How Hidden Objects Can Affect Your Piano’s Performance

Written By James Stinebaker

I was tuning a Chickering grand piano in Louisville today, when the client mentioned a sticky key. I removed the fallboard, and found 3 pencils jammed inside the action- there's your problem!

I also found a paper clip laying on the soundboard, which was causing a buzzing sound that sounded like it was coming from the strings. 

After removing the foreign object and tuning to standard pitch, you wouldn’t believe the difference in the feel and sound of the instrument! 

I’m pleased to report another happy piano :) 

James Stinebaker

James, a St. Louis County native, has built his career serving clients across the greater St. Louis area and now Louisville, Kentucky, combining his lifelong passion as a musician and producer with a calling in acoustic piano tuning and repair. His musical background gives him a refined ear and intuition that enhance his technical work, and as a member of the Piano Technicians Guild, he is preparing for the Registered Piano Technician (RPT) exams in 2026 while continuing to grow through ongoing training. Since joining Vanguard Piano Service in February 2026, James has become an active part of the Louisville music community, taking over clients formerly served by Matt Grossman with a strong commitment to maintaining their trusted standard of care. He is dedicated to helping every piano sound its best while creating a positive experience for each client.

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