Anything wrong with finishing keysticks?

[Michael Spalding]

Thump,

It's my belief that the erosion commonly seen on the sides of sharps is
mechanical, not chemical.  Specifically, fingernails chewing the sharp as
the adjacent natural is played.   A small sampling of satisfied customers
indicates, to me at least, that pianists really like the feel of smooth
bare ebony, especially compared to either solid plastic, or lacquered wood.
jmo.

Mike


> [Original Message]
> From: gordon stelter <lclgcnp@yahoo.com>
> To: <ilvey@sbcglobal.net>; Pianotech List <pianotech@ptg.org>
> Date: 2/28/2006 11:39:17 AM
> Subject: Re: Anything wrong with finishing keysticks?
>
> Dear Terry,
>      I agree with you that natural ebony is gorgeous.
> It is NOT however, impervious to the acidic sweats and
> salts in fingers, not to mention boogers, various
> bodily fluids, etc..  Some people ( especially heavy
> carnivores, as a matter of fact) have REALLY
> destructive sweat, and I've seen plenty of pianos
> where the sharps, and sides of naturals, for that
> matter, are quite literally melted away. I might leave
> the sharps unfinished on my own piano, as I wash my
> hands every time I use it. But for the general 
> "hoi-poloi"? Nope. Bad idea, unless you enjoy
> depleting rare wood species.
>      Thump
>  
>
> --- David Ilvedson <ilvey@sbcglobal.net> wrote:
>
> > Terry,
> > 
> > I'm with you on this...I love the look of Ebony in
> > its natural  state.   Black/brown
> > swirls....Yowza....!
> > 
> > David Ilvedson, RPT
> > Pacifica, California
> > 
> > 
> > 
> > ----- Original message
> > ----------------------------------------
> > From: Farrell <mfarrel2@tampabay.rr.com>
> > To: "Pianotech List" <pianotech@ptg.org>
> > Received: 2/28/2006 7:35:22 AM
> > Subject: Re: Anything wrong with finishing
> > keysticks?
> > 
> > 
> > >I've never quite understood this - why do folks
> > take $100/bd.-ft. precious 
> > >ebony wood and fill the grain, stain it, and then
> > worst of all - paint it 
> > >black? Why not just have maple sharps - or better
> > yet, plastic?
> > 
> > >Hey, it's my ONLY pet peeve!   ;-)
> > 
> > >Terry Farrell
> > 
> > >----- Original Message ----- 
> > 
> > >> Followed by some gel stain. Don't forget to
> > polish the lead before sealing 
> > >> key    :-)   :-)   :-)
> > >>
> > >> Seriously, I have seen many sets of keys with a
> > protective coating of some 
> > >> type, and not only does the result look good, but
> > also keeps the dirt and 
> > >> staining down to a dull roar.
> > >>
> > >> Joseph Alkana RPT
> > >>
> > >>
> > >>
> > >> ----- Original Message ----- 
> > >>
> > >>> The customer is willing to pay for this...?
> > >>>
> > >>> I don't see any problem,,,one coat does
> > >>> it or are you filling the grain, sanding sealer
> > >>> and then sanding between coats?...;-]
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>> David Ilvedson, RPT
> > >>> Pacifica, California 
> > 
> > 
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>
>
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