Kawai provides a range of pianos, both digital and upright. Sometimes repairs are needed on parts, especially piano keys. Piano keys are connected to a hammer that strikes a string to create the note (see reference 2). Problems can occur within the key itself, causing the key to sound wrong or make no noise at all. Servicemen from Kawai dealers or the company itself can repair the piano if under warranty. However, if your warranty is up or you have an older piano, keys can be repaired using a few simple steps.
Things You'll Need:
- Scissors
- Pressure Clamps
- No. 100 And No. 400 Sandpaper
- Wood Scraps
- Carpenter'S Glue
- Toothpicks
Have Professionals to Repair Your Keys
Contact your local Kawai dealer if your piano is still under the one-year labor warranty. Contact Kawai directly at (310) 631-1771 if your local dealer cannot help (see reference 1).
Follow the instructions given by your dealer or Kawai representative to package your piano for shipping to the facility (see reference 1).
Check your local phone book for piano repairmen or specialists if your piano is no longer under warranty.
Repair Keys on Your Own
Open the top of your piano. Remove the upper part of the piano by lifting it back, then remove the lower front cover with a screwdriver or by pulling it down. Detach the bottom panel over the pedals by releasing the metal switch under the piano and pulling the cover toward you (see reference 3).
Remove the wooden key that connects to the hammer in the top of the piano by using the tip of your finger to push it up and out (see reference 3). Add glue to the crack in the broken key using a toothpick and press the parts firmly together (see reference 2).
Use scissors and sandpaper to cut and sand thin pieces of wood into rectangular shapes the same width of the key. Make the patches paper thin so as not to add a lot of weight to the key (see reference 2).
Glue these pieces into place. Cut and place thicker pieces of wood the same width as the keys over the spot where the thin patches are glued. Use the clamps to tighten the wood against the key (see reference 2). Let the glue dry for six to eight hours to ensure that the glue is sufficiently dry (see reference 2). Remove the clamps and thicker wood pieces and put the key back into place.
Tip
Ensure that the thin pieces of wood are small and balanced enough to prevent friction with other keys once the key is replaced. If the key is cracked badly but not cracked in two, crack it gently in two to make it easier to glue (see reference 2).
References
Resources
Writer Bio
Brittiany Cahoon began writing professionally in 2003. She has been published as a reporter and columnist in the "Mountaineer Progress," "The Rattler" and other regional newspapers. Cahoon holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from Brigham Young University.
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