PIANO KEYTOPS

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.

YOU CAN NOW ORDER BY PHONE

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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-- A set of 52 Natural White
We supply only the one piece tops with fronts molded to the top. If you want to substitute SH1496
or SH1496 keytops, you can do so for an additional charge.

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-- $ 14.00 extra-- These give a dull luster to imitate real ebony.

3. Full roll of Glue Film for keytops. We now use this in our shop. It's quicker, cleaner and easier. Just apply like masking tape from a roll and then peel off the backing. No clamping needed! (Not a "double-stick tape" but an actual layer of glue that you apply from a roll!) Includes a trimming blade with handle. Exclusive product only available from us.

4. SH199-- One 3/8 inch Key Dip Gauge Block and assortment of front and center paper shims. hese will be needed to raise the level of the sharps
because the new white keytops will probably be thicker than the old ones, so if nothing is done to remedy it, the sharps will be too low
compared to the top edge of the whites.

5. SM4236--Our Professional Black Dye-4 oz. No mixing required. (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. Includes brush. Only available from us.

You will need to provide a 7 inch fine double cut flat file. 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. THIS OFFER IS ONLY GOOD WITH THE SH1396 KEYTOPS.

PRICE: $ 110.75 with gloss sharps; $119.75 with satin sharps

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-  
      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: $ 62.00-- This is a savings of $ 12.00

With satin sharps:
PRICE: $ 87.00-- This is a savings of $ 12.00

KEY TOP PARTS AND GLUE

Part Description:                                                                                                        Part Number            Price

      See Section 36 of Chap. 7 for instructions to install these parts.

Standard White "Natural" Keytops-
      Molded high quality plastic WITH FRONT ATTACHED-  Set of 52-                       SH1396              $ 36.00

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- Available in two sizes
      German one piece keytops WITHOUT fronts attached-  Set of 52-      50 mm heads     SH1491W           $ 58.00
                                                                                                                  52 mm heads      SH1492W            $ 65.00
    German one piece keytops WITH fronts attached - Set of 52 -            50 mm heads       SH1496W          $ 58.00
                                                                                                                  52 mm heads      SH1497W          $ 65.00

Light Cream "Natural" Keytops-Available in two sizes
      German one piece keytops WITHOUT fronts attached-  Set of 52-        50 mm heads       SH1491          $ 58.00
                                                                                                                     52 mm heads      SH1492            $ 65.00
      German one piece keytops WITH fronts attached - Set of 52 -             50 mm heads       SH1496             $ 58.00
                                                                                                                  52 mm heads      SH1497             $ 65.00

Black "Sharp" Keytop-  Molded high quality plastic-
         Set of 36-   3 1/2"- High Gloss finish as in modern pianos                                         SH385H              $ 38.50
         Set of 36-   3 1/2"- Satin dull finish to look like ebony                                               SH385D              $ 63.00
         Set of 36-   3 3/4"- High Gloss finish as in modern pianos                                         SH384H              $ 38.50
         Set of 36-   3 3/4"- Satin dull finish to look like ebony                                               SH384D              $ 63.00
        Set of 36; 3 3/4"-Satin finish; .555" height                                                   SH1493              $ 45.00
         Set of 36:    3 3/4"- Satin finish; .595" height                                                             SH1494                $ 54.00
         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.

Single "Sharp" plastic                                                                                                                        $ 4.00 ea.

REAL EBONY AND IVORY

Ebony Sharps-  NEW Set of 36   3 3/4" long, .550" (14 mm) high, for grand pianos             SH386                 $ 375.00; $ 11.50 each
                           NEW Set of 36 3 3/4" long, .595" (15 mm) high, for grand pianos               SH386A             $ 442.00; $ 13.50 each

Used real ebony sharps-- Standard dimensions
                                                                                                                                                                          $ 7.00 each

Used Ivories--Due to rules governing ivory, we can no longer sell used ivories outside of Michigan.
             If you live in a different state, contact a local piano technician for used ivories.
            Heads   (Cleaned and ready to install)                                                                                             $ 6.00 each
            Tails                                                                                                                                               $ 2.00 each
            Tails (Unique extra wide tails on the extreme right and left keys)                                                       $ 8.00 each

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.

NOTE: The Vagias Full Keytops (1320, 1321, 1322 & 1323) are one piece tops only. They do NOT have fronts attached !
Also, the 1328 & 1329 Tails do not come in a set. They are only available in one width--there are no wider ones available
for the two end keys.

Ivory Fill Kit-- Be a "Keyboard Dentist". Fill your piano's "teeth" instead. With
             this kit you can repair chips in geniune ivory that blend in almost
             perfectly. One kit fills about 30 chips. The answer for those who
             want to preserve their existing ivory keyboard                                                       IVFIL                 $ 35.00
             

Keytop Bar Polish-  A block of polishing compound used to polish plastic or ivory
             For genuine ivory-- 2 lbs                                                                                       SH425              $ 20.95
             For Pyralin or Ivorine Plastic-- 2 lbs                                                                      SH426              $ 29.25
             Go to Section 39 of Chapter 7 to learn how to use Bar Polish.

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              $ 60.00
            8 inch diameter --  60 ply                                                                                        SH465              $ 32.50

Sand Paper-- This extremely fine grit is not available in hardware stores
            1000 grit- per sheet                                                                                                 SH455             $ 4.50 ea.
            1500 grit- per sheet- May help polish old ugly ivory key tops                                   SH456             $ 4.50 ea.

Glue Tape - This product dispenses a perfect film of glue from a roll. We use this
            in our own shop. Good for gluing plastic and ivory key coverings as well as veneer and
            other flat surface mounting tasks. Items being joined can be repositioned but after 8 hours
            cure the joint is solid. One roll of tape easily does an entire set of white and black keytops
            No mess! No clamping needed!
          50 ft. Roll. Knife included.          Only available from us.                                             FC001           $15.00

Plastic Glue for Key Tops (Replaces PVC-E glue)-- Not as prone to spoil key tops
          when you blunder. 
        Use also to glue felt and leather in place.  Can be thinned 20% with water.
        4 oz                                                                                                                              PGL-4          $ 5.00
        8 oz                                                                                                                              PGL-8          $ 8.00                   
        Pint                                                                                                                           PGL-16         $ 14.00
       

Ebony Stain - Our professional black dye stain. Provides a deep black finish for ebony sharps. Also used for staining the wood of the keystick under the sharp that shows when the adjacent white key is played. Same function as the Aniline Stain below, but easier to use.
        4 oz. bottle.           With brush.           Only available from us                                      SM4236          $ 16.25

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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