The cost to fix piano keys in the US can vary depending on the extent of the damage, the type of piano, and the location.
On average, a basic repair of a single key can cost anywhere from $100 to $200, with full keyboard replacements costing upwards of $1,000 or more. However, some services may do it far cheaper.
Factors such as the cost of replacement parts and labor can also impact the overall cost of the repair.
Here are some typical costs for fixing a piano:
- Key replacement: $100-$200+ per key
- Full keyboard replacement: $1,000 or more
- Labor costs: $50-$100 per hour
- Parts and materials: $50-$200 depending on the type of parts and materials needed
- Transportation: $50-$100 for pickup and delivery
- Miscellaneous expenses: $50-$100 for miscellaneous expenses such as tools and equipment.
Factors impacting the cost of fixing a piano key
- Type of Piano. The cost of fixing a piano key can vary based on the type of piano, with grand pianos typically being more expensive to repair than upright pianos.
- Age of Piano. Older pianos may require more extensive repairs and replacement parts, leading to a higher overall cost.
- Extent of Damage. The extent of the damage to the key will impact the cost of the repair. Simple repairs, such as fixing a stuck key, may be relatively inexpensive, while more complex repairs, such as replacing a broken key, can be more expensive.
- Location. The cost of labor and materials can vary depending on the location of the repair, with urban areas typically having higher costs.
- Qualifications of Technician. The experience and qualifications of the technician performing the repair can also impact the cost, with more experienced technicians charging higher rates.
- Replacement Parts. The cost of replacement parts, such as hammers and strings, can also impact the overall cost of the repair.
Cost based on the Type of Piano
The cost of fixing a single key on a piano can vary depending on the type of piano and the extent of the repair needed. Here are a few examples of common types of pianos and their estimated costs for a single key repair:
- Upright Piano: $100-$300
- Grand Piano: $200-$500
- Digital Piano: $50-$150
- Antique Piano: $500-$1,000
It’s important to note that these are rough estimates and the actual cost can vary based on the specific piano and the complexity of the repair.
Age of Piano and cost
An older piano may require more extensive repairs, as certain parts may be worn or unavailable. Additionally, older pianos may have keys made of ivory, which can be more expensive to repair or replace.
Furthermore, older pianos may have intricate internal mechanics, making repairs more difficult and time-consuming, resulting in higher labor costs. On the other hand, a newer piano may have keys made of synthetic materials and have a simpler internal mechanism, making repairs less expensive
For example, a basic repair of a single key on an older upright piano could cost upwards of $200-$300, while the same repair on a newer model could cost around $100-$200. The cost of repairing an antique grand piano can be significantly higher, often over $1,000 or more.
Some typical piano models and their repair costs
However, here are some rough estimates for repairing a single key on popular piano models:
- Yamaha Piano: The cost of repairing a single key on a Yamaha piano can range from $100 to $300, depending on the model and the complexity of the repair.
- Steinway Piano: Repairing a single key on a Steinway piano can cost anywhere from $200 to $500, as Steinway pianos are known for their high-quality craftsmanship and materials.
- Kawai Piano: Repairing a single key on a Kawai piano can cost anywhere from $100 to $300, depending on the model and the complexity of the repair.
- Baldwin Piano: The cost of repairing a single key on a Baldwin piano can range from $100 to $400, depending on the model and the complexity of the repair.
Remember that these are rough estimates, and the cost of repairing a single key on a piano may vary. It is best to consult a local piano repair professional for a more accurate estimate.
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Examples of costs for fixing piano keys
Here are three different examples of the cost of fixing a piano key based on different values for the factors listed.
Example 1: Low-Cost Key Repair for a Modern Upright Piano
- Type of Piano: Upright Piano
- Age of Piano: 5 years old
- Extent of Damage: Stuck key
- Location: Small town in rural area
- Qualifications of Technician: Basic repair skills
- Replacement Parts: None needed
In this example, the cost of fixing the key may be relatively low, around $100-$150, due to the low complexity of the repair and the low cost of labor in the rural area.
Example 2: High-Cost Key Repair for a Grand Piano in the City
- Type of Piano: Grand Piano
- Age of Piano: 30 years old
- Extent of Damage: Broken key
- Location: Major city in urban area
- Qualifications of Technician: Experienced repair technician
- Replacement Parts: High-quality replacement key
In this example, the cost of fixing the key may be higher, around $500-$800, due to the higher complexity of the repair, the high cost of labor in the urban area, and the need for high-quality replacement parts.
Example 3: Extensive Key Repair for a Century-Old Upright Piano
- Type of Piano: Upright Piano
- Age of Piano: 100 years old
- Extent of Damage: Broken key and worn hammers
- Location: Suburban area
- Qualifications of Technician: Master repair technician
- Replacement Parts: High-quality replacement key and hammers
In this example, the cost of fixing the key may be even higher, around $800-$1200, due to the extensive repairs needed, the need for a master repair technician and the high-quality replacement parts required.
FAQs
How do you repair a broken piano key?
A broken piano key can be repaired by removing the key and either gluing the pieces back together or replacing the key entirely. The repair process may also include fixing any associated mechanical parts causing the key to breaking.
What causes a dead piano key?
A dead piano key is a key that doesn’t produce sound when played. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including a loose hammer, a broken hammer, or a worn out key bushing.
How do you re-key a piano?
Re-keying a piano involves adjusting the mechanical parts of the piano so that the keys play correctly and produce the desired sound. This may involve replacing worn-out parts, adjusting the tension of the strings, or making other modifications to the piano’s mechanism.
