Hi everyone, I have a dead B5 key on my 1887 Mason & Hamlin Screwstringer Upright Grand Piano that I am trying to figure out an alternative key or set of keys to play instead of that key so the song I am learning to play sounds correct. That dull "thud" or sometimes nothing from the B5 throws my playing off. Trying to ignore it and keep playing is not as easy as it sounds. Any ideas would be appreciated. In the meantime, I'll keep experimenting and will let you know if I come up with a suitable replacement for the B5. I have been learning to play for 7 months now and am working on "Stairway to Heaven" which is coming along nicely except for that key. Grateful for any suggestions.
Regards,
Carol

Just picked my grandson's brain about alternate keys and he laughed. Good idea, he said, but not gonna happen................ Hey, in my mind in theory it works (if a string vibrates at 1,000 hz why can't you hit two keys that total 1,000 hz and get the same sound). LOL Hey, I'm an old lady, give me a break!

Sounds like something your local piano tuner/technician ought to be able to sort out.

Thanks for your comment. I already tried that. He couldn't do a thing to make it better and after he left I felt it sounded worse. I guess playing for the last 6 months as much as I have has done it in for good.

I have been experimenting with touch to lessen the poor sound. If I touch the B with a lighter touch, just enough so I know I did hit the key, but keep the chord louder it doesn't sound horrendous.

My grandson suggested I stop downloading sheet music for songs in the key of C. Funny kid!

Keep in mind this is a "very" old piano and would cost a "lot of money" to refurbish, never mind fully restore. It's just my learning piano but I want to learn on something that keeps me progressing because I'm still interested. I'm saving for a newer one. Just wish I'd run into a finely tuned piano in a mall or something that I can try out to really hear what my playing sounds like. LOL

I understand it is really annoying, if you are not getting the right sound out your organ. Try to find some experienced and affordable Piano movers and tuners online to solve your problem. I also did the same last year for tuning my piano.