Pseudo-Ivory Keytops

[bases-loaded@juno.com]

Hi Terry -

I had a set of the Vagias "Ivory " keytops put on a turn-of-the-century
Mason & Hamlin upright a few months ago.  I think they really look great,
especially compared to what the lily white keytops look like on an
instrument from this time period.   Just my opinion.  I hired the work
done by Mark Ritchie, RPT, here in Columbus.  His wife actually does the
key recovery and does very good work.  I don't know what she did to
whiten the background, but if you would like to talk to her, let me know.
 

I can't think of any reason why a light coat of white lacquer applied to
the tops of the keys before recovering wouldn't work.  

Or tinting the glue white. 

Mark Potter
bases-loaded@juno.com


On Mon, 13 Aug 2001 10:06:29 -0400 "Farrell" <mfarrel2@tampabay.rr.com>
writes:
> Does anyone know of any source or service that has plastic keytops 
> that have
> some degree of ivory appearance? I'm refurbishing an action for a 
> woman who
> just loves her ivory keyboard. The ivory keytops are just about the 
> most
> trashed set I have ever seen. If I can find a source for an 
> inexpensive
> substitute, maybe I can talk her into keytop replacement. I am aware 
> of
> white keytops, off-white, and the Vagias Satin Ivory keytops 
> available from
> Schaff. One potential trouble with the Vagias ivory is that they 
> are
> translucent. Does that mean you would have to do the thing with 
> linen under
> the keytop like for real ivory (I would think so because you can see 
> dark
> material underneath the keytops)? Thanks for any help.
> 
> Terry Farrell
> 
>