Piano Guidance
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How do you replace an upright piano key?

How to Replace Piano Keys Step 1: Remove the Cabinet Parts of the Piano. ... Step 2: Number the Keys. ... Step 3: Remove the Old Key Tops. ... Step 4: Lightly Sand the Key Surface. ... Step 5: Apply PVC Glue. ... Step 6: Position and Clamp New Key Top. ... Step 7: Check Fit and File the Edges. ... Step 8: Reassemble the Piano.

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Are you interested in Austin piano lessons? Come learn to play the piano like Beethoven and Mozart with Lone Star School of Music. Become a part of our growing community of music enthusiasts and build confidence in your piano playing skills. Our faculty make your piano lessons a fun and enjoyable experience. With our instruction and your passion for music, we help you take your piano skills to the next level. Using a comprehensive approach to teaching, we provide instructions on every aspect of playing the piano like knowledge of different types of pianos, how to replace piano keys, and so much more.

Step 1: Remove the Cabinet Parts of the Piano

Open the piano top and the front panel. Then using a screwdriver, remove the fall board. If you don’t, it could accidentally drop on your hands while you work on replacing the keys. Remove any other parts of the cabinet that restrict your access to the keys, like the key slip, key block or end blocks. This allows you easy access to the keys of the piano.

Step 2: Number the Keys

Once you have access to the keys, it’s time to remove the old keys from the piano, but first number the keys. If you don’t number the keys, they could get mixed up and make it difficult to sort them out. Now, it’s time to get into action.

Step 3: Remove the Old Key Tops

With a sharp thin chisel, remove the old key tops. Be careful not to damage or break the key wood or the key material. If you don’t have a chisel, you can also use a thin blade knife or a razor blade. To loosen the old key, work the chisel or knife between the wood and the key material. You can also use a hot iron for 10-15 seconds to heat and loosen the glue holding the key material. Once the key tops are loose, clean any old key material and dirt on the front of the key using the razor blade.

Step 4: Lightly Sand the Key Surface

With some medium sandpaper, lightly sand the key surface. This is essential to remove any residue of the old glue and helps to make the key surface smooth for replacing the new key tops.

Step 5: Apply PVC Glue

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Apply a thin layer of PVC glue on the top of the key and on the bottom of the new key piece. Note: If you are using contact cement instead of PVC glue, allow time for the glue to become tacky i.e. sticky but not dry. Read instructions on the container of the glue for details.

Now you can finally replace the keys!

Step 6: Position and Clamp New Key Top

Before replacing the key, verify the following:

The new key top is positioned over the matching key. The numbering done in step 2 above helps in making sure the keys are not interchanged. Align the key top with the sides of the key. To ensure perfect alignment, sit the key on top of key surface and sight down the sides. Confirm the key top is in the center and straight. Once correctly aligned, press firmly on the key and hold it for 1-2 minutes.

Step 7: Check Fit and File the Edges

Once the glue is dry, check the edges of the key top. If the new keys extend beyond the wood, use a small metal file to smooth the edges of the key top for a perfect fit.

Step 8: Reassemble the Piano

Play a symphony or two to check whether the keys play smoothly. Once you confirm this, reassemble the piano parts and you have a good as new piano.

Register for Austin Piano Lessons with Lone Star School of Music

Now that you have learnt how to replace piano keys, learn how to glide your fingers on those new key tops with Lone Star School of Music. Go through the full list of courses we offer at a convenient time and location near you. Call 512-598-4493 to enroll and learn to play the piano with our experienced music instructors. Get started on your journey to become a great piano virtuoso. How to Replace Piano Keys | Lone Star School of Music – Austin, TX

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