Upright Lubrication Services!

At Artisan Piano Services, we’re always looking for ways to raise the bar on the level of care and professionalism our customers can expect. One of the most impactful—yet often overlooked—services we now offer is upright piano lubrication.

Most people don’t think about lubrication when it comes to their piano… until we mention it. Then comes the lightbulb moment: “Wait, why don’t we do this every time?”

This blog outlines what’s included in our upright lubrication service, the tools we use, the key pivot points we target, and how this process enhances both piano performance and technician workflow.

Why Lubrication Matters

Pianos contain dozens of moving parts that rely on smooth, consistent motion to perform well. Over time, friction builds up—creating squeaks, sluggish action, or inconsistent feel. Lubrication helps prevent these issues, prolonging the piano's responsiveness and playability.

What’s more, building this service into your regular maintenance offering gives customers visible value. When you walk them through the service you’re providing, it deepens trust and positions you as a true expert.

Tools of the Trade

To offer this service, we recommend keeping these four lubricants on hand:

• Teflon Powder – Perfect for reducing friction in felt contact points like wippen heels. Apply with a hammer shank tip or soft brush.
• Protek CLP – A go-to all-purpose liquid lubricant used for metal-on-felt contact, like pedal and damper pivot points.
• Super Lube – A white silicone grease that works beautifully for pedal rods and metal pivot bushings.
• McLube – An aerosol spray ideal for lubricating key pins. Use with caution and proper masking—it has a strong odor and should not touch the piano’s finish.

The Five Primary Lubrication Points

Here are the five key areas where we apply lubrication during an upright service:

 

1. Key Pins

With the keys removed and the piano vacuumed out, we spray McLube on the front and balance key pins. Mask off surrounding wood with paper towels to protect the finish.

 

2. Capstans

Before reinstalling the keys, we apply a dab of Super Lube to each capstan. This minimizes friction where the key interfaces with the action.

 

3. Wippen Heels

On modern uprights and studio pianos, apply Teflon powder directly to the wippen heel felt. Fluff the felt with a wire brush beforehand for best results.

 

4. Damper Lever Pivot Points

You can either spot-lubricate with Protek or remove the damper lever assemblies for deeper grease application. For speed and efficiency, spot-lubrication is usually sufficient.

 

5. Pedal Trapwork

Using Super Lube or Protek, we lubricate the pedal rod ends, pedal pivot bushings, and any contact points within the trapwork. This eliminates squeaks and reduces resistance.

 

 

Bonus Touchpoints (Optional but Effective)

• Damper Spoon Contact Area – A small bit of Teflon powder or Protek can quiet noise where the spoon meets the damper lever.
• Damper Spring Sockets – For stubborn squeaks, a dab of Super Lube in each spring socket can quiet the action. Be cautious with brittle springs.
• Rubber Grommets on Pedal Rods – These often crack or go missing. Replacing them eliminates play and rattling in the pedal mechanism.

Communicating with Your Customer

One of the biggest values in offering lubrication is the impression it leaves. Customers see their action laid out, their pedals disassembled, and their technician actively improving the feel of their instrument.

Take the time to explain what you’re doing. List the specific services performed on the invoice—even if you include them at no extra charge. When customers see the detail and care you’ve provided, it builds tremendous trust.

“I didn’t even know that was something a piano needed... thank you!”

Time & Pricing Considerations

Most upright lubrication services can be completed in 45 minutes to an hour, especially once you’re familiar with the workflow. If you’re pairing it with a tuning, it’s easy to offer this as an add-on service or include it in a more comprehensive service plan like our Signature Service.

For spinets or unusually difficult designs, additional time and pricing may apply—just be transparent with the customer about the additional labor.

 

Conclusion: A Simple Upgrade with Big Results

Upright lubrication is a practical, high-impact way to elevate your service offering. It reduces wear, eliminates noise, and improves the feel of the piano. More importantly, it positions you as a skilled technician who goes beyond the basics.

If you’re ready to begin offering this service, stock up on the four lubricants, print out a checklist of the five main pivot points, and practice on an upright in your shop. With just a little preparation, you’ll be able to add real value for your customers—and make your own job easier in the process.