PIANO KEYTOPS

 

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Your restoration is not finished without new keytops.  Unless you really have to have the
feel of ivory, new plastic looks so much more clean and bright.  Don't leave old sharps either.  
It will surprise you how much they look used after doing the whites.

For all parts possible I give you a diagram identity number so you can go to the  diagram and double check to see if you are ordering the right part.  It is impossible to give a "Back" button to return to so many pages, so please use your browser's "Back" button.

I give you a link to the page which tells how to make the repair or installation of the new part. 

See Section 36 of Chap. 7 for instructions to install key tops.

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KEY TOP RESTORATION KIT-- Complete Key Top Kit

The kit is designed to restore both the naturals (white keys) and sharps (black keys).
We have included everything you need to do the job. In this case, we are including
the PVC-E glue. You must be very careful not to get it on your fingers and touch the
top a new key top.

Here is what is in the kit:

1. SH1396 or SH1396W-- A set of 52 Natural White or Off White Key tops (Your choice of whiteness)
We supply only the one piece tops with fronts molded to the top. See down the page for more
information on various key top aspects with these part numbers.

2. SH384H or D or SH385H or D-- A set of 36 Sharps (Black)
Be sure to measure your old sharp ALONG THE BOTTOM so we can match the length. More
information is found below about these part numbers.
Substitutions:
SATIN SHARPS-- $ 12.00 extra-- These give a dull luster to imitate real ebony.
REAL EBONY for high valued grands-- $ 115.00 extra-- Only 3-3/4 inch available.

3. SH387-16-- A Pint of PVC-E Glue-- Since we are talking about the best results, the PVC-E glue
will bond best. It also dries quickly allowing you to move on from key to key quicker.

4. SH199-- One 3/8 inch Key Dip Gauge Block to level the Keys when done.

5. SH247-- Four Key Spring Clamps-- Use two per key to hold while drying. Do two keys at once.
Comes with a 1" by 6" wood block to use between the clamps and the key top.
HINT: Glue a piece of thin felt or cloth to the wood block to avoid scratching the new key top.
Only available in this kit.

6. SH248-- Key Front Spring Clamp-- One jaw of the clamp inserts in the front pin hole
while the other jaw of the clamp holds the key front. A square 1 inch brass block is supplied
to use between the clamp and the key front.
HINT: Again, add a thin piece of felt or cloth to the block to avoid scratching the key front.
Position the front first, and then clamp the key top for a very tight and square fit.
Do not wait for the top or front to dry before finishing. Do all gluing in one operation.
Only available in this kit.

7. SH450-330-- Aniline stain powder, 2 oz. Mix with denatured alcohol to stain the key lever wood
under the sharps. Caution when opening as it can cause trouble in carpets etc. The black stained wood
at the front of the sharp key levers has likely dulled to gray over the years. It will look very ugly if it is
not restored to total black. This wood is easily seen when the natural white keys are depressed.
Only avaiable in this kit.

We do not supply a brush. Get a natural small fine bristled brush from Ace Hardware or similar shop.

A 7 inch fine double cut flat file is also needed. Do not dress key tops with sand paper.

Virtually every tool in the kit will be of use in any workshop later except the Key Dip Guage.

Printed instructions provided with this kit. Also see our online instruction at Section 36 of Chap. 7

If you mess up a key top, like getting a finger print on it, tell us know which note you need, and we will
send one new one free. You pay shipping only. Only one key top supplied in this safety net offer. For
more than one replacement, pay $ 4.00 each. Again, we need to know which notes needed. No other
supplier makes this offer.

PRICE: $ 101.75 np

See our Key Restoration Kit

KEY TOP RESTORATION KIT-- Key Tops Only

This kit includes 52 natural white key tops and 36 black sharps.
Doing the white tops only will almost always make the black sharps
look dingy, even if they seem to look good now.

White "Natural" Keytops-  BRIGHT WHITE
      Molded high quality plastic WITH FRONT ATTACHED-  Set of 52-

Sharps-- Set of 36-   3 1/2"- High Gloss finish as in modern pianos

PRICE: $ 60.00-- This is a savings of $ 12.00 np

With satin sharps:
PRICE: $ 66.00-- This is a savings of $ 12.00 np

KEY TOP PARTS AND GLUE

Part Description:                                                                                                        Part Number            Price

White "Natural" Keytops-  BRIGHT WHITE
      Molded high quality plastic WITH FRONT ATTACHED-  Set of 52-                     SH1396W            $ 36.00 np
      See Section 36 of Chap. 7 for instructions to install these parts.

