Ivory Keys -- Real

[Paul Birsching]

Z! Reinhardt wrote:
> 
> Dear List:
> 
> Ivory Keytops -- another recurring topic, I suppose.
> 
> A customer just bought a 50-year-old Steinway console (don't know which
> model off-hand) and reports that a couple of the ivories are
> darker/yellower than the rest of the keyboard.  What is the best way to
> whitem them to match the rest of the keyboard?
> 
> The customer also reports that there is a tiny chip (about 1/16") in one of
> the keytops.  Any good hints for repairing that?  She would like as much of
> an invisible repair as is possible.
> 
> Thanks in advance ---ZR!  RPT
> Ann Arbor  MI
> diskladame@provide.net
We have found that the best and, possibly, the only way to whiten
discolored ivories is the sand them until you reach the whiter material
underneath.  Of course, if the discoloration runs completely through,
you will have to be satisfied with an improvement and not a totally
white key.  Wood bleach has some effect but is not very uniform.  Don't
know what to do about chips.  Haven't found anything that works well
outside of replacement.