

Rattling or buzzing noises can be caused by a wide array of issues. It could be an incredibly easy solution or it may require more intensive services. If you have noticed that there are rattling or buzzing noises coming from your piano, you may want to search around the piano for any loose or fallen objects. These objects are likely impacted by the vibrations of the piano, which leads to the rattling or buzzing sounds. If there are no obvious issues, it is likely that you will benefit from having your piano serviced by a professional.

There are many different issues that can occur that cause rattling or buzzing noises in your piano. If the issue isn’t immediately apparent, you will likely need a professional’s assistance in rectifying the issue. Cracked glue joints, loose bridge pins, loose screws, broken strings, or many other issues can cause the disruptive noise to the piano. A professional will be able to identify the issue and have it resolved.  

One or a Group of Wrong Notes

If you notice that the entire piano isn’t out of tune, but there is only one or possibly a group of notes that sound wrong, it is likely that there is an issue with your piano. A broken or misaligned hammer mechanism tends to result in these wrong notes. Broken or torn strings and tuning issues often lead to these various issues with your piano. It is likely that you will need to consult with a professional in order to have the piano restored to its prior condition.

Here at Ogden Piano Gallery, we provide you with a broad array of services to ensure that you can have a beautiful, functional piano in your home. Keep in mind that it is incredibly important to have your piano moved by a professional mover in order to keep it in the best possible condition. It is also important to have the piano tuned on a regular basis. When you don’t provide these services, it is likely that issues will occur with the piano. We can also help to provide you with a piano that will meet all of your needs. To learn more about our services or to identify an issue with your piano, contact our expert team at Ogden Piano Gallery today!