Fix keys that stick, won't return, or feel heavy and stiff. S$30–S$80 per key · All brands · Islandwide · Free diagnosis
Singapore's humidity peaks October–November. Sticky keys are most common during these months — WhatsApp us to book a diagnosis visit.
Sticky piano keys are one of the most common repair requests in Singapore, and the cause is almost always humidity. Singapore's tropical climate — with relative humidity regularly exceeding 80% during the rainy season — causes the wooden and felt components of a piano keyboard to absorb moisture and swell.
The most common culprit is key bushing swelling. Each piano key has two small holes lined with felt — one at the balance rail pin (centre of the key) and one at the front rail pin (the front guide pin). When the felt absorbs moisture from humid air, it swells and grips the pin tightly, preventing the key from moving freely or returning after being pressed.
Piano Repair Singapore diagnoses and fixes sticky keys for all piano brands and types. For most cases, the repair can be done on-site at your home. Sticky key repair in Singapore costs S$30–S$80 per key depending on the root cause.
Cause 1 — Most Common
Multiple keys sticking, especially during or after humid months. Keys feel heavy or won't return fully after pressing.
Diagnosis & Fix
Swollen key bushings from humidity. Remove keys, ream felt bushings to correct clearance, or replace with new felt. Advise on dehumidifier rod to prevent recurrence.
Cause 2
A single key sticks. Key was fine before, now catches partway through its travel or won't return at all.
Diagnosis & Fix
Debris (eraser, pencil, coin, paper) caught under the key or in the keyframe. Remove, clean key bed, restore key alignment.
Cause 3
Key goes down and stays down — doesn't return at all after pressing, regardless of humidity conditions.
Diagnosis & Fix
Broken key return spring in the upright action. Replace spring — typically a 15–30 minute repair per affected note.
Cause 4
Key feels heavier than surrounding keys or has uneven resistance that wasn't there before.
Diagnosis & Fix
Worn action cloth or a binding action component causing friction. Inspect action components, replace worn felt, re-regulate the affected note.
WhatsApp your piano brand, model and which keys are affected — we'll diagnose and repair on-site.
Singapore's relative humidity ranges from 65% on dry days to over 90% during monsoon periods. The ideal humidity range for a piano is 42–55% RH. Outside this range, wooden keys expand (high humidity) or contract and crack (extreme low humidity from over-cooling).
A 40–60W heater rod inside the piano cabinet raises the internal temperature slightly, reducing relative humidity around the action and soundboard. Effective and low-cost long-term solution.
Running AC in the piano room helps, but avoid pointing airflow directly at the piano. Rapid humidity cycling (AC on/off) causes more swelling and shrinkage than stable moderate humidity.
| Repair Type | Cost (SGD) |
|---|---|
| Individual sticky key (debris or spring) | S$30–S$50 |
| Key bushing repair per key (humidity) | S$40–S$80 |
| Full keyboard bushing service (all 88 keys) | S$300–S$600 |
| Key return spring replacement (per note) | S$30–S$60 |
Prices are estimates. Final quote after inspection. Multiple keys of the same type often quoted at a grouped rate.
The most common cause in Singapore is swollen key bushings — small felt-lined holes in each key that guide it along the balance and front rail pins. When ambient humidity rises above 60–70%, this felt swells and grips the pin, preventing the key from moving freely. This is particularly common during the northeast monsoon season (October to January) when humidity is highest.
Minor cases — a single key with debris underneath — can often be fixed with the action in place. However, for humidity-swollen bushings (the most common cause), the keys need to be removed from the keyframe to properly ream or replace the felt bushings. This requires removing the action, which is a routine part of our repair process.
Individual sticky key repair costs S$30–S$80 per key depending on the cause. Keys sticking due to humidity (bushing swelling) on multiple notes are often repaired at a reduced grouped rate — for example, a full keyboard bushing service for all 88 keys costs S$300–S$600. We provide a written quote after inspection.
The most effective prevention is maintaining stable indoor humidity between 42–55% RH. A dehumidifier heating rod installed inside the piano cabinet is the most practical solution for Singapore homes. You can also run air conditioning in the piano room, but avoid directing airflow directly at the piano or creating rapid humidity cycling by turning the AC on and off frequently.
Sticky keys sometimes indicate broader action issues. Full action assessment from S$200.
Learn more →After fixing sticky keys, regulation ensures consistent touch across all 88 keys. From S$200.
Learn more →While we're visiting to fix your keys, we can tune the piano at the same visit. From S$100.
Learn more →WhatsApp us your piano brand and which keys are affected. Same-week visits available across Singapore.