Fix harsh tone, flat grooves and uneven volume with a new hammer set · Upright S$800–S$1,500 · Grand S$1,200–S$2,500
The piano hammer is the felt-covered wooden part that strikes the string when a key is pressed. Every note on a piano — all 88 — has its own hammer. Over time the felt compresses, flat grooves develop where the string contacts the hammer face, and the tone becomes harsh, thin or uneven across the keyboard.
Piano Repair Singapore provides individual and full hammer set replacement for all upright and grand piano brands in Singapore. We source quality hammer sets appropriate for the piano's style and intended use, and follow replacement with voicing and regulation to match the new hammers to the instrument's character.
Full hammer set replacement: Upright S$800–S$1,500 · Grand S$1,200–S$2,500. Individual hammer replacement: S$60–S$150 per hammer.
Symptom
Harsh, bright or metallic tone quality — piano sounds harsh and hard on loud playing
Fix
If deep grooves or extreme compression are present, replace hammer set; then voice new hammers for warmth and balance
Symptom
Visible deep flat grooves in the hammer felt where strings contact the hammer
Fix
Hammers with grooves deeper than 2–3mm are typically replaced rather than filed, as filing compromises the felt density
Symptom
Uneven volume across the keyboard — some notes much louder or quieter than neighbours
Fix
Replace worn hammers; then voice all new hammers to a consistent tonal level for balanced dynamics
Symptom
Hammer physically broken, missing felt, or not hitting the strings correctly
Fix
Replace the damaged hammer(s) with correctly-sized replacement hammers and regulate their strike distance
WhatsApp us your piano brand and describe the tone problem — we'll advise whether voicing or hammer replacement is the right solution.
Many piano owners have hammers that can be improved with voicing (needling the felt to soften it) rather than full replacement. We always assess this first and recommend the most cost-effective option.
If hammers are moderately worn but grooves are shallow (under 2mm) and the felt core is still springy, voicing by needling can soften tone and restore warmth. This is faster and cheaper than replacement.
Best when: Piano sounds overly bright but hammers are not deeply grooved or worn through
When hammers have deep grooves, severely compressed felt, or are physically worn or broken, replacement is the correct solution. New hammers are voiced after installation to suit the piano's character.
Best when: Hammers are deeply grooved, too hard to respond to needling, or broken
| Service | Cost (SGD) |
|---|---|
| Individual hammer replacement (per hammer) | S$60–S$150 |
| Full hammer set — upright piano (standard) | S$800–S$1,200 |
| Full hammer set — upright piano (premium brand) | S$1,100–S$1,500 |
| Full hammer set — grand piano (baby to parlour) | S$1,200–S$2,000 |
| Full hammer set — grand piano (premium/concert) | S$2,000–S$2,500+ |
| Voicing (needling) of existing hammers | S$150–S$350 |
Prices include installation and initial voicing. Final quote after inspection of hammer condition.
Hammers need replacing when: flat grooves are deeper than 2–3mm and cannot be corrected by reshaping or filing; when the felt core is so compressed it no longer responds to voicing needles; when the hammer head has worn through the outer felt layer to the underlay; when a hammer is broken, missing chunks of felt, or striking the wrong number of strings. Hammers that can still be improved by voicing do not necessarily need replacing — we always assess this first.
A full hammer set for an upright piano costs S$800–S$1,500 installed. Grand piano hammer sets cost S$1,200–S$2,500 or more depending on piano size and brand. Individual hammer replacement for specific notes costs S$60–S$150 per hammer. All prices include installation and initial voicing after fitting.
Voicing is appropriate when hammers have moderate wear but still have usable felt. Needling the hammer felt opens the fibres and produces a softer, warmer tone — at a fraction of the cost of replacement. Voicing is not effective when hammers have deep grooves, when the felt core is so compressed it no longer responds to needling, or when hammers are physically worn through. We will always tell you honestly which approach is right for your piano.
Full hammer set replacement for an upright piano takes 1–2 days in our workshop. Grand piano hammer replacement takes 2–3 days because installation requires precise positioning and more extensive voicing and regulation after fitting. We arrange collection and return of the piano where required.
WhatsApp us your piano details. We'll diagnose whether voicing or hammer replacement is the right solution and quote accordingly.