As your Piano Tuner Wilmington DE, I often find that piano owners tolerate squeaking piano keys, because they do not understand that they can usually be fixed easily. Here is some information about key design and maintenance that may be useful to you, if the keys on your piano ever start squeaking.
Piano keys are typically made of pine or some other soft wood, with hardwood inserts at the points of stress, so that the keys are less likely to wear out or break. The reason that the whole key is not made of hardwood is that the piano keys would be heavier and less responsive to sensitive touch variations, and they would be needlessly more expensive.
The keys are aligned using two vertical pins that rise from the key frame which sits below the keys. Each key has two mortises, or openings to accommodate these pins. Each mortise has key bushings made of red wool cloth glued to each side, so that the key glides alongside the piano pin.
These bushings have multiple functions. First, they allow smooth quiet movement of the keys as they glide along the pins, and second, when the bushings get worn out, they can be easily replaced. Without them, the entire key would need to be replaced after wear, which would be much more expensive.
When keys start squeaking, it is time to consult a qualified piano technician. Often either the bushings or the pins can be cleaned or lubricated, which is relatively inexpensive. If the key bushings squeaking because they are worn out, then that would require a moderate expense.
As your piano tuning Delaware experts, we have the expertise to determine the most cost-effective way to restore proper function to your keys and to all the elements of your piano. We also offer piano tuning Philadelphia, Southern New Jersey and Eastern Shore MD. We are happy to answer any questions that you might have, so please feel free to give us a call.
