How to Fix Sticky Keys - Suzuki HG-425e Mini Grande Digital Piano

[@AnitaLandress]

I was so excited when I found out that this electronic baby grand was being included when we bought our condo. Sadly to find out many of the keys were stuck and it was unplayable. This week I googled the problem and found this perfect KZbin video that had the exact same model with the same problem. I bravely decided to tackle the project and watched the step by step instructions as I went along. I had to find and buy a triangle shaped screwdriver to remove 2 of the screws and I bought a battery powered nail file and a button battery to make the repair. I took every little piece apart, cleaned and vacuumed everything, filed out every key so they would move loosely on the rod they were attached to and spent way to much time trying to find dropped screws. Finally time to put it all back together. Yay! No left over screws or pieces. Yay! I could finally play the instrument that had taken up so much space for the past couple of years. Yay, no sticking keys and I was able to play it for the first time. Booo, the keys weren’t playing the right notes and it sounded Terrible!!! I started looking on Amazon to buy a new one, but decided to give it one more shot before setting it out at the curb. No loss anyway, other than my time to take out a million screws again and try to find the problem. It must have been God guiding my failing eyes after I had it half apart again, I noticed that the connector for the keyboard didn’t go down on one side all the way where it was plugged into the circuit board. I tried to reconnect it, but it still didn’t fit like it should. As I looked closer I noticed that one of the pins was bent on the male connector and I was able to straighten it with my little triangle screwdriver and a pair of tweezers. I plugged it back in and tested it. OH MY JOY!!! I was elated! It all worked and is all back together again 😁 If at first you don’t succeed….. Thank You Soooo much for making this detailed video that gave me the confidence to even give it a try.

[@daevmulholland8175]

Amazing! So glad to hear that your repair was a success! Good eye, catching that pin issue. Yes, yes and yes - there certainly are a lot of screws in there! Are there more than necessary? Probably, but if I left some out to save time and something rattled or didn't work perfectly, the disassembly/reassembly of shame that followed would feel like a massive waste of time!

[@SamGutermuth]

I don't usually comment, but this saved me so much time and guesswork. I decided to remove all the grease/lubrication that was on the keyboard components and ran the counterweights and rods through an ultra-sonic cleaner. Putting it back together, I painted back on a silicone based lubrication with a toothpick to select pieces. I don't know what kind they used originally, but it feels like it is petroleum based, which explains why the rod and the counterweights practically fused together.

[@MMisterSkittlez]

Wow what are the odds! 3 weeks ago I was offered this piano (but white) for free since basically the entire keyboard is dropped and stuck. I looked 3 weeks ago and didn't see any videos on how to take it apart and repair. Other than the ace repair kit which costs money. I picked up the piano yesterday and started on it today just to find this video which walks through the entire process of the exact piano!! 😂😂 I feel so so lucky lol

[@MatthewLowryUSA]

Were you able to fix it?

[@MMisterSkittlez]

@@MatthewLowryUSA yes! It's a perfect fix

[@sylviayoungman6925]

Did you need/find a new rod? I have 4 stuck keys. I plan to use this video to do repair myself but can't find a new rod that is the length of the keyboard. Is Suzuki still in the e-piano business?

[@MMisterSkittlez]

@Sylvia Youngman I did not use a new rod. Everything I used was from the original. Just sanding. A lot of sanding. Pretty simple and easy, just tedious.

[@MMisterSkittlez]

This guide is pretty good for its purpose

[@BigSteve559]

Picked one of these up today for $200. All the keys were stuck. No joke, an 8 hour job for me. Followed the video to a T. My Suzuki had to be sanded down almost all the way on some keys. I used a Dremel to sand inside the holes. Drill, bits, and good tunes. Thank you so much Daev, seriously could not have done it without this video. My piano is nearly 20 years old and plays like new.

[@soconteudo]

Thank you very much! Your estimate encouraged me to fix the piano, and your suggestion of using a dremel also helped. I did the same. However, there are some keys (around 5) that are not working. But I think I'll leave it as it is. 83 working keys are better than 88 not working.

