When a piano pedal stops working properly, the problem is usually caused by wear or misalignment somewhere in the pedal system. Pedals operate through a series of rods, levers, and action components that must move freely and be properly adjusted. If something shifts out of position or becomes worn, the pedal may not lift the dampers correctly, may feel loose, or may stop functioning altogether.
In many cases the issue can be corrected through adjustment or minor repair. In other situations a worn or damaged pedal component may need to be replaced to restore proper operation.
Understanding the Three Piano Pedals
Most modern pianos have three pedals, each serving a different musical function. The right pedal, known as the damper or sustain pedal, lifts the dampers off the strings so notes continue to ring after the keys are released.
The left pedal, called the soft pedal or una corda, slightly shifts the action or changes the hammer strike to produce a quieter tone.
The middle pedal varies depending on the piano. On many grand pianos it functions as a sostenuto pedal, sustaining only selected notes. On many upright pianos it instead operates a practice pedal, lowering a felt strip between the hammers and strings to reduce volume.
Because these pedals rely on a system of rods, levers, and adjustments, they occasionally require servicing to maintain proper operation.
Repairing, Replacing or Adjusting Piano Pedals
A technician can fix the most common pedal issues by adjusting the pedal mechanism. The pedal mechanism is located behind the kick board on an upright piano or underneath the keyboard on a grand. The pedals are typically connected to horizontal levers by pedal rods, which extend up to activate the appropriate action mechanism. On a grand piano the pedal rods connect to the system known as trap-work.
The damper pedal is one of the most important parts of the piano and they almost always need at least minor adjustment during regular piano servicing. Sometimes the pedals may require more extensive realignment. An experienced technician can tell you which adjustments or repairs are needed to restore your sustain pedal.
In rare cases, a damper pedal may break and leave behind a jagged edge. The broken pedal or entire pedal set may need to be replaced. In this case, work with a professional who uses authentic parts to match the model and year of your piano.
Damper Pedal Adjustment by a Professional Piano Technician
Pedal rods usually fall out of the correct position because there is too much freeplay. The horizontal lever and the pedal move too much before the vertical rod rises. In cases of severe freeplay, the rod will not rise enough to allow the action parts to work correctly — you step on the damper pedal, but the note does not sustain.
A trained technician can adjust the freeplay to about 1/16″. After a proper adjustment, the vertical rod will move very little and stay in place during the process. Keep in mind that your piano pedals need a small amount of freeplay to function properly.
CONTACT BRADFIELD PIANO
Whether you’re an experienced or novice pianist, the damper pedal is essential to play at your best. When it comes to restoring your family piano, hire a team of expert professionals with decades of experience in the business.
At Bradfield Piano, our technicians are committed to delivering the best customer service possible. Preserve your piano investment with our extensive range of services, including repair and maintenance visits, refinishing and Steinway piano restorations. As a reputable piano restoration and repair company, we can handle every issue related to piano service.
Need advice about a piano repair? Give Bradfield Piano a call or text. 214-883-1885