Paper bits falling in between the keyes.

[debussy symbolism]

Greetings.

I had the unfortunate incident of having a tiny(about a centimeter and a half in length and half a centimeter in width) bit of paper fall in between a couple of the keys. I didn't find it yet and it doesn't seem to produce any trouble with the keys or the sound. Should I be worried and call my tuner, or can I wait until the next time I call the tuner to tune the piano and ask him then. Can they check for items that somehow got between the keys? As it is a piece of paper I am not too worried, but would like to be sure. Is it urgent?

[gfiore]

No.

[debussy symbolism]

No.

Can you explain further? I assume "no" as in not urgent. I see that you are a technician so you must have had some experience in these sorts of matters. If its not urgent and not an issue it probably still needs to be looked at by the tuner anyways during tuning. Will a tuner charge for this? Sorry if this is a stupid question.

[gfiore]

When your tech comes for the next tuning, tell him about the paper. It is a very common occurence, and takes but a minute to do. It should'nt cost extra.
 Paper is mundane. You should see some of the crap I find in piano actions, and action cavities.

[debussy symbolism]

Thanks for your input. So I take it paper doesn't really encumber key action. That's a relief. On the side note, what things do you come across when offering maintenance to the piano?

[gfiore]

You name it. Condoms, cigarette butts, coins, mouse poo, paper clips, candy wrappers,etc.

[debussy symbolism]

Condoms really? I wonder at the house owner's reactions when you pull out on of those. Do the items that you find in between the keys inhibit playing? I guess paperclips would.

[Bob]

You can just open the piano yourself.  It's not that hard.  The most you probably need is a screwdriver. 

[thalberg]

Yes, Bob's right.  Jam the screwdriver between the keys and push it back and forth.  Then get the paper out. 


(Kidding.  Don't do this)

[Bob]

I meant take the front part off, remove any board holding the keys down, and then you can lift up the individual keys.

And where a dust mask. 

[penguinlover]

My piano tuner pulled out an entire piano book from mine one time!  Don't know how it got there, don't know why I didn't miss the book, and I don't know how it didn't hamper the workings of the piano.  Maybe it did, and I just didn't recognize it.  The book was sure messed up though!

I found a mouse in mine once.  It ran across the strings, then out.  I didn't practice much that week.