[@jobthedog]

Key layout at 16:50 time stamp is critical if you were like me and pulled them all off at once with no regard to the fact that they were numbered... I had started to put them back on with what "looked" like the right ordering and I was way off. So appreciate this video as my piano had sat "broken" with over 1/2 the keys stuck. I did this project over a couple of days with probably 4 hours total time. I wrapped some 220 grit sandpaper around a wooden pencil and used that to clean up my keys as well as steel wool to smooth the shafts out. Thank you so much.

[@peerlessestatesalesllc5903]

THANK YOU from PALM SPRINGS CA!! I have a new piano because of you. EVERY tip and caution you included applied to my job that day -- 8 hours of straight work, but worth every second! oh... those triangle screw heads!!! I filed down a drill bit!

[@probablypablito]

I seriously cannot thank you enough for this. I have a ST-7 that seemed to have no guides online until I found this video. So well laid out. Truly a lifesaver

[@spencerhoward1]

We’ve had a Suzuki GP-3 for over a decade and lots of the keys have been stuck for at least 5 years. This video has given me the courage to try to fix it.

[@MatthewLowryUSA]

How did it go?

[@Joopez1]

how did it go??

[@craigslocum8271]

Thanks for the great video. I finished the repair today. 95% of the keys were stuck so it took a lot of time and sandpaper to work through all 88 keys. The instrument works like new now! Wouldn’t have done the project without your video. Thanks

[@daevmulholland8175]

That's fantastic to hear, Craig! Glad it helped to get your instrument back to playable condition so you can enjoy it.

[@jacobhitcher7102]

Amazing ...just amazing on the instructions. Some people just have a knack for showing how it's done.. Cheerio

[@beaumac]

I just got my hands on one of these. I'm so glad you made this video to help me repair the keys. Thanks!

[@ShawnVandeVyver]

Thank you so much for the instruction! We got ours handed down because about HALF of the keys were stuck. Now it performs beautifully! I couldn’t have done it without your guidance… ESPECIALLY on that stupid triangle bit for TWO SCREWS. thanks for the heads up!

[@randyskiba5761]

Incredible Video! I'v been sitting with a GP-3 by Suzuki for the last 8 years not knowing if I could fix it. I was sure it was cost prohibitive to take it to a shop so it just sat there. Everything is explained so clearly. Got piano going just in time for daughter to practise for lessons. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

[@leatheflyboy]

Thank you, I bought the piano for $100. About a dozen sticky keys. Looks like someone had serviced it in the past too. Because of your video I was able to repair the entire keyboard and put it back together for my wife’s Xmas gift. Refurbished the cosmetics and put a bow on it. Thank you again.

[@douglastaylor8287]

Fantastic video instructions! I stopped playing for years because of stuck keys, but now it's working perfectly. It took about 6 hours but worth it.❤

[@jerryandkerri]

I just picked up one for free. Found your video and took 4 hours to fix it. Almost all keys were sticky. I used a major shortcut. I found a long drill bit exact size of the pin and ran it thru 6 keys at a time. Smooth. No click. Thanks a ton.

[@jacques_phroste]

Your video is a great walkthrough on how to fix sticky keys. Your efforts have helped me bring back a Suzuki HG425e Baby Grand to full playability!!😀

[@carlmadison27]

Very nicely detailed explanation of everything.

[@joeplaysclarinet3668]

I got a FP-S digital piano that had 90% of the keys sticking. This was a great a tutorial on how to disassemble the piano. For the repair I found a forum online that said to use a fiber glass rod sold at home depot for less than 5 Bucks and I was able to fix all the keys within 10 minutes. Took longer to take the piano apart than fixing all the keys. Thank you for sharing the dismantling process.

[@vasvas2903]

Do you have more info on these fiber glass rods you bought?

[@cvkventures]

Solid instructions. Did my first piano for a friend that had every key stuck. Took just over 3hrs with a drill and a few bits. Definitely recommend using a drill on the lowest drill setting to save on time and effort.

[@sylviayoungman6925]

I am having a hard time removing those 2 end caps (one has the on/off button). I took the 2 screws out of each end cap. 😢 Any ideas?

