The sustain pedal on a piano is a foot pedal that, when pressed, causes the sound of the notes played to be sustained for as long as the pedal is depressed.
Sustain pedals don’t always sustain all of the notes because of a variety of reasons. Some pedals may not be calibrated correctly, while others may have weak motor or lose parts.
By understanding the factors that can affect sustain, musicians can make better choices when purchasing a sustain pedal and get the most out of their instrument.
Is a damper pedal the same as a sustain pedal?
Damper pedal is not the same as a sustain pedal. A sustain pedal controls the duration of the sound, while a damper pedal controls the volume.
Damper pedal compresses the strings while the sustain pedal expands them. This difference in pressure makes it possible to produce a longer note by pressing down harder on the damper pedal, while sustained notes are produced by holding down the sustain pedal.
How does a sustain pedal work?
When you press a key on a piano, a hammer inside the instrument strikes a string. That vibration is what creates the sound of the note. When you hold down a key, the hammer stays in contact with the string and the note sustains.
The sustain pedal on a piano does two things: it keeps the dampers off the strings so that they continue to vibrate, and it raises the hammers so that they don’t fall back after being struck.
Why don’t all sustain pedals work the same? Some sustain pedals have a mechanism that keeps the hammer in contact with the string. Others just keep the dampers off the strings so they vibrate, but don’t push down on any hammers. Others still may use a combination of both mechanisms.
Why is my sustain pedal inverted?
Inverted sustain pedals are one of the most common causes of this problem. Sustain pedals inverted usually indicate a pedalboard issue. Inverted sustain pedals send more power to the string that’s currently being played, causing the string to snap sooner. There can be a few reasons why your sustain pedal is inverted, following:
- One possibility is that you have it hooked up wrong.
- Another reason could be that there is something wrong with the pedal itself.
- However, sustaining an inverted pedal can also be caused by incorrect wiring or a malfunctioning pedal.
If you’re unsure what caused your sustain pedal to become inverted, it’s best to take your instrument to a professional for diagnosis.
Can a sustain pedal be repaired?
If the sustain pedal is not working properly, it can be a challenge to play certain pieces of music. In some cases, the sustain pedal may need to be repaired.
A sustain pedal can be repaired if it is not too badly damaged, but it will likely require replacing the pedal mechanism.
In order to repair the sustain pedal, it may be necessary to remove some of the piano’s parts. The pianist can take a look at the schematic diagram of the piano to see how each of the parts is connected together.
Another way is if the damage is severe, the pedal may need to be replaced. It is important to consult a professional when repairing a sustain pedal as there are many different types and makes of pedals, and incorrect repairs could result in further damage or instability.
When should I replace my sustain pedal?
Over time a sustain pedal can wear down, leading to decreased performance. So when should you replace your sustain pedal?
The lifespan of a sustain pedal depends on how often it’s used and the type of material it’s made from.
Generally, a sustain pedal should last for at least three years with regular use. If you’re not sure whether it’s time to replace your pedal, here are a few signs that it might be time:
- The pedal isn’t responding as well as it used to or feels sluggish
- The sound quality has decreased
- The pedal is making strange noises.
- When the sustain pedal starts to feel difficult to push
- When it makes a weird noise, it’s time to replace it.
If your sustain pedal is showing any of these signs, it might be time for a replacement.
