What Makes Piano Pedals Squeak?
There are instances when piano pedals normally make squeaking noises, even if the piano is brand new and well-maintained. Although this happens rarely, some piano models, particularly mass-produced versions, frequently have small faults or defects in their piano mechanisms. These flaws do not harm the pedal’s functionality, although they may generate squeaky noises.
Some piano manufacturers, for example, make pianos with squeaky felts and no bushings or leather protection. If you don’t enjoy squeaking sounds, this is a minor problem that may be resolved quickly. You can leave it as-is if you don’t mind hearing squeaky sounds, as this issue will not harm or impair the functionality of your pedal. This is the reason why it is always essential to examine or personally test a piano first before purchasing it.
Piano pedals squeak due to various factors. It may be because of lack of lubrication, worn-out bushing, and old age.
Lack of Lubrication
- Lubrication usually dries out, especially when there is an increase in temperature and low or high humidity levels. If your piano is stored in an area with poor temperature control, the applied lubricant will corrode, rust, and dry out, resulting in the squeaking sound you hear while pressing the pedals.
Worn-out Bushes
- The squeaking of your piano pedals might also be caused by worn-out pedal bushes. The pedal bushing, like any other object, wears down with time. This aggressive and excessive use of the pedals, particularly the sustain pedal that is frequently used and considered by all pianists to be a vital component of a piano, accelerates the process of wearing out the pedal bushing.
Old Age
- Another factor that could make your piano pedals squeak is age. Components of the piano begin to fail as it ages and must be replaced or repaired. If a piano is left unused and unmaintained for an extended period of time, it will begin to corrode and rust, resulting in squeaky noise.
Ways To Stop Piano Pedals From Squeaking?
Lack of lubrication or dried pedal levers are some of the most prevalent causes of squeaky piano pedals. You can apply lubrication to the lever that is creating the squeak to eliminate the annoying noise. Teflon powder or graphite, which have been used for generations, are highly recommended by experienced pianists and piano technicians. But you must avoid using oil-based lubricants like WD-40 and other lubricants that other primary uses.
Checking and replacing worn-out bushings is another way to solve the squeaky sound our piano pedal makes. One of the usual bushings that easily get worn out is the rod pedal bushing which may cause squeaking and clicking sounds in your pedal. on the internet. There are videos on YouTube that can help you replace the bushing on your own in order to save money. This is a simple technique that does not require a technician.
The last issue that might cause your piano to squeak is old age. In this case, the mechanism of your pedal is more likely to malfunction or corrode, necessitating the replacement of specific pieces or, in the worst-case scenario, the entire pedal. This necessitates the assistance of a piano technician.
How To Look After Piano Pedals So They Don’t Start To Squeak?
The most effective technique to keep your piano pedals from squeaking is to maintain them on a regular basis. Piano pedal maintenance includes lubrication, cleaning, and inspection of piano pedals to determine the cause of unwanted squeaking. This process is not to be done every single day but rather once every month or even after 2 months depending on your usage.
You must inspect your piano pedals if the lubricant has dried off if there is any corrosion or rust build-up if its bushings are worn-out, and if its mechanism still functions properly. After all these factors are checked and fixed, there are no reasons for your pedals to produce any squeaking noise
Do I Need Professional Service To Stop The Squeaking?
The answer to this query is contingent on the source of your squeaky pedal. However, before consulting a professional piano technician to try and fix any squeaking sound your piano makes, it is more helpful and practical to try to solve it yourself first. This is owing to the belief that some of the squeakings you hear from the pedals could be caused by minor faults. For example, a worn-out bushing and a lack of lubricant. Minor concerns like this can be easily resolved by any ordinary individual, whether or not they have prior professional knowledge.
If you get stuck, you may watch tutorial videos online that will help and guide you through the process of attempting to resolve the squeaking noises your pedal creates.
But if your piano pedals have a problem with their mechanism, it is more complicated and probably difficult for someone without experience to solve, so it’s best to ask for assistance or service from a piano technician.
Final Remarks
If you want to keep your piano pedals from squeaking, you should maintain them properly and inspect them at least once a month.
It’s essential to keep your pedals lubricated at all times, replace bushings as needed, and remove rust and corrosion as soon they begin to build up. It’s also a good idea to get professional help if the squeaking sound you’re hearing is caused by problems with the pedal’s mechanism or if you can’t figure out what’s causing them to squeak.
It’s important to understand your limitations and learn when to seek help.