[@A388Flyer]

Thanks for a thorough and detailed tutorial. I did everything pretty much according to your instructions, except for sanding out the holes on the keys. I cleaned all 88 keyholes with rubbing alcohol and Q-Tips to remove the old grease/metallic matter. Then re-greased with white lithium grease, unfortunately that still left the keys stiff. So I put the trouble keys on a rod, spun it around and vigorously "scrubbed" the keyhole on the rod. Eventually it would spin freely (funny enough all they keys that were stuck were the black keys... which leads me to believe the moldings were not the same spec as the white keys). Re-assembled everything and all is good. Not sure how durable my version of the fix will be, but if I ever have to take it apart again, I can probably due it in half the time. Thanks again for the great video!

[@sandbagger937]

I was having a problem with sticking keys on my Suzuki piano. This video was extremely helpful, particularly since it is so detailed. Problem fixed, and one less consumer item sent to the dump. Well done!!

[@hjbtaxacct]

I just bought one of these pianos and will need to fix sticky keys. Fingers crossed that I don't need any parts since I can't seem to find any! Thanks for putting this video together. From the comments, it appears that this will help my husband and I get my piano fixed.

[@stevedonahue5938]

Just found your video! I was given Suzuki G-33 with a bunch of sticky keys. Started disassembly made up to removing keyboard cover. Thanks for the insight "how to". I'll give it a try, if it works, then on to control panel and finally the keys. I'll let you know how it turns out. Again, Thanks for the detailed instructions and insights.

[@captmikemm]

I just did this repair on a Suzuki HG-425e that had about a dozen stuck keys. Your video was immensely helpful. I disassembled and went through each counterweight, I used a fine rat tail file (lightly) on any key that did not pendulum back and forth easily on the rod, and I lightly sanded both sides of the hole. One thing I might add; when assembling each octave carriage, one needs to be aware the wide weight is a white key and each narrow weight is a black key. The little nub that the key presses goes opposite directions as well. I took me a while to realize they were different and the assembly started with “A” and went to “G#”. Once I understood that they went together easily. Thanks again for this most helpful video. M

[@aemediainc]

Daev this video was incredibly helpful and persuaded us to pick up a GP3 for $250 and 100% fixed in an afternoon for FREE! Thank you so much ❤

[@TheFaithmom]

I have had the GP-3 since 2006. There were many keys stuck but I followed your video and took it apart. I just finished putting it back together and it is working great again. I did have to take the keys off three times before I finally got them all working but I learned a lot for the next time! It is working like it was brand new.

[@psychosophie3556]

Thank you so much for this magnificient tutorial. My Dad and I took apart my parent's piano (same model) .. no more stuck keys! It plays wonderfully.

[@henryk8763]

You saved our piano, was able to fix it with your guidance. Your video was so helpful. Although not the same (Behringer CDP2400), it was very similar. Thanks again!!!

[@ashishsingh1743]

Excellent step by step instructions. Thank you

[@victorcortez618]

Brillant work, I had a piano like this and was desperate because i didnt knew what was wrong but this very detaliled vídeo helped a lot :)

[@daevmulholland8175]

Great to hear!

[@flezmo]

Excellent Video! Thank you for making this such a straightforward process.

[@ncmusic61]

Fantastic video and lots of little tips as well. Appreciate the time you took to do this and to share with folks. I might have an opportunity to buy one of these fairly cheap. Just whether I gamble being able to fix it. However, I’m pretty good at tinkering ☺️

[@soconteudo]

You're very welcome for this comprehensive tutorial! I followed it to the letter, and it turned out excellent! Unfortunately, in my case, some keys are not producing sound. If you happen to know how to fix that as well, I would appreciate some tips! God bless!

[@Nevany]

Thank you very much for this detailed step-by-step guide. Instructions were spot on. Did the repair on a GP-3 Mini-Grand and all the keys work now. I was very cautious using the sandpaper, and used just enough to make the couter weight move freely. However, I should have made the holes a bit larger, as the keys are a little sluggish. Thanks again for the great video!

