We Have A Problem

Today, as my children did their piano lessons, they noticed a bunch of keys were sticking. They didn't bounce up like normal. And they were making odd noises. This is no good.

Not only that, but some of the keys played softly would unexpectently play full volume. It was so obnoxious that nobody wanted to play. It was like the cartoon, with dynamite hidden under certain keys. BOOM!

I'll fix it. Today.

Something must be done. So I decide I'm going to fix the piano. I have no experience fixing a broken electric piano, but how hard could it be? We can't afford a professional to fix it, and we certainly can't afford a new electric piano. So?

I'll fix it. Right now. Today.

Begin Making Some Screws Loose

As I'm unscrewing the back and opening the piano, I begin to wonder if I have a loose screw in my head. What am I doing? Well, I'm opening up the piano.

My wife was very helpful, she gave me sandwich bags to organize the screws and make sure I didn't loose any.

I had to get the dust cover off and that proved to be trickier than I thought. After some careful observation (and a Youtube video) I was able to get the cover completely off of the keys.

I find how to remove the control panel and we begin to see the hidden parts of keyboard. We're getting closer to solving the problem.

I manage to remove the entire keyboard, so I can fix the problem with the keys and the piano gives me my first hint: it's filthy in there!!! I bet it needs a good cleaning!

This piano has been in use since 2010, so it's gathered a lot of grime over the years. While I disassemble the keys, my wife cleaned up the case.

Getting Closer

I look at bottom of the keys and feel like I'm getting closer to where the prolem is.

The rubber pads are what control the volume of the key press, so the problem has something to do with these. The first section looks fine.

The Problem

Then I found it: the problem. These are full of crumbs!

I use a can of air to blow all the crumbs and junk out of the rubber pads.

This is why some notes would play so loudly, the debris was causing the sensor to misfire. BOOM!

This is the first time being opened since it was brand new. I'm surprised it's not dirtier than this, considering all the children using the piano.

I carefully clean out all the little openings and cautiously begin putting the piano back together again.

My wife cleaned the other parts well. How did spaghetti noodles get in there???

Putting It All Back Together

I reversed the process and placed each item back where I found it. Every screw went back in place.

Once the piano was all together, we plugged it in and held our breath. It worked!!! Better then that, the keys responded so quickly and accurately. They bounced up instantly and there were no sudden loud keys.

IT WAS FIXED!!!

We were so happy to have a working piano again! All it took was three and a half hours in the middle of a work day... but I got it fixed!

Everyone was so happy to have a functioning piano again. Whew!!! We have a clean and functional piano for many happy times in the present and the future.

Bless the Most High!

Benjamin Turner: God fearer. Rooted in Messiah. Husband of @lturner. Father of six wonderful children. The guy behind the camera. Blockchain enthusiast.

Bless the Most High!

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