Ivory keytops

[Michael Magness]

On Nov 19, 2007 11:22 PM, William R. Monroe <pianotech at a440piano.net> wrote:
> Doug,
>
> I'm not saying it can't be done, but..............
>
> I'd guess your odds of finding a complete set of undamaged "old" ivory that:
>
> 1.) still have a consistent thickness from one note to the next
> 2.) still have consistent thickness individually
> 3.)actually fit the intended keyboard
> 4.)would realistically meet the clients expectations of structure and
> aesthetics once installed
>
> are slim to none.
>
> My recommendation is that if the client wants ivory, send them to a keytop
> specialist for new ivory.  If they would settle for mineral plastic or
> acrylic, do likewise.  I really don't believe that salvaged ivories have
> much use except for individual replacements here and there.
>
> William R. Monroe
>
>
>
> > Where can I buy or get old ivory keytops for a piano? I have a
> > customer who wants to have their piano restored with old ivory vs. new
> > keytops.
> >
> > Thanks.
> > Doug Renz
> > Rochester, NY
>
>
> Hi Doug,

I've found that many customers "want" a lot of things until you tell
them what it will cost then all of a sudden what they want versus what
they can afford becomes the major issue very fast. I would first get a
quote from a keytop specilist that can provide an ivory set of keys.
You then add in your time for numbering the keys. The factory numbers
are hard to read and are occasionally wrong so you will need to number
them 1 thru 88 from bass to treble in pencil just in front of the key
button. Packing the keys shipping and insuring the keys and
re-installing them when they are done. I personally level and dip the
keys when I return them for which I add in a fee to the overall quote.
Anyway get all of this figured up ahead of time and quote them the
number watching their eyes when you do so, if they don't get a little
wider and glassy looking then maybe they can afford it! One more
thing, I insist on a minimum of half the cost of the job down payment
for a job like that with the balance on completion.

Good Luck,
Mike


-- 
You never learn anything by doing it right.
Michael Magness
Magness Piano Service
608-786-4404
www.IFixPianos.com
email mike at ifixpianos.com