vagias keytops

[DChadPiano@AOL.COM]

Mark, 
I would make certain that while applying the Vagias keytops that no excess 
glue be allowed to stand or cure on the playing surface for any length of 
time. I've found that the solvents in the various glues will attack the 
surface sheen and is unrepairable. I usually wipe clean any residue with a 
damp naphtha rag immediately followed by a soft dry cloth to polish. I've 
never had any problem with keytops delaminating. I lightly swipe a 
scotchbrite pad over the bonding surface before I apply the glue to the 
keytop for better adhesion. Contact cement is my glue of choice. All of the 
clients that I have recovered for are delighted to have the choice of 
different colors and appearances. 

David Chadwick
Las Vegas

In a message dated 1/3/00 4:41:00 PM Pacific Standard Time, bases-
loaded@juno.com writes:

<< 
 I am interested in knowing if anyone on the list has had any trouble with
 the vagias keytops, in particular, the set of ivory colored ones.  I have
 never liked the look of lily white (or even so-called 'off-white')
 plastic tops on turn of the century pianos, esp. uprights, and have
 wondered why the use of "ivory-like" plastic is not more in evidence.  I
 have a c.1900 Mason & Hamlin upright in my shop that needs tops, among
 other things, and I'm interested in any feedback re: the vagias products.
  The shop I have been using for key recovery is opposed to using them,
 because of problems they had 8-10 years back.  It seems the tops
 literally delaminated after 6 months or so, even when barely played.  I
 can only assume (hope) that this is no longer a problem, but would
 certainly prefer to know BEFOREhand, as opposed to 6 months from now!
  >>