Off White "Natural" Keytops-  OFF WHITE
      Molded high quality plastic WITH FRONT ATTACHED-  Set of 52-                       SH1396              $ 36.00 np

These key tops are a bit thicker than old era plastic, so they cover imperfections
in the wood better. Many times there is no filing needed, but if needed, it is easily
accomplished with a fine file. Made in the USA of acrylic plastic, these key tops
do not easily scratch, and they will raise the value of any piano, especially if you are
doing a restoration for sale. I have restored a number of pianos and sold them.
Frankly, in spite of my fussy protocols for refinishing the wood, the most startling
thing about a restored piano is the new white and black shining keys smiling up at
the potential buyer. Would you remember Teddy Roosevelt's picture if it were not
for his white teeth and big grin?

The key tops with fronts attached stay on better because the front molded to the top
helps anchor the whole top on better.

Caution: You can NOT put the new key tops on over the old ones.
Also, the fronts MUST be removed if using the key tops with
molded on fronts. See Section 36 of Chap. 7

White "Natural" Keytops-  BRIGHT WHITE
      Same as above but WITHOUT fronts attached-  Set of 52-                                       SH1391W           $ 36.00 np

Off White "Natural" Keytops- OFF WHITE
      Same as above, WITHOUT fronts attached-  Set of 52-                                            SH1391               $ 36.00 np

Black "Sharp" Keytop-  Molded high quality plastic-
         Set of 36-   3 1/2"- High Gloss finish as in modern pianos                                         SH385H              $ 36.00 np
         Set of 36-   3 1/2"- Satin dull finish to look like ebony                                               SH385D              $ 46.00 np
         Set of 36-   3 3/4"- High Gloss finish as in modern pianos                                         SH384H              $ 36.00 np
         Set of 36-   3 3/4"- Satin dull finish to look like ebony                                               SH384D              $ 46.00 np
         See Section 36 of Chap. 7 for instructions to install these parts.

You may feel your sharps look just fine. Only white natural key tops are needed.
Over and over we have customers only buy white tops, only to return later and
buy the sharps. The bright shining new white key tops make the old sharps look
tacky, even though they seemed OK at first. We strongly encourage you to get
both white and sharp key tops.

The following single key tops and sharps are ONLY for OUR customers
who have purchased sets of key tops and ruined more than one.
[ We will replace one ruined one free plus postage.]

Single "Natural" keytop with molded front attached (Specify key, such as D or C)                             $ 4.00 ea. np

Single "Sharp" plastic                                                                                                                        $ 4.00 ea. np

REAL EBONY AND IVORY

Ebony Sharps-  NEW Set of 36   3 3/4"  for grand pianos                                                SH386                 $ 176.00 np

Used real ebony sharps-- Standard dimensions
            when available-- (We also buy your used ebony sharps-- SEND MAIL)--                                        $ 5.00 each np

Extremely rare real ebony sharps-- 3-5/8 inches long, 13/32 inch high
            These are refurbished, and they are in immaculate condition                                                               $ 7.20 each np

Used Ivories-- (We also buy your used ivories-- SEND MAIL)--
            Heads   (Cleaned and ready to install)                                                                                             $ 4.00 each np
            Tails                                                                                                                                               $ 2.00 each np
            Tails (Unique extra wide tails on the extreme right and left keys)                                                       $ 8.00 each np

Vagias Keytops-
        These one piece molded keytops have become very
        popular over the past few years. The satin ivory tops
        have a translucent nature just like real ivory. So, you
        need to use an opaque white glue. We suggest white
        GE silicone found at most hardware stores.
        Overall length- 6 inches.

