RESTORED KEYBOARDS
The greatest factor in appearance of any keyboard instrument
is primarily the keyboard(s). Many details were involved in upgrading
these keyboards. While the majority of the ivory is still old, many
pieces were replaced with old salvaged ivory. Every key was removed
and the sides of the keys cleaned. All ivory was buffed smooth, but
some cupping remained giving the antique look The sharps (bottoms)
were blacked with india ink while the ebony tops were cleaned and buffed.
Below the key new felts were installed. While the keys were out, all
new silver contacts were installed. After installing the fresh new
looking keys, all were releveled and the contact points adjusted. The
wood stop jambs and key slips were refinished and matched to the rest of
the console. New felt piping was installed surrounding all jambs,
draw knobs, and key slips.
The dirty appearance is gone and these keys await the next artist.
Below the lower keyboard, at the far right, the round knob for