Twilight for an ivory covering

[william ballard]

Yo all,

I'm estimating the rebuild on a 1904 Stwy A on the stage of  
neighboring HS. (Yes, the music directors are fully aware of the  
delicate qualities of a performance piano and are committed to  
diligent care of this one, once rebuilt). After several years of  
discussion, they finally have a shot at funds through the Development  
Office.

Immediate question: the ivory coverings. I just need to convince  
people that although we will be refinishing the original fancy  
legs&lyre and that the original ivory coverings may look usable, in  
fact they'll be more trouble than they're worth. At the ends of the  
keyboard, the original thickness is 0.050". There are 16 checked  
heads (read, to be replaced during a restoration) and 28 checked  
front (half, resulting from split and peeling key-stick "fascia").

Certainly, any of this can be repaired and replaced during a whole- 
nine-yards restoration. But I'm figuring that will cost 2-3x starting  
over with a first-class plastic recovering. And the HS students won't  
notice the swap. (Plastic? Ivory? Only your music director knows for  
sure........)

Any opinions on this?

TIA

Mr. Bill

"If we see you SMOKING we will assume that you are on fire and will  
take appropriate measures"
     ...........Sign in a Music Dept. Hallway
+++++++++++++++++++++