How to Fix Digital Piano Keys: Simple Advice to Solve Any Problem!

In this article, we are going to look at how to fix piano keys and give you some helpful hints along the way.
Fact Checked Yoke Wong
Yoke Wong
Review by Yoke Wong
Expert Consultant
Yoke Wong is a talented pianist and piano teacher, author of online piano courses Pianomother.com, founder of Harmony and Melody Studio.
Updated 16-08-2023
Updated 16-08-2023
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Have you ever wondered how to fix digital piano keys? Unlike traditional pianos, fixing digital piano keys isn’t difficult. You want to make sure your digital piano is working well at all times, especially if you need to practice regularly.

Problems can arise with your digital piano, so it’s important to inspect the keys regularly to ensure that all of them are working. If you’re a piano student or teacher, you’ll want to make sure that your digital piano keys are producing the correct sound. If you do experience broken piano keys, you’ll need to learn how to fix them without damaging your instrument.

Check the manual first

How to Fix Digital Piano Keys: Simple Advice to Solve Any Problem!

The first step is to consult your manual. It should have a section on how to troubleshoot and repair the problem if you’re experiencing no sound or even low-quality sound. Follow the steps carefully on your manual to try to repair the problem. If you have consulted the manual but are still unable to fix the problem, then you may need to do a bit more research. Keep reading for expert tips.

Tools you need

You can’t use simply use any tools on a digital piano. It requires specialized tools to be able to work on it safely. These tools can be purchased from a music store, hardware store, or electronics workshop. The screwdriver is the most important tool you will need. You will also need to purchase a cleaning solution such as Key-Brite Piano Key Cleaner to keep your piano keys.

Tools you can purchase include:

How to fix stuck keys?

The way to fix stuck keys will depend on which type of digital piano you have. Below is a step-by-step guide to repairing each version. But first, try to wiggle your fingers through the keys and tap them up and down. If that doesn’t work, use a flathead screwdriver to gently lift the keys that are stuck. Drive them apart by twisting until they become unstuck. Be careful not to damage any of the keys during this process.

If the keys are constructed from plastic, you can use a cloth dipped in vinegar and a small amount of warm water to clean them. The cloth should only be a bit damp and not dripping wet. Don’t use too much water, or you could cause moisture damage.

If you’re looking for an affordable entry-level piano Kawai remains one of the few manufacturers you can rely on. The brand provides high-quality digital pianos at an affordable price.

Once you become a bit more advanced, you can consider upgrading to one of the best digital pianos for under $2000. If you’re on a tighter budget, then there are some high-quality digital pianos under $500.

How to fix it on an upright piano?

  1. Open the hinged cover top, then unscrew the front panel. Push the hammer forward to see if the key is released. If nothing happens, unscrew and remove the action to expose the keys. Examine the keys carefully and look for any parts that are swollen due to moisture. Remove the affected keys and carefully sand them down.
  2. Remove any debris that shouldn’t be on the piano.
  3. Grab the stuck key and force it up and down, then move them slightly left and right. Hold the other keys with your hand, so they don’t move and affect the key you were working on.
  4. Spray the keys with a special cleaning solution. This will help remove dust and another build-up. The solution can be used on wood, ivory, and plastic keys.

How to fix it in grand piano?

  1. On a digital grand piano, you first need to remove the card that is in front of the keys. Check which brand you have. Some slide up, and others slide out.
  2. Once the cover is removed, look for any objects that may have fallen in and might be trapped inside. Pencils are often found stuck in action. Other objects such as coins could also be responsible for making the keys stick.
  3. Make sure that the card directly in front of the white keys is secured and doesn’t rub against the keys. If they do touch, place a spacer, such as a business card, between them. Tighten or loosen it until you have the desired effect.

Check the shock absorber, and if it is tilted too much, it can make the problem worse. Bend and twist the damper. If none of these steps work, it’s time to call a professional piano tuner.

How to fix dead or unresponsive keys?

Once you have cleaned the keys, if the problem persists, you will need to check the electronic connection beneath the key. Take the keyboard apart and examine the silicone pad. If there are any issues with it, it will need to be replaced.

How to fix broken keys?

  1. How to Fix Digital Piano Keys: Simple Advice to Solve Any Problem!Remove the screws to remove the back panel. One of these screws will look different from the others. Take special care when removing this screw.
  2. Carefully pull the upper part of the case to the back.
  3. It’s important not to remove it completely. Instead, tilt it backward and look inside.
  4. Take care not to damage the two cables that connect the panel to the piano.
  5. Lift the back of the broken key, then push the key from behind and carefully lift the front.
  6. You can now insert the replacement key. Push it down to the front to secure it into place.
  7. Slide the panel back on and see if your repair was successful.

What shouldn’t you fix on your own?

Some repairs can be carried out by following simple instructions while others should be left to the professionals. If, after following the repair instructions, your piano is still giving trouble, then you should contact a repair technician to assist.

If you’re not sure how to fix the piano keys, you’ll land up damaging them more, and you could void the warranty. If you need to replace your keyboard, there are Casio keyboards available for a relatively affordable price.

Pianos are very intricate musical instruments, and in fact, it takes a year Trusted Source Why it takes a year to construct the world's greatest piano Each piano, composed of some 12,000 individual parts, takes a full year to assemble at Steinway & Sons’ factory in Hamburg, Germany. In this film, we see glimpses of the Japanese pianist Aisa Ijiri performing “Prelude and Fugue in A minor BWV 543” by Johann Sebastian Bach as she soundtracks the meticulous process of the piano’s construction. www.cnn.com to construct the world’s greatest piano, The Steinway and Sons piano. Statistics suggest that up to 90% of performing pianists choose this renowned German brand. It has high sound quality and is known as an industry leader in its field.

Final thoughts

There is nothing worse than playing the piano and having the keys sick! Even one broken key can ruin the entire experience. When this happens, you are faced with three different options. Either replace the piano by buying a new one, try to repair it yourself, or call a technician to find the problem and see if it can be repaired easily. Many broken pianos are dumped or abandoned Trusted Source Will your piano end up in the dump? Restorers often make the analogy with vintage cars – it is usually cheaper to buy new than rebuild, and keeping an old model going is more a hobby pursuit than a practical one. www.bbc.com , so try to recycle them if they can’t be repaired.

If your piano is still under warranty, then call the manufacturer as they may be able to assist you. Hopefully, after reading this article, you will know how to fix digital piano keys yourself, and you won’t require a technician for assistance. To protect your digital keyboard from further damage, you should purchase a dust cover to keep debris at bay. If troubleshooting the problem is unsuccessful, then calling an expert might be a better option.

References

1.
Why it takes a year to construct the world
Each piano, composed of some 12,000 individual parts, takes a full year to assemble at Steinway & Sons’ factory in Hamburg, Germany. In this film, we see glimpses of the Japanese pianist Aisa Ijiri performing “Prelude and Fugue in A minor BWV 543" by Johann Sebastian Bach as she soundtracks the meticulous process of the piano’s construction.
2.
Will your piano end up in the dump?
Restorers often make the analogy with vintage cars – it is usually cheaper to buy new than rebuild, and keeping an old model going is more a hobby pursuit than a practical one.
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