Can you buy replacement piano keys (key tops)? How much do they cost?

Over time, as the piano gets used more, some of the keys may wear out and may need replacement. This article discusses the replacement of piano keys, where to buy spare keys, and how much they cost.

The thing with most musical instruments, including the piano and the music keyboard, is that while it is easier to clean and maintain them, it is not easy to repair them; there are many who may not even be able to take the thing apart to check what has gone wrong.

Thankfully, nowadays you do find videos on YouTube where people have shown how to do small repairs; for example, in the case of the piano, how to replace keys.

While broken keys or sticky keys are indeed frustrating for any keyboard player, the good thing is that they can be fixed, although there is some amount of work required to fix it.

In most cases, the keys need to be replaced because they are worn out or because they stick due to dust that gets accumulated under the keys over time.

But there could be other reasons as well. After all, not everyone in the house may be as passionate about the piano as you are.

In the case of children, it could be their curiosity about the instrument that may get cause a coin or a button, or even liquid to make its way inside the keyboard.

Then there could be adults as well, who may not realize how important the instrument is to you.

I once had a guest come over and she used my wife’s curling iron which she then left on top of the piano, which melted a few of the keys in the lowest register.

So there are several reasons why you may need to replace the keys.

Related: How to remove or disassemble keys / keybed from the piano?

For most keyboards, you can order the broken keys separately. In case you have a piano, it could be just the key top, which is also easy to order and replace. In the case of synths, however, you may have to order the entire key bed in case one or a few keys are sticking, in which case you have to contact the manufacturer.

Looking for spare replacement keys for your piano? Here are some options to replace the damaged keys or to make your worn-out keyboard look like new.

• German piano keytops – complete set with fronts: These are keytops and easy to attach using PVC-E glue to the wood. You may have to file these to match the size of the keys of your piano.
• PVC Piano Keytops Sharp/Flat Piano Keys: Replace your worn black keytops.

Useful links related to ‘piano repair’.

• How to fix sticky keys on a piano keyboard?
• Digital Piano Repair: Solutions to common piano and keyboard problems

Piano Keys Replacement – FAQs

Question:
Where can I order a key from for my YamahaP80 Portable Digital Piano? I have a Yamaha P80 portable digital piano. One key needs replacing as it is a little broken. It is easy enough to take putt and replace, but I’d like to know where I can order a key from? Any ideas? – Julian (Surrey, UK)

Answers:
My Yamaha CVP 305 Clavinova digital piano has several problems with its keys. 1) There is No sound from one key 2) Several other keys sound louder when hit How can I fix these problems with the keys? Are spare keys available for sale for Yamaha CVP 305 Clavinova Digital Pianos? – Gregory Booker (El Paso TX)

If you want to fix the Yamaha CVP 305 Clavinova Digital Piano on your own, then it makes sense to own the service manual (costs around 40 bucks) which has instructions on how to open up your piano and reach individual parts. Replacement parts are available from Yamaha support. I think the keys cost around $12 to 15 each. You can even get the entire keyboard changed (all 88 keys) for around $180 – $200. This includes the cost of the replacement as well as the labour. Here, they don’t change each of the 88 keys one by one. Yamaha has a generic graded hammer 88 keys keyboard assembly which they use. The change looks quite easy – unscrew and remove the old keyboard, put inside the new one then screw them back. – Lee

I have a Radio Shack LK1500 keyboard that has a cracked black key. The key works fine but I would like to get the key replaced if possible. I hope it wont be hard to replace. The Radio Shack keyboards are made by Casio. – Neal Wilson