PVC-E glue and Keytops

[Joseph Alkana]

I think Bill Smith would take extreme exception to this statement. And so would I, having had to deal with two pianos having one piece ivories.
Joseph Alkana RPT
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Mike Kurta 
  To: Pianotech List 
  Sent: Saturday, May 20, 2006 1:40 PM
  Subject: Re: PVC-E glue and Keytops


      Hi Ric:
      If they're one piece keytops you're removing, they ain't ivory.  Without exception, ivory key covering is in two pieces, a long "tongue" and the top itself.  You can make sure by reflecting light off the surface and you should see growth rings much like a tree.  Plastic will have none.  The border guards use a heated needle pushed against the keytop.  Plastic will melt and the needle will go in, where ivory resists any such attempt.
      Anyway, the Spurlock method using a router refers to trimming the top of the keystick after the material has been removed.  Best ways to remove the old tops are 1. carefully prying up the old keytop with a utility knife or 2. loosening the adhesive first, using a heat gun or 3. an electric iron with a damp cloth between the iron the the tops, then pry off.
      Mike Kurta  
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