Why it happens in Singapore's climate, how it is fixed, and what it costs — S$60 to S$150 per visit
Sticky piano keys are Singapore's most common piano problem. In Singapore's 70–90% humidity, piano key bushings absorb moisture and swell — causing keys to stick in the depressed position and not return. This happens to pianos in all humidity conditions, but Singapore's tropical climate makes it far more prevalent than in cooler, drier countries. The fix costs S$60–S$150 and is performed at your home.
Each piano key has two bushings — small felt discs inside holes in the key body that the key rests on the balance rail and front rail pins. In high humidity, the felt absorbs moisture and expands, gripping the pins tightly. The key goes down but does not spring back up.
This is diagnosed by removing the key and inspecting the bushings. The repair involves trimming or replacing the swollen bushings to restore free movement. Cost: S$60–S$150 depending on how many keys are affected.
Some piano actions use small return springs on the keys or action parts. A broken spring means the key goes down but has no spring return force. This can affect individual keys and is diagnosed by pressing the key slowly — a sticky key from a broken spring will feel lighter than normal rather than tight.
Spring replacement costs S$10–S$30 per spring depending on type and accessibility.
Small objects — pencils, coins, eraser fragments, insects — falling between piano keys can physically block a key from returning. This is the simplest cause to fix: remove the keycheek (piano cheek block) and clear the debris. Usually no charge beyond a service call.
Sometimes what appears to be a sticky key is actually an action part problem — the hammer repetition spring is broken, the jack is misaligned, or a damper is stuck. These are action repairs, not key bushing repairs, and are diagnosed by inspecting the action directly rather than the key. Costs vary: S$80–S$300+ depending on what has failed.
Some piano owners try DIY approaches — airing the piano, reducing room humidity, or applying products inside the key holes. Airing can help mildly swollen bushings in climates where ambient humidity drops significantly. In Singapore, ambient humidity rarely drops enough to resolve the problem naturally. Applying lubricants or water to bushings is not recommended as it can cause more swelling or attract mould.
The correct repair — performed by a piano technician — involves removing the keys and either easing the bushings with a hand tool, replacing them, or treating the cause. This cannot be done without removing the action and key set.
WhatsApp us and we'll arrange a visit to fix them — usually same-week scheduling. Cost S$60–S$150.
Singapore's 70–90% outdoor humidity is the cause. Key bushings — felt pads inside the key body — absorb this moisture and swell, gripping the rail pins tightly. Keys go down but cannot spring back up. It happens in all climates but is far more common and severe in Singapore's tropical humidity than in the countries where most pianos were designed and manufactured.
In some cases, a very mild case improves when room humidity drops (e.g., after extended air conditioning use). In Singapore's climate, however, humidity rarely drops enough for this to resolve naturally. If the keys have been sticky for more than a few days, professional repair is the reliable solution.
We fix sticky piano keys at your home. Islandwide. S$60–S$150 per visit. Same-week scheduling.