VAGIAS KEY TOP CHOICES

SH 1320 Full Keytop- One piece - - SH 1321 Full Keytop- One piece - - SH 1322 Full Keytop- One piece - - SH 1323 Full Keytop- One piece - - SH 1324 Head only - - - - - - - - - - - SH 1325 Head only - - - - - - - - - - - SH 1326 Head only - - - - - - - - - - - SH 1327 Head only - - - - - - - - - - - SH 1328 Tail only - - - - - - - - - - - - SH 1329 Tail only - - - - - - - - - - - - SH 1330 Key Front only - - - - - - - SH 1331 Key Front only - - - - - - -

Gloss White- 2 inch Head- Set of 52 - - - - -  $ 32.00 np Gloss White- 1 15/16inch Head- Set of 52 -  $ 32.00 np Satin Ivory- 2 inch Head- Set of 52 - - - - - -  $ 32.00 np Satin Ivory- 1 15/16inch Head- Set of 52 - -  $ 32.00 np Satin Ivory- Light Color-         1 15/16 inch Head- Set of 52 - - - - - - -   $ 29.40 np Satin Ivory- Medium Color-        1 15/16 inch Head- Set of 52 - - - - - - -    $ 29.40 np Satin Ivory- Light color-        1 7/8 inch Head- Set of 52 - - - - - - -        $ 29.40 np Satin Ivory- Medium Color-         1 7/8 inch Head- Set of 52 - - - - - - -       $ 29.40 np Satin Ivory- Light Color- Set of 52 - - - - -      $ 29.40 np Satin Ivory- Medium Color- Set of 52 - -       $ 29.40 np Satin Ivory- Light Color- Set of 52 - - - - -      $ 29.40 np Satin Ivory- Medium Color- Set of 52 - -       $ 29.40 np

Ivory Scraper-- Used to scrape the yellowed surface off of old ivory-
             Must be used with the universal handle, Part Number SH26                                 SH177       Discontinued

Keytop Bar Polish-  A block of polishing compound used to polish plastic or ivory
             For genuine ivory-- 2 lbs                                                                                       SH425              $ 15.00 np
             For Pyralin or Ivorine Plastic-- 2 lbs                                                                      SH426              $ 15.00 np
             Go to Section 39 of Chapter 7 to learn how to use Ivory Brite.

Buffing Wheel-- For buffing plastic or old ivory keytops with buffing compound
            1/2" hole--  Can be  mounted on a bench grinder arbor- Useful for other
            polishing jobs also, such as brass and nickel parts- Can mount more than one-          
            10 inch diameter --  60 ply                                                                                      SH466              $ 32.50 np
            8 inch diameter --  60 ply                                                                                        SH465              $ 24.00 np

Sand Paper-- This extremely fine grit is not available in hardware stores

            1000 grit- per sheet                                                                                                 SH455             $ 3.60 ea. np

            1500 grit- per sheet- May help polish old ugly ivory key tops                                   SH456             $ 3.60 ea. np

PVC-E    Glue for Key Tops-- Not as prone to spoil key tops when you blunder
        Excellent for pump organ and player pneumatics bellows material to wood.
        Use also to glue felt and leather in place.  Can be thinned 20% with water.
        Pint                                                                                                                           SH387-16         $ 12.00 np
        Quart                                                                                                                         SH387-32        $ 18.20 np

GE White Silicone-- Purchase this at any hardware store.
        Be sure it is 100% silicone and white.
        It is opaque, so it will also work for attaching used ivory.

Aniline Stain Powder-- 2 oz. Mix with denatured alcohol to blacken the key
        lever wood under the sharps. Caution when opening as it can cause trouble in carpets
        etc. The black stained wood at the front of the sharp key levers has likely dulled to
        gray over the years. It will look very ugly if it is not restored to total black.
        This wood is easily seen when the natural white keys are depressed.
                Black                                                                                                                 SH450-330        $ 15.850 np

Key Spring Clamps--
        Use two per key to hold while drying.
        Comes with a 1" by 6" wood block to use between the clamps and the key top.
        HINT: Glue a piece of thin felt or cloth to the wood block to avoid scratching
        the new key top.                                                                                                            SH247            $ 12.25 per pair np
        Four clamps to do two key top applications at a time                                                    SH247            $ 23.00 np

Key Front Spring Clamp--
        One jaw of the clamp inserts in the front pin hole while the other jaw of the clamp
        holds the key front. A square 1 inch brass block is supplied to use between the
        clamp and the key front.
        HINT: Again, add a thin piece of felt or cloth to the block to avoid scratching
        the key front.
        Position the front first, and then clamp the key top for a very tight and square fit.
        Do not wait for the top or front to dry before finishing. Do all gluing in one operation.      SH248              $ 12.90 each np

Assortment of paper shims for leveling keys

Clean, Protect, and Polish Key Tops

Other Stains, Lubricants, and Polishing Products

Learn to level your Piano Keys from our online Repair Instruction Area.

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