[@nickarctic6824]

Thank you very much, I just fixed my with your help. Awesome 🎉🎉🎉

[@theblade9024]

Very helpful. thanks. I just got the one I bought on the cheap apart. I was going to try replacing the entire rod as shown in a different video but it looks like it comes in sections so I will try your method of working on sections. thanks for the info about the key numbers.

[@daevmulholland8175]

No problem 👍

[@Bippe]

Thank you. Have the same piano with sticky keys.... Helped alot :)

[@daevmulholland8175]

Glad it helped!

[@MatthewLowryUSA]

Great video, incredibly well done. Does anyone know what grease this is and where I can get it?

[@jukeboxyan]

Wow, thank you for this video. I don’t have your patience to repair mine, I know I’ll screw everything up anyway. You didn’t mesure the keyboard space inside by any chance? My plan for now would be: following your tutorial to get stuck keyboard out and buy a new keyboard I could put in. So basically, I would use my baby grand as a shell/fancy stand. I’m an occasional player/singer for fun so it wouldn’t bother me much. My other option is to buy a complete new one…

[@daevmulholland8175]

Hello Yannick! Thanks for your comment. Unfortunately, I did not measure anything while I was working on the piano. From what I understand, the keyboard box is the same as in several other Suzuki keyboards with weighted keys, including the SS-100 shown in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jHOUd6GVbLCWrLc Sorry I couldn't be of more assistance!

[@jukeboxyan]

@@daevmulholland8175 thank you! You’ve been super helpful. Just doing this video helped mu understand my problem and that I won’t embark in the project 😀. Thanks for the link too!

[@jobthedog]

The existing keyboard "tray" is 9 inches x 48.5 inches. The inside of the piano is 10 inches by 50.5 inches where the keyboard fits into.

[@sylviayoungman6925]

Three keys are stuck. Video was great. Can I make an appt for you to fix my piano (same piano as in your video)?? San Antonio, Texas.

[@gamemorio2.571]

Hi, I done everything you said, but no sound come out and I notice that one thread of my cable (which I remove) has gone out? Is it why I can't have any sound? Thank you so much for the instruction at least all my keys are correct... :)

[@nonamebrand8771]

The key weight with the little cap on the plastic point !!! One of them fell off. When i started to put it back on, i noticed they are all no pointed in the same direction. Could it have something to do with the black key, white key direction ?

[@emilywagner9984]

Starting this project today. Any recs on what to use to sand down the plastic? Thanks

[@marymayhem5822]

Hi! So I’m in the process of fixing my sticky keys right now. I’ve noticed there’s some oil/grease located on top side of the keyboard section (towards where the backside of the keys go into). Please tell me all that oil/grease doesn’t belong there and that I need to clean it because it looks alarmingly nasty. Do the keys need some type of lubricant, or are all those oils from the previous owners?

[@daevmulholland8175]

Sorry, I wish I could help you, but I didn't add or remove any grease from mine. It's been working perfectly since I did the repair three months ago. Good luck with your repair, and enjoy playing your beautiful instrument!

[@kevinthomas4930]

My 400ex keys aren't like that. They have a green piece that holds the back of the keys down and rock on a little rod. 2 of them are broken. I am currently trying some structural epoxy for plastic. Any suggestions for a more "correct" fix?

[@nonamebrand8771]

Most of it worked on my Suzuki GP3.

[@sylviayoungman6925]

Is it imperative to remove the end caps (left with on/off button) both are stuck, before keys are removed?

[@katpom3220]

This was incredibly good for the take apart!!! We have some metal rods similar to the ones in the piano and I’m hoping they are a fraction smaller so I can use them instead of drilling the holes out…I will break them!!! I look forward to this working!!! Any advise about the grease? I have a spray silicon and another person mentioned bulb grease from an auto store, but I was wondering about regular grease you use on gears ??

[@daevmulholland8175]

I'm really glad to hear that you found this helpful! Unfortunately, I have no idea about the grease. I didn't add any, and it's working perfectly - the whole family plays it! Good luck with your repair!

[@martinwilkes1377]

Hello can you help me. Trying to replace ace rods. No one has the kits available to replace them. Where do I get the rods grease etc. Size of the rods. Left side of keyboard sticking

[@daevmulholland8175]

Good question! I didn't actually add any grease, but you could try a bike shop - maybe use some fancy Campagnolo LB-100 profession lubricant grease!

