Sticking Keys? Why Me?

Written By Erik Martin, RPT

Why Do Piano Keys Stick?

Piano keys can stick for various reasons, but the most common culprits include:

  • Dirt and Debris: Over time, dust, dirt, and debris can accumulate inside a piano, especially under the keys. This buildup can interfere with the keys' movement, causing them to stick.

  • Changes in Humidity: Pianos are sensitive to changes in humidity levels. High humidity can cause the wooden components of the piano, including the keys, to swell, while low humidity can lead to shrinking. Both scenarios can result in keys that don't function smoothly.

  • Wear and Tear: As pianos age, the felt and leather components that facilitate key movement can wear out. This wear and tear can cause keys to stick or become sluggish.

  • Loose or Broken Parts: Loose or broken parts within the piano's action mechanism can also lead to sticking keys. This might include broken springs, hammers, or other components.

Sticking keys on a piano can be a frustrating issue for pianists, but it's a problem that can often be resolved with some basic maintenance or professional assistance. Regular cleaning, humidity control, and careful observation of your piano's condition are key to preventing and addressing sticky keys. By taking good care of your instrument, you can continue to enjoy the beautiful music it produces for years to come

Sticking keys can negatively impact a pianist's ability to play with precision and expression. Therefore, it's essential to diagnose and address the issue promptly. Some sticking key problems can be resolved through cleaning, lubrication, or humidity control, while others may require the expertise of a professional piano technician for more complex repairs or adjustments to the piano's action mechanism. Regular maintenance and care of your piano can help prevent sticking keys and ensure that your instrument continues to perform at its best.

Most causes of sticking keys can be addressed during a tuning appointment at no charge, so let us know if you are experiencing any issues when we are there for service. If you don’t need a tuning, but having sticking keys, we charge a minimum trip fee to correct them in most cases. If something more major is occurring, we will give you an estimate for the repairs and explain any options we can offer to correct them for you.

Erik Martin, RPT

“It is incredibly rewarding to me when I get the opportunity to take a piano from being barely playable to being fully functioning and looking new again”

— Erik

Professional Technician

Erik grew up in O’Fallon, Missouri. His passion for the piano led him to Boston where he studied piano technology at North Bennett Street School, the oldest trade school in North America and widely considered to be the premier school of piano technology. Upon graduation, he went on to pass the rigorous RPT certification with the Piano Technician Guild which requires technicians to pass a series of tests including matching a “Master Tuning” aurally (by ear) without the aid of an electronic device. Erik became an RPT at age 22, making him the youngest RPT in St. Louis, accomplishing all of this while overcoming the added challenge of a hearing impairment he has had since birth. After school, Erik worked as a technician rebuilding pianos for the largest piano rebuilder in Portland. During this time, he developed a love for restoring the sound quality and aesthetic beauty of the instruments.

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Continued Education

Erik attends national events with the Piano Technicians Guild and continues to train with other RPTs locally. While he brings a wealth of knowledge from his studies in Boston, he knows the importance of continuing to develop his craft by embracing opportunities to learn from others in the piano industry.

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Understanding Humidity Changes and Your Piano