Chasing the Piano Buzz

Written By Ty Uphoff, RPT

The piano, with its intricate design and beautiful sound, is a magnificent musical instrument. However, like any complex machine, pianos can occasionally produce undesirable sounds, such as buzzing and rattling. These unwelcome noises can be frustrating for pianists and disrupt the music-making experience. In this blog post, we will explore the common causes behind buzzing and rattling in your piano, how to diagnose the issue, and steps to address and prevent these auditory annoyances.

Here are some common causes of buzzing and rattling in a piano:

  • Loose Parts: Pianos have numerous components, including screws, hinges, and pins. Over time, these parts can become loose due to the piano's vibrations or other factors, leading to rattling sounds.

  • String and Wire Issues: Damaged or improperly tensioned piano strings or wires can vibrate in an unintended way, producing buzzing or rattling sounds.

  • Action Mechanism Problems: The action mechanism of a piano consists of many moving parts. If any of these parts are damaged, misaligned, or worn out, they can create buzzing or rattling noises.

  • Soundboard Issues: The soundboard is a crucial component for producing sound in a piano. If it develops cracks, warping, or other structural problems, it can cause buzzing sounds.

  • Environmental Factors: Changes in temperature and humidity can affect the wood and metal components of a piano, potentially leading to buzzing or rattling issues.

  • Debris: Pianos can collect objects and grime over time. We have pulled many objects out of piano actions and cabinets like pencils, paper clips, small toys, and even a violin bow!

  • Room Furnishings: Sometimes buzzes and rattles are caused by the sound waves hitting various furnishings in the room the piano is in. Ceiling fans, nearby window panes, and rooms with no soft furnishings can all distort the sound the player is experiencing.

Buzzing and rattling sounds in your piano can be vexing, but they are usually solvable with the right approach. Regular maintenance and care, along with prompt attention to any unusual sounds, can help keep your piano in excellent playing condition and ensure that it continues to produce the beautiful music you love. Don't hesitate to seek our professional assistance when needed, as we have the expertise to diagnose and resolve more complex issues.

Ty Uphoff, RPT

“While a passion for music and for sharing music is arguably not necessary for fine work on a piano, I couldn’t imagine doing this without it.”

— Ty

Experienced Technician

When choosing a technician, experience matters. Ty Uphoff began his technical training at the age of 16. With over two decades of experience in multiple states he has serviced thousands of instruments. It takes years of training to learn the skills necessary to service a piano and more years afterwards to be able to do both quality work and do so in a timely manner. While experience is an important component of choosing your technician, arguably one could have decades of experience without advancing their knowledge.

In addition to over two decades experience as a technician, Ty plays the piano. His expertise in piano care and maintenance comes from a passion for achieving the best playing experience. While being capable at playing the piano may not be required to service one, playing well enough to speak the language of the most discerning players is critical when it comes to bringing the best out of their instruments.

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Continued Education

Beginning with a one on one apprenticeship, Ty continues to further his education through monthly meetings of the local Piano Technicians Guild that include technical drills on many varying aspects of piano technology. He attends week long annual international conventions, continues to train with major manufacturers, and he attends regular webinars with industry leaders in various specific skills of the trade. Through extensive testing, he has passed all the requirements to become a Registered Piano Technician of the Guild, a credential achieved by fewer than a ten active technicians locally and fewer than 2,500 piano technicians worldwide.

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