[@rogershuford]

Do you know where I can find Suzuki HP 80 digital piano?

[@davidcameron7549]

Do you need to add any oil to rods when assembling

[@sylviayoungman6925]

At the point where I just took out the 2 brass and 8 black screws, but 2 wood plugs are keeping me from lifting the control panel out. ??

[@sylviayoungman6925]

I have finally rebuilt my g425e, from computer board to fixing sunken keys. In testing all functions today, the 'In Use' disk light is not coming on. The disk light is on. No music comes from the disk. Any ideas?😊

[@PianoMundoCo]

Anyone know where can I get a set of replacements keys for this model?

[@AlexA-kv9zp]

Hello, I'm in the process of taking the board off of the keys and there are some other screws holding it in place under the display board. I think I may be doing something wrong. Can someone help? Not sure how to send a picture. Thank you.

[@sylviayoungman6925]

Got the control panel free, but can't left up to move out of the way.??

[@KENTEKELLER]

I just purchased a used one. The problem is opposite. Too much pressure is required to get the key to release downward. Is this the same basic problem?

[@daevmulholland8175]

The bad news is that I'm afraid I don't know what that particular problem is, but the good news is that most of this video is about the disassembly procedure that would get you to the point where you could assess and address your issue. Hope it helps!

[@olebentzonkjrvik8804]

But did you use sandpapaiper in the holes? You dont show how you do it in the video. But you just takk som fine sandpapier inside those plastic holes?

[@daevmulholland8175]

Thanks for your question! Yes, I used fine sandpaper and checked the hole size frequently with the rod to ensure that I didn't enlarge the hole too much. Even so, I did enlarge one or two a bit beyond what they should have been, but I used the super glue trick to decrease the opening size back to what it should be.

[@wizardoftunes]

Great video, clear explanation! I have a GEM RP-800 with the same keybed and same symptoms. Also, like someone mentioned here, it seems especially a problem on the black keys. I have the keyboard already reassembled, now soon I will start the work based on this great video. By the way, I also found a post on a forum from someone saying that just a lot of repetitive striking the keys has fixed it too. Don’t know for how long, but at least I have experienced the same to some extend. Keep up the good work!

[@TheFaithmom]

I wrapped super fine sandpaper around a screw driver to use into the holes.

[@peterpaul7757]

What about if I don't get no sound from my piano

[@daevmulholland8175]

Other than checking the electrical connections inside your piano, I'm afraid I don't have any advice for that issue. You may need an instrument/electronics expert to take a look at it. Good luck!

[@sylviayoungman6925]

Got the control panel moved out of the way! On to next steps...

[@20891]

People who made it is to blame . Shame on them

[@kathychitwood8639]

Is there anyone that could repair mine around Georgia area. I’m trying to find someone.

[@leahifein]

Hello! Who could I hire to do this!!!!! I’m in Greenwood, IN!!!

[@daevmulholland8175]

Sorry, I wish I could help, but I'm pretty far from you! Theoretically, anyone with a little technical skill and a few basic tools could do it, just as I did.

[@leahifein]

Thanks for your reply. I’m mentoring a 13 year old boy. I think we’re gonna attempt this together. So glad I found your instructions. I just can’t junk it before trying it. Thanks!!

[@tdawg385]

I know I'm late to this party, but if anyone can help with the order of thebcounter weights, that would be a tremendous help. I should've taken a picture before i tried to rush through. Where each section goes and for the last set of 12, what the number order of each counterweight is. I figure this is a long shot but worth a try.

[@dougvoice]

14.57 .. small face in top right hand corner appears .....chewing tasty gum ??

[@utubejoe11]

What a crappy design. Thanks for posting. I was considering picking one of these up. I see now why the prices are low.

[@PamelaMiller-zl9rg]

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[@watcher9987]

Horrible brand of piano. Buy yamaha, Roland, or kawai

[@leeknievel748]

Wow, I was looking to buy one of these today at around $900...........................HAHA NOT GONNA NOW!!