Piano key is getting stuck!

[chopincrazy23]

I have a Boston grand piano and it was playing perfectly a few days ago, but I been noticing that one of the b's on the piano isn't playing properly. When I hit the note it won't go down all the way, like it gets stuck in the middle. It only happens sometimes, but it is very annoying when it happens. Does anyone know whats wrong with it, or has had this happen to them?

[chopin2015]

Something to do with the sustain and una corda mechanism? Humidity and drastic temperature changes in the house?

[chopincrazy23]

Something to do with the sustain and una corda mechanism? Humidity and drastic temperature changes in the house?

Thats what I am thinking, because I noticed that it happens while I have the pedal down. Do you know how to fix something like that?

[chopin2015]

When you use sustain?

[chopincrazy23]

Yeah

[chopin2015]

Well, when you use sustain, the dampers are lifted from the strings, allowing them to resonate. Thats all i know. The key sticking can be caused by many things. it could be something wrong with the action when the sustain pedal is doing its thing. Mine is a hammer that is hitting the wrong spot. Take a look and see if there is obvious alignment issues in the hammers and otherwise, then take pictures or a video or call a tech.

[chopincrazy23]

I just took off the sheet music thing on top of the piano to get a better look, but there is nothing abnormal. It seems like something is out of place inside the piano.

[chopin2015]

Yeah, you could always take off the lyre and disconnect the pedals and see if the key still sticks? Where are the techies? I heard it could be a screw too tight or something in the action doesnt function properly.

[chopincrazy23]

Yeah, you could always take off the lyre and disconnect the pedals and see if the key still sticks? Where are the techies? I heard it could be a screw too tight or something in the action doesnt function properly.

Yeah I just called the piano people, whatever you call them, so yeah they will be coming out on monday. I will let them deal with the piano because I don't want to break it  . Thanks for your help! 

[chopin2015]

Better safe than sorry! Dont funk your piano up unless you have techie experience...good luck! Let me know what they say.

[rjarsenault1101]

i have the same issue! except mines an upright samick. the middle D and an A stick down (actually there's a lot more that do) when the pedal is down. it bugs me all the time because I use them the most. I got some guy in to look at them, and he couldn't really do anything. he just sanded down bits that were rubbing against each other, but that didn't help much :/

[hfmadopter]

i have the same issue! except mines an upright samick. the middle D and an A stick down (actually there's a lot more that do) when the pedal is down. it bugs me all the time because I use them the most. I got some guy in to look at them, and he couldn't really do anything. he just sanded down bits that were rubbing against each other, but that didn't help much :/

Keys that don't depress such as the OP's piano exibits is a whole different matter from keys that stick down such as your piano exibits, FWIW.

That said, I suggest that you call a different guy in next time !!

[silverwoodpianos]

i have the same issue! except mines an upright samick. the middle D and an A stick down (actually there's a lot more that do) when the pedal is down. it bugs me all the time because I use them the most. I got some guy in to look at them, and he couldn't really do anything. he just sanded down bits that were rubbing against each other, but that didn't help much :/

Excessive friction in the center pins of the hammer butts. This is not evident when the pedal is up because the damper spring  is assisting with the return of the hammers.

When the pedal is down( engaged) this lifts the dampers away from the strings and the damper spring does not assist in returning the hammer set.

For the OP it reads like  there are sostenuto problems with the sostenuto tabs interfering with keyboard travel.  Possibly a broken jack too. Or catching back check. Or ten million other things.
Call your favorite local technician. Book an appointment soon.

[benzwm02]

Id bet the piano has swelled and the key is getting stuck at the front end.

[rjarsenault1101]

i saw a video on youtube (we all know how helpful youtube is!) and the dude said it was the little felts in the keys have swelled and all you need to do is iron them back down.

[chopin2015]

I bet one of the hammers, of the key that sticks is crooked and something snapped out of alignment in the action

[keys60]

The key bushings may have swelled as stated above but there is no "all you do". They would have to be properly spaced to travel freely, and by properly spaced, means, too much and the could wobble and/or try doing it yourself and you can crack the key at the bushing as well as cause various other problems. These things have to be handled gingerly, so if you go it alone, be real gentle, young jedi. Some things can be handled with a little investigation and some gumption, and we get lucky, but sometimes we break things. Good luck.

[chopin2015]

Dude, my key just sunk in today, its broken! The hammer is crooked. And the keys next to it are starting to slip, as well.

[chopin2015]

See here? My key was getting stuck because I had worn off the glue on the hammers and the hammers were loose..

[indianajo]

Wow. A loose hammer on a  Boston of stellar reputation.  I've seen hammer problems on the vile budget Winter piano, but never on a Baldwin, Sohmer, Chickering, Mason & Hamlin  . . . . . All bankrupt, of course.  They didn't cut enough corners to stay in business. 

[chopin2015]

Yeah its just glue though, thank god. And i play alot. I did this in 6 months after last glue. Just buy a yamaha.

[keys60]

You play hard, huh?

[chopin2015]

Sometimes. Its hillareous when the piano gives in before i do. I hope i dont break a string though. Im scared of it whipping me. Lol

[keys60]

Better a glue joint than a string or a shank. Either way, easy and fairly inexpensive fixes for a tech.

[chopin2015]

So true!