When to replace the hammer felts of an upright piano?

When you sit down at the keyboard of your upright piano, and your fingers run over the keys to play your favorite melodies, you probably don’t imagine all the mechanics at work inside the instrument. However, it is a true orchestra of pieces that coordinate to produce the unique sound of the piano. Among these elements, the hammers and their felt-tip pens play an essential role. But do you know when and how to replace them? Let’s dive together into the bowels of your upright piano to learn a little more about this fascinating mechanic.

The role of hammers and felts in a piano

The hammers are small miniature hammer-like instruments that strike the strings when you press the keys on the keyboard. These hammers are covered with markers, a material which softens the contact between the hammer and the string, and thus produces a softer and more harmonious sound.

These felt hammers are therefore essential to the good sound quality of your instrument. If you hear an unpleasant, metallic or high-pitched noise when playing, your hammer felts may need to be replaced.

When should hammer felts be replaced?

THE replacement felts hammers is not an operation to be carried out regularly, as you would tune your piano for example. It is rather a measure of restoration, to consider when your old piano begins to show signs of fatigue.

If you notice visible wear on the felts, or if the sound of your piano seems less pleasant, more metallic, it is probably time to call a professional. piano tuner professional to carry out a detailed inspection. Only he will be able to determine whether replacement of the markers is necessary or not.

How to replace the hammer felts on your upright piano?

The replacement of felt hammers in a piano is a delicate operation which requires in-depth knowledge of the piano mechanism. In most cases, it is therefore preferable to call a professional.

In his piano workshop, the tuner will first remove the mechanism to access the hammers. He will then peel off the old felt, clean the location, and stick the new felt. The latter must then be adjusted and shaped to perfectly adapt to the shape of the hammer. Finally, a new piano harmonization will be necessary to ensure that each note sounds correct.

The longevity of hammer felts: a guarantee of sound quality

Your piano law is a musical instrument precious, and its longevity depends largely on the attention you give it. Replacing hammer felts is one of those little things that can make all the difference.

By entrusting this operation to a professional, you ensure quality sound reproduction for your instrument. You will thus extend the life of your piano and enjoy the beauty of its melodies for longer. And, because each piano has a soul, restoring its mechanism also means giving it back its sound identity, this unique imprint that makes your upright piano a separate instrument.

Keep your upright piano in perfect condition is constant work. It requires regular attention, setting to theharmonization, passing through the replacement worn parts such as hammer felts. This attention to the maintenance of your instrument guarantees not only better sound quality, but also greater longevity for your piano. So, don’t wait for the sound of your piano to deteriorate before taking action: schedule regular maintenance with a piano tuner professional to keep your instrument in perfect harmony.