One of the most common problems I find with pianos is sticking keys (I have had two Sheffield customers with this problem is the last week alone). There are multiple things that can cause a sticking key, but it tends to be due to the key bushings (the felt inside the keys resting on balance pin and the guide pin) swelling due to changes in humidity. Even a small amout of moisture can cause them to swell, putting too much pressure on the pins.

There are a several things you can try yourself before calling a piano tuner. Firstly, take the key out and clean any dust or exceess dirt lying under and round it. Put the key back on and try and again. If it still sticks, press the key down and gently move it back and forth (be careful on the black keys as the wood is thinner and too much pressure could crack the wood).

If you’ve tried these steps and none have worked then a piano tuner can help you. First off I will check the piano action to see if there are any problems with it that are causing the keys to stick. If the action is fine and the problem is indentified as swollen bushings, I have a special tool that compresses the felt in the bushing allowing it to move more freely on the balance pin and the rest pin. If I have tried this and the key is still sticking, then you need to have the key bushings replaced. Replacing key bushings is a fairly quick and easy job but I’d advise calling a piano tuner/technician rather than attempting it yourself.

– Richard, Piano Tuner Sheffield