Why is my piano key slow and delayed?

Question

Whenever i play an Eb in bass clef it always like stays in the spot for a few seconds until it comes back up. sometimes if i press it hard it stays there until i pull it up. i opened my piano to see it and i saw that that when i play the key the hammer hits its target but delays when it comes back. Know what this is.?

What should I do? Thnx :)

Answer 1

When you call to have someone come out and tune the piano ,they will also fixed the key action.I know exactly what you are talking about.I have had this happen before after several years of playing it.

Answer 2

Sounds like the mechanical 'action' is in a bind.

The piano, even for the fact it was invented before the US was founded, hehehe... is a very complex mechanical instrument, with very fine tolerances.  It really doesnt take much to foul them up.

You've failed to state if you have a grand, or upright piano.

Here is a link showing the 'action' (the mechanical parts that make the key operate the hammer) of a grand piano.

http://www.carolrpt.com/action.htm

You may have a deterioted felt or leather washer, some dirt accumulated in a joint, or - most likely - a piece of wood that has swelled or warped a bit.

If you look very closely at the mechanism, and work it repetitively, you may find which 'link' of the operation is causing the bind.  Wood rubbing on wood can often be lubricated with a bit of wax - dont use any oils, it will make it swell, and stick even worse.

You can always contact a piano dealer too, to locate a technician to come out and work on your piano.  Note - this would not necessarily be the same person who tunes pianos.

Good Luck