S+S Keys

[John Hartman]

Clark,

You can figure this out yourself. Measure in millimeters the total width 
of the keyboard from note 1 to 88. Then divide by 52. Subtract 1.5mm for 
the negative spaces between the keys.  1.5mm is the space found between 
the heads on new keyboards.

I build out the sides with sugar pine veneer I make myself on the table 
saw. I cut them at various thickness' from .5mm to 1.5mm. I select the 
heads that need shimming and plane the sides smooth with a block plane. 
This will make for a better glue joint. I select veneer for one or both 
sides to get the desired width, usually about 22.5mm.

I find that the German single piece plastic key tops from Pianotek 
(KTF-4W) are just the right width for Steinway grands. These are the 
same tops Bob uses for new keyboards and are now available cut into 
individual pieces.


John Hartman X-PTG

John Hartman Pianos
[link redacted at request of site owner - Jul 25, 2015]
Rebuilding Steinway and Mason & Hamlin
Grand Pianos Since 1979


Clark Sprague wrote:
 > Hello, List!  I have a 1904 Steinway A in my shop, and I have a question
 > for you.  At one time, someone re-covered the keys, and the first thing
 > you notice, is, too wide gaps between the keys.  Another tech said to
 > apply veneer to the sides before re-covering to the proper width.  Can
 > anyone tell me the proper width,  and some suggestions as to  how to
 > obtain the proper veneer, some procedures from your experience with this
 > problem?  Thanks!
 > Clark A. Sprague, RPT
 > csprague4@woh.rr.com <mailto:csprague4@woh.rr.com>
 >
 >
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