New set of keys

[Clyde Hollinger]

Roger,

I am sending this reply to you personally but also to the list.  Normally all replies
are made to the list so all of us have the opportunity of learning from the various
things we run into.  If you requested responses to your home address because you are
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you need clarification.

As to your question, I looked up the cost of a replacement keyboard, which includes
all the keysticks with new keytops and a new keyframe.  My price list from the
Pianotek Supply Company is a year old, which quotes $1,900.00 with plastic sharps.
Since the keys drop down at the back, you would have to check with them if they will
do it for that price, since I think they may be more difficult to make than flat
keys.  I am quite certain they would do a nice job, although I have no personal
experience with them on this type of thing.

Unless there is something very special about this piano, the cost of replacing the
keys is almost certainly way beyond the value of the whole thing, especially when you
add getting paid for all the time you will need to put into the job.  I'd be
interested in knowing what is decided on this one.

Regards,
Clyde Hollinger, RPT
Lititz, PA, USA

Roger Hathaway & Peggy Abbott wrote:

> Colleagues -
>
>         A client's piano has been vandalized, and I have been asked to replace all
> of the keys. They were damaged beyond repair, and the keyframe had some
> damage also. This piano is what I would call a Drop Console; that is, the
> back end of the keys drop down a half inch to get under the wippens. I have
> never had a set of keys custom-manufactured, and I'd like to have some
> opinions from those of you who have had had keysets made. I wish to have a
> nice job done on these replacement keys. Any advice?
>
>         This is the first time I have used the Pianotech list. I request that
> responses come to me directly at my address.
>
> Thank you -
> Roger Hathaway
> Santa Fe, NM