Long-Time Problem Needs Fixing

[jgallag]

Hi!

It just occurred to me to ask this question on the boards. I have a Samick at home (I'm at college at the moment), and some of the keys don't play. This is a fairly new piano, we've had it for about 6 years. I believe, if I remember correctly, the issue is that the wood is swollen(?) around the pin and the hammers don't reach the strings. We've tried a dehumidifier and also putting weights on the keys, but the problem is still there. Any ideas? Is it necessary to replace the action? I'd like to keep the piano for its timbre, but I can't deal with this anymore being a college pianist.

Thanks.

[mikebechstein]

You need to find a good (recommended by a reputable dealer or music school etc.) piano technician. A technician, rather than a tuner, can adjust the action so that all the keys feel roughly the same and make roughly the same sound across the whole keyboard, (as well as tune of course.)

In your case it is probably a simple adjustment to get the notes not working to work again but I would recommend that you ask for a complete regulation so that it does not happen to any further keys in the future if they are on the limit. Also, if he sees that the problem is something other than action adjustment, he will tell you your next move (e.g. moving the piano, getting repairs etc.)