PVC-E glue and Keytops

[Porritt, David]

Mike:

 

For years I had thought the same thing about 1 piece keytops.  However
Kawai - for several years - made some pianos with real ivory that was
one piece.  They were VERY thin!  I had some keys in the hot car once
and one cracked.  I had to send it to Rochester Piano Key and they were
able to replace it with another 1-piece ivory that they had.  They're
rare, but 1-piece ivory does exist.  

 

dave

 

David M. Porritt

dporritt at smu.edu

________________________________

From: pianotech-bounces at ptg.org [mailto:pianotech-bounces at ptg.org] On
Behalf Of Mike Kurta
Sent: Saturday, May 20, 2006 3:41 PM
To: Pianotech List
Subject: Re: PVC-E glue and Keytops

 

    Hi Ric:

    If they're one piece keytops you're removing, they ain't ivory.
Without exception, ivory key covering is in two pieces, a long "tongue"
and the top itself.  You can make sure by reflecting light off the
surface and you should see growth rings much like a tree.  Plastic will
have none.  The border guards use a heated needle pushed against the
keytop.  Plastic will melt and the needle will go in, where ivory
resists any such attempt.

    Anyway, the Spurlock method using a router refers to trimming the
top of the keystick after the material has been removed.  Best ways to
remove the old tops are 1. carefully prying up the old keytop with a
utility knife or 2. loosening the adhesive first, using a heat gun or 3.
an electric iron with a damp cloth between the iron the the tops, then
pry off.

    Mike Kurta  

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