Orange Coast
Piano Inc.
2658 S. Grand Ave
Santa Ana, CA 92705 714-432-7426
Replacing & Gluing Ivory Key Tops
By Kim BunkerReplacing ivory keys is easy! First of all if you need to have a source of obtaining original ivory tops and tails. Usually you get these from a piano rebuilder or someone who replaces keytops for piano dealers.
You can try to get as many as possible, understanding that ivory color varies in shades. I've noticed in the 28 years of matching Ivory's that there are around 9 different shades white and 4 levels of quality.
In choosing the number of keys you wish to replace, think in terms of quality opposed to number of replacements. If some of the ivory wafer's are still on the key's and badly yellowed or cracked, remove them. Be very careful in the removing process sometimes its good to have and steam Iron on hand and moist cloth. Take the moist cloth and place it on the wafer to be removed then put the iron on top of the cloth over the ivory and count to 20 and lift the old ivory wafer at the front edge with a flat putty knife. It should come off relatively easy.
Once you have removed the old wafer's. scrape the top of key with your putty knife to clean the white gauze wafer that is under the ivory. This will insure you have a clean surface when replacing the key tops. If by chance the white gauze is damaged, dirty or gets removed when you take the old ivory off.
Not to worry, go to a office supply store and buy some liquid paper (Ivory color) brush it on the wood surface of the key before applying the new ivory wafer. The reason this is so important is because when the ivory is applied if the key is darker (bare wood or dirty) it will show up in the color of the Ivory making it darker. Remember real ivory is somewhat transparent
Now write down the keys being replaced for example: 2-C's, 2-D's, 2-E's, 4-F's, 1-G, 3-A's and 2-B's; the total number of keys to replace in this simulation is 16. Below is and example of the keyboard to help you discover what keytops are missing.
The reason that writing down which keys need to be replaced and how many to replace is so important is that most all ivories are beveled at the back of the ivory wafer. For example, all C keys are beveled on the back right side, all E keys are beveled on the back left side, and so on.
Once you have selected the correct keys for replacement, prepare the base of the key (the wood part) for gluing of the wafer. Scrape it with a single-edge razor blade or your putty knife, pulling towards you lightly until the top is level.
Then get the liquid paper Ivory color when it dries it is porous like ivory. The next step is to get some Krazy Glue. Draw an "S" on the base of the key on top that has the liquid paper and or cleaned gauze wafer It will stick, and then carefully slide the proper key top wafer on until it reaches the ivory tail.
Quickly wipe off the excess glue and hold down the ivory wafer firmly for 20-30 seconds. If you wish to make it level with the tail you can sand the top with 600 grit wet/dry sandpaper with a little moisture (water) until both sides are level. Then using Brasso polish and a soft cloth like t-shirt material on a flat surface, polish to your desired luster.
The one disadvantage of using Hide or Elmer's glue is they are water-based. Ivory is a porous material and will warp if you do not have a perfectly flat piece of metal or wood clamped to it during the long drying time, usually about 30 minuets to an hour per key.
The process I'm telling you about takes about one to three minutes per key, All the materials for this process usually are found in the office desk and under the kitchen sink! It is clean and looks like it was done by a pro.
# IKK1
IVORY
KEY KIT $38.95
Here at our shop we have in stock used (reconditioned) tail and front Real Elephant Tusk ivories. We also sell these on a request basis after your initial order is placed of $3.50 per 1 each additional head including shipping. When you are ordering please specify the key's you wish to order example: C, D, E, F, G, A, & B. (all are beveled according to each key) Please also send the exact Length & Width measurement of the wafer.
# CA3A
YOUR CHOICE $24.95
A must for repairing those chipped and worn Ivory keys is our own Cyanoacrylate glue 1 oz. applicator (IKK1-Thin Set, IKK2-Gap Filler or IKK3-Maxi-Cure) Which ever Cryno you order includes: IKKQS 2 oz. atomizer of Insta-Set accelerator also free shipping.
#SIS SHORT HEAD #SIL LONG HEAD
COMPLETE SET WITH GLUE $79.95
We also sell complete 52 key Ivorian tail and head sets 0.40 Thick (Medium Simulated Ivory) with matching new fronts. Included with this order is 1-1oz. of our special Ivorian keytopping glue with full easy to use instruction manual. $79.95. including shipping.
ORDER ALSO BY: PHONE - FAX - EMAIL
Specify the description of your order. There is no tax when purchasing from out of state. Residents of California will be charged sales tax of 8% and will be applied to the invoice. You may pay by credit via phone (714) 432-7426 or by fax at (714) 432-7035 we accept master card or visa.
