Kimball Consolette keytop problem

[Alan R. Barnard]

"Consolette" means it's not a console ... rather, it's a "consolation" prize ... the winner got ant actual piano.
Key tails are wide enough to fit almost all key sets but usually need some trimming. A flat file is the safest option, Dremmels, for the fearless or foolish, like me, can be used for roughing it out but you still need the file. 
If you have a large flat file, run one of the thin sides of it on a bench grinder until you remove all the teeth and it is smooth; then you can turn the tool as appropriate (careful) and file right up into the notch from any direction without filing where you don't want to file. 
You can try to match the original look of the keys or bevel the top slightly, or round it slightly with very fine sandpaper.

Alan Barnard
Salem, MO
Joshua 24:15






Original message
From: "Michelle Smith" 
To: "Pianotech List" 
Received: 01/28/2007 1:34:32 PM
Subject: Kimball Consolette keytop problem


Hi all.  I’ve just been asked to do a keytop replacement on a Kimball Consolette.  This is the second one of these I’ve seen in my community where the plastic is severely yellowed and shattered.  
 
The problem I’m encountering is that the “one size fits most” keytops from Schaff are too wide on the tails.  Is there a certain keytop I should buy for replacements or do I need to trim the Schaff keytops?  Also, the original keytops are not shaped on the sizes.  They are straight cut.
 
Just so you know, this piano is in pretty bad shape but the little 90 year old lady who owns it would really like to be able to play her piano again.
 
Thanks for your help!
 
Michelle Smith
Smith Piano Service
Bastrop, Texas
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