Attaching ivory keytops

besen@comcast.net besen@comcast.net
Sun, 10 Aug 2003 20:36:48 +0000


Anyone have any experience in using double-sided tape for reattaching ivory 
keytops?  I have tried 3M's Scotch carpet tape for this purpose, and it 
appears successful, so far.  During periods of high humidity both this summer 
and last, many of the keytops that have been reattached (epoxied?) by a well-
regarded piano restoration shop came off. Keytops that I reattached last 
summer with the carpet tape (a very strong adhesive on a white plastic film) 
have remained attached.  I make sure the surfaces are clean, and use a small 
rubber roller to attach the tape first to the ivory, and then to the key.
I'd guess this works because the stack of adhesive and plastic film probably 
allows a small amount of shear motion in the bond to tolerate the different 
humidity expansion rates of the ivory and wood. 
I'd appreciate any other thoughts on this; Thanks! - Matt

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