Piano pedals: what each one does.

Right pedal

The sustain pedal (right)

Kawai’s pedal FAQ describes the right pedal as the one that lifts the dampers from the strings so they can vibrate freely, and Yamaha’s keyboard-pedal guide describes the same role. It is the most used pedal.

Press it and the dampers lift; release it and they return to the strings. Not every string has a damper, because the highest notes are undamped (Yamaha explains how a piano works), so judge the release in a damped register rather than expecting every note to stop at once. If the release sounds uneven or unusual, describe what you hear and ask a qualified technician to assess it.

02

The soft pedal (left)

The soft pedal changes the sound, but through a different mechanism on a grand and an upright. The makers describe the difference in the Yamaha piano guide and the Kawai pedal FAQ.

On a grand

The left pedal on a grand is the una corda. It shifts the action, which changes where and how the hammers strike the strings. Kawai describes the result as a reduction in volume, and the tone colour can change as well. How much depends on the instrument, so demonstrate the effect on the actual piano.

On an upright

On an upright the left pedal works differently. It moves the hammers closer to the strings so they travel a shorter distance, which is not the same action shift as on a grand. Listen on the actual piano to hear what it does to volume and tone.

Test it: play the same passage with and without the soft pedal, and ask the seller to explain what you are hearing.

03

The middle pedal

The middle pedal is the one that varies by instrument. Yamaha notes that its function differs between grands and most uprights, and even between upright models, and the Kawai FAQ draws the same grand and upright distinction.

On a grand: sostenuto

On most grands the middle pedal is the sostenuto. It sustains only the notes whose keys are already held down when the pedal is pressed; notes played afterwards are not sustained. It is used in specific repertoire and is less common in everyday practice than the sustain pedal.

On many uprights: practice pedal

On many uprights the middle pedal is a practice pedal, sometimes called a muffler, which places felt in the hammer path to soften the sound.

This does not make the piano silent. The piano is still audible and the key action still makes mechanical noise. If quiet practice is a priority, ask whether the specific instrument has a practice pedal and try it in the room where it will be played.

Exceptions

Some upright models provide a sostenuto middle pedal instead of a practice pedal, and the Yamaha Hub guide discusses a model-specific example. Do not assume which function the middle pedal provides: ask, and test it on the actual instrument.

04

Silent systems

A dedicated silent system is separate from the practice pedal. On Yamaha’s example (Yamaha SH3 silent system), a stopper prevents the hammers from reaching the strings and sensors relay the performance to a tone generator for headphones. Other makers and models differ, so use the manufacturer’s documentation for the system actually fitted.

Yamaha’s TA3/TC3/SH3/SC3 owner’s manual identifies a possible rattling sound in Quiet mode as the acoustic piano’s keystroke. This is one system example, not a claim about Music Companion’s current stock. Ask what system is fitted to the specific instrument and test it. Do not assume a practice pedal gives the same result. See the acoustic vs digital guide for a broader comparison of practice options.

05

What to ask at a viewing

The full viewing checklist covers the complete routine. For the pedals specifically:

• Sustain: ask for a demonstration of pressing and releasing the pedal on notes in a damped register, and have anything abnormal assessed.
• Soft: play the same passage with and without the pedal and ask the seller to explain the mechanism on this instrument.
• Middle: ask what it does on this piano, then try it. If it is a practice pedal, expect the sound to soften, not disappear.
• Mechanical feel: each pedal should press and return smoothly. Note any squeaking, sticking or scraping.

If a pedal squeaks, sticks or feels sluggish, report the symptom and ask a qualified technician to assess the cause, scope and cost. Ask for the finding to be noted in writing, and for any repair to be agreed before sale or reflected in the quotation.

06

Household practice considerations

If you live in an HDB flat, a condo or a landed home with close neighbours, test what your household actually needs:

• The sustain pedal lengthens how long notes ring. Its effect and the sound heard in other rooms vary with the piano and the room, so judge it where the piano will stand.
• The practice pedal (where fitted) softens the sound, but key action noise and some string sound remain. It is a courtesy measure, not soundproofing.
• A silent system (where fitted) sends the sound to headphones, and its remaining mechanical noise should be checked against the actual system’s owner’s manual.

No pedal or system guarantees a particular noise outcome for neighbours or household members. If near-silence is required, compare the actual instrument in your room. The care guide covers the room environment; the acoustic vs digital guide covers the broader instrument choice.