Mike: For years I had thought the same thing about 1 piece keytops. However Kawai - for several years - made some pianos with real ivory that was one piece. They were VERY thin! I had some keys in the hot car once and one cracked. I had to send it to Rochester Piano Key and they were able to replace it with another 1-piece ivory that they had. They're rare, but 1-piece ivory does exist. dave David M. Porritt dporritt at smu.edu ________________________________ From: pianotech-bounces at ptg.org [mailto:pianotech-bounces at ptg.org] On Behalf Of Mike Kurta Sent: Saturday, May 20, 2006 3:41 PM To: Pianotech List Subject: Re: PVC-E glue and Keytops Hi Ric: If they're one piece keytops you're removing, they ain't ivory. Without exception, ivory key covering is in two pieces, a long "tongue" and the top itself. You can make sure by reflecting light off the surface and you should see growth rings much like a tree. Plastic will have none. The border guards use a heated needle pushed against the keytop. Plastic will melt and the needle will go in, where ivory resists any such attempt. Anyway, the Spurlock method using a router refers to trimming the top of the keystick after the material has been removed. Best ways to remove the old tops are 1. carefully prying up the old keytop with a utility knife or 2. loosening the adhesive first, using a heat gun or 3. an electric iron with a damp cloth between the iron the the tops, then pry off. Mike Kurta -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: https://www.moypiano.com/ptg/pianotech.php/attachments/20060520/779d7697/attachment.html
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