matchiing key color

[Les Smith]

On Mon, 14 Sep 1998, Roger Jolly wrote:

> Hi Tom,
>        We have quite a supply of salvaged key tops,  all shapes,colours,
> sizes and materials. It's the pack rat in me. If you can send a sample we
> will try a match for you.  Glad to see you on the list.
> Regards Roger

To Roger's kind offer I would add the following: Personally, I can't
understand why ALL techs don't do their own keytop-replacement work.
With the advent of the one-piece molded keytop, this work is easily
within the abilities of the average, professional technician. While it
does take a little practice and access to a couple of shop-tools, it
is easy to learn, is a great money-maker and way to fill up slow times,
and can be a great sourse of additional work, too. For example, if a 
piano needs a new set of white keytops, chances are the black keys will
need replacement/refiniching, too. Turn the keys over: frequently, the
key bushings are worn or missing and will also need to be replaced. At
the same time, check the key buttons--are they cracked from amateurish
glissando playing and in need of replacement? Then there's the condition
of all those under-key regulating felts to check, too. Etc., etc. I think
many techs are missing the financial boat by not doing all their own key-
replacement work. Perhaps what turns many of them off is the idea of
removing the old key- covering and then resurfacing the old keystick. This
is a groundless worry. This subject has been covered here in Pianotech and
elsewhere at great length.

If you decide to do your own keytop-replacement work (and I hope you do)
SAVE the old salvagable keytops you remove from each, individual key-
board in their own clear, resealable plastic bag. They will prove invalu-
able in the future when you are faced with having to match up  colors
when replacing individual keytops on old pianos. 

Lastly, if you don't yet have your own stock of old keytops to draw upon,
go to someone in your area who does replace keytops. Chances are good
that they will be able to match up your sample keytop for you. OR, your
can always send it to Roger as suggested. (You DID have a sample, right?).   

Really and truly lastly, if you go through all the trouble of taking a
sample keytop to someone else, or send one to Roger so he can match the
color for you, charge the customer accordingly. The difference between a
keytop which matches the color of the other 51 and one which doesn't is
HUGE. You deserve to be WELL-paid for you efforts.

Les Smith