[CAUT] slick keytops

[Jim Busby]

Thanks Susan!

I had some beeswax here and it worked well. You're right about "varying amounts". From "still a bit slick" to a regular flytrap... He's going to try it out tomorrow.

I tried some hairspray (on a different piano) and it didn't seem to do much. Maybe the brand isn't right. I've heard some pianists spray their fingers with it.

Regards,
Jim

________________________________
From: caut-bounces at ptg.org [mailto:caut-bounces at ptg.org] On Behalf Of Susan Kline
Sent: Monday, November 12, 2007 3:58 PM
To: College and University Technicians
Subject: Re: [CAUT] slick keytops

What I do (adapting an idea from Steve Brady) is to take a real beeswax candle, and make a short mark on each key, then smear it around until it "disappears" into an even trace layer all over the key, using my fingers and a shop towel. You can try varying amounts of wax, and have the pianist try them out.

I don't bother with any "product" for cleaning. I just wet the corner of a shop towel, squeeze it into the rest so it's barely damp, and clean off only the visible dirt. Using minimal water seems to help keep the keys from being slick afterwards.

I've found that pianists are most bothered by slick sharps, which they can slide off of.
I like the beeswax because it is easy to keep in the kit, has a pleasant odor, is completely nontoxic, and could be removed if need be. It gives just enough stickiness, without any visible changes.

Susan Kline
Oregon State, Newport Arts Center


List,

A professor says the keys on our CF are too slick or slippery. This is real ivory. And they were dirty too. I cleaned them with Keybrite, and now theyre even more slick. Any quick solutions? (Light sanding? Hairspray?)

Thanks,

Jim Busby BYU

p.s. I couldnt find anything for ivory on the archives.
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