Farrell wrote: > Key buttons are available in basswood or maple. Any advantage one way or the other with either material? > > Terry Farrell > > _______________________________________________ > pianotech list info: https://www.moypiano.com/resources/#archives > > If you check the information page on my web site and go to the photos and illustrations page you will find several photos of installing new new key buttons. I originally used basswood since it is what you usually see. The problem I had was the basswood does not machine well against the grain. When using a router to trim the buttons a rough surface was left on some of the keys. I have been making keyboards for several years and used quarter sawn maple for the key buttons with good success so I tried them for replacing on older keys. The maple behaves better when machining against the grain. It is also stiffer and more durable (probably out last the rest of the key). The only drawback is that the mortises need to be machined accurately and the bushings need to be properly sized from the beginning (I have had the best luck making my own). Harder woods like maple don't compress very easily if you are used to using easing pliers to fit the keys. I really don't like key easing pliers especially the ones with compound action. I use the hot broaches for easing. A wrote a two part article for The Piano Technicians Journal recently on installing key button sets. Check the list of Journal articles on the site. -- John Hartman RPT John Hartman Pianos [link redacted at request of site owner - Jul 25, 2015] Rebuilding Steinway and Mason & Hamlin Grand Pianos Since 1979 Piano Technicians Journal Journal Illustrator/Contributing Editor [link redacted at request of site owner - Jul 25, 2015]
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