Piano pedals are foot-operated levers found at the bottom of a piano, used to change the instrument’s sound in a variety of different ways. Able to soften, sustain, or dampen notes and chords, pedals add a whole new layer of dynamics that allow players to express themselves fully in their playing.
However, just like any other parts of the piano, foot pedals often encounter issues that impede the playing experience. Here are some of the most common problems piano pedals develop and some of their causes.
Uneven height of pedals
When looking at your piano, you may start to notice the three pedals at the bottom are misaligned at different heights. This is usually due to bent pedals or issues on the interior pedal assembly, especially the hinges. While the piano may still be playable at this point, uneven pedal height can worsen over time and severely affect your playing comfort and rhythm!
Pedals responding slowly
After having owned your piano for some time, you may start to feel the pedals take longer than usual to return to their original position. This is due to the fact that pedals are controlled by springs and felts that enable them to affect the tone of the piano. Springs and felts come under wear and tear during regular play, just like piano hammers and strings. Worn-out felts and springs are the most common reasons that your piano pedals take longer than usual to return to their resting position.
Stuck pedals
Having your pedals refuse to move when compressed or not return to their original position can be a jarring experience. A common issue, if your piano has yet to be maintained regularly, is stuck pedals, which are often a result of dirt or debris in the assembly compromising pedal movement.
For more severe cases, broken or loose parts inside your pedal assembly can cause pedals to become stuck, removing entirely the pedal’s function and ability to modify the tone of the piano.
Rattling or squeaking noises
Pedals can sometimes emit rattling and squeaking noises that compromise the sound of the piano. These noises are usually caused by insufficient lubrication of the pedal joints and/or loosened pedal assembly parts. While the piano may still remain playable in this condition, it is often advisable to tackle these issues as soon as they are encountered to prevent any further damage to your instrument.
Conclusion
When encountering piano issues, it is often best to engage a professional technician. Piano technicians are equipped with the skills and expertise, as well as the tooling, to help safely troubleshoot any piano problems that you may encounter and provide advice on their effective maintenance.
Mun Kai Piano is no stranger to restoring and repairing pianos so they can play their best again. Offering services such as upright and grand piano rental, as well as secondhand piano sales, Mun Kai Piano offers a wealth of experience, having worked with renowned piano manufacturer brands like Yamaha and Kawai, among others. To purchase a secondhand piano or rent a piano in Singapore, feel free to reach out to us today.
