Cleaning keys again

[gordon stelter]

Obviously, the original intent of this discussion was
about removing finger-induced slime from keysides. But
why not bring in the issue of whole-key cleaning , as
that surely is relevant when one removes the keys for
cleaning the sides? And mice are a prevalent
contaminator. 
     I play professionally, and I would not expect my
performance to be imapaired by the presence of a
non-absorbent coating on key sides. If others prefer
to relish sentimental notions about cosmetic
"originality", that's their prerogative.
      But from a strictly impartial, scientific
stance, would not a finished key be less prone to
dimensional fluctuation due to humidity changes? Less
likely to warp? Less likely to shed its keytop?
    Respectfully,
    Thump

--- David Love <davidlovepianos@earthlink.net> wrote:
> I'm not sure what mouse infestations have to do with
> your original post.  It
> was to keep fingerprints off the sides of the keys
> wasn't it.  To catch
> those little perpetrators who left their prints
> behind.  Thump???  I don't
> see the sides of the keys as being repositories for
> mouse crap anyway.  I
> used to see pianos periodically from a local
> rebuilder where the soundboard
> was covered with wood grained contact paper to cover
> up the cracks.  It also
> allowed for easier cleaning.  I have no scientific
> basis for my objection.
> Call me old fashioned, I would consider it a visual
> abomination.  It is, of
> course, just my opinion. Have at it if you want.
> 
> In response to David I., yes I do blacken below the
> sharp for continuity,
> but we are talking about painting the entire key
> stick white or black.
> Maybe the two of you should get together and offer
> it as a service.  Who
> knows, it might catch on.
> 
> As far as moisture on the ivories compromising the
> glue joint, the fact that
> you haven't observed problems doesn't exactly
> constitute proof that the
> joint isn't compromised by repeated exposure to
> moisture.  According to the
> guys who used to do all the ivory work, rubbing the
> key clean is the safest
> method.  Repeated exposure to moisture will cause
> the ivory to to expand and
> contract and over time loosen the bond.  In
> addition, the seam between the
> head and the tail is not sealed.  There is no glue
> there purposefully to
> keep the it more invisible.  Moisture can creep into
> the joint and cause
> tenting.  That doesn't mean one exposure will create
> a problem.  But
> repeated exposures over time can.  Do what you want,
> but those interested in
> the potential long term effects should at least be
> able to make an informed
> decision.
> 
> David Love
> 
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "gordon stelter" <lclgcnp@yahoo.com>
> To: <pianotech@ptg.org>
> Sent: August 13, 2002 1:36 PM
> Subject: Re: Cleaning keys again
> 
> 
> Why not lacquer keys? If it holds in the stink
> ( although I burn pianos that are heavily mouse
> infested as they are signifigant health threats )and
> makes the keys easy to clean, why not lacquer them?
> Please give me a scientific response---- not just
> deriding the idea as "too radical"-- as though
> pianos
> are somehow worshippable objects which need to be
> left
> exactly as manufactured!!! Besides, lacquering the
> keys cuts down on moisture infusion which, I would
> think, will keep them in better regulation, and
> prevent sticking key bushings!!! It also seals in
> the
> lead weights, thus preventing small children from
> breathing oxidized lead dust ( VERY DANGEROUS!!!) 
> and
> slows future oxidation.
>     Pianos are tools to create music, not Gods!  My
> customers' health supercedes any piano's imaginary
> Inalienable Rights. Mouse crap can make you cough up
> blood ( I've been there ) and hope to die! In my 30
> years in this business, nothing strikes me as more
> inethical,unscrupulous and widespread, than the
> practice of refinishing and otherwise cosmetically
> spritzing up a filthy piano which can pose a serious
> health threat to the unwitting customer once it is
> in
> their home!!!!
>      "Do unto others.........."
>      I have developed a whole system for sanitizing
> pianos and REALLY returning them to "like new" ,
> which
> I will share when I have time.
>     Oh, and yes, my pianos do sound GREAT when done,
> and play well, which is also important.
>      Sincerely,
>      Gordon Stelter
>      P.S. I have also heard that virii in mouse crap
> can cause birth defects. Do we want that on our
> record?
>      <davidlovepianos@earthlink.net> wrote:
> > Lacquering the sides of the keys with clear
> lacquer
> > seems a pretty radical
> > solution that I would not try or recommend. 
> Putting
> > white or black lacquer
> > on the sides key sticks would push me over the
> edge
> > if it were my piano.
> >
> > David Love
> >
> >
> > ----- Original Message -----
> > From: "gordon stelter" <lclgcnp@yahoo.com>
> > To: <pianotech@ptg.org>
> > Sent: August 13, 2002 11:20 AM
> > Subject: Re: Cleaning keys again
> >
> >
> > I use a green "Scotch-Brite" pad and denatured
> > alcohol, wearing gloves and a carbon filter mask.
> > Then, if the keys still stink, I put a cheap set
> of
> > bushing cauls in the bushing slots, mask off the
> > ivories ( 3/4" easy to remove blue tape works
> great)
> > and lacquer them, with either clear or white and
> > black
> > lacquer. If the piano will be in an institutional
> > setting where poorly raised people will not wash
> > their
> > hands before playing ( should be illegal!) I will
> > actually spray the keystick with white epoxy
> gloss,
> > which leaves a nice, smooth finish on the sides,
> to
> > easily wipe clean later ( and fully reveal their
> > sins!)
> >      Thump
> >
> >
> 
> 
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