Yamaha upright flanges repair
This is a very common repair for Yamaha upright pianos, though it also affects many other brands that use a similar hammer flange design. Hammer flange cords play an important role in some upright pianos: they assist with repetition by helping reset the hammers after a note is played and the hammer strikes the string. When these cords are doing their job properly, the action feels responsive and consistent.
But these cords wear down, and after a few decades, they break. When this happens, the piano may exhibit sluggish repetition, uneven touch, or notes that fail to reset reliably.
When hammer flange cords break, there are generally three options:
Replace the flange cords.
Replace the flanges.
Replace the piano.
Some technicians prefer to replace the entire hammer flange, while others opt to replace only the flange cord. At our shop, we do both, depending the situation. In many cases, replacing hammer flanges or flange cords is a sensible and cost-effective repair that restores proper function.
However, there are situations where broken flange cords are a symptom of broader deterioration. If multiple action components are failing due to age or material breakdown, investing in isolated repairs may not be financially wise. In those cases, replacing the flanges — or even considering a different piano altogether — may be the better long-term decision. A qualified piano technician can evaluate your instrument and help determine the most appropriate solution.
The video above shows us replacing flange cords in our rebuilding shop, tucked away in Maryland just outside Washington, DC. As a boutique piano dealer and service provider serving Northern Virginia, Maryland, Washington DC, and the surrounding region, we regularly replace hammer flanges and flange cords when refurbishing upright pianos for resale.
If your piano has poor repetition — or if you’re shopping for a piano and want confidence in how it’s been prepared — we’re happy to help! Reach out and let’s talk about what you need.