Twilight for an ivory covering

[MICHAEL MORVAN]

Bill,
    What do "they" want to do concerning the ivory, and what do "you" want 
to do concerning the ivory? A new ivory keyboard is going to cost about 
$3,250.00 by the time it is all said and done, repairing the existing ivory 
with that much damage is a nightmare to say the least. Have you considered 
mineral plastic? It has two of the three coveted properties of ivory and 
bone, 1. it is cool to the touch, 2. it grips your fingers, and, at a 
fraction of the cost of new ivory. It comes in off-white and crème color if 
someone is looking for an ivory look.
Just some thoughts.      Mike

Michael A. Morvan
Blackstone Valley Piano
Dedicated To Advancing The Art Of Keyboard Restoration
76 Sutton Street
Uxbridge, Ma. 01569
(508) 278-9762
Keymaestro at verizon.net
www.pianoandorgankeys.com

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "william ballard" <yardbird at vermontel.net>
To: "Pianotech List" <pianotech at ptg.org>
Sent: Wednesday, August 29, 2007 10:56 AM
Subject: Twilight for an ivory covering


> 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
> +++++++++++++++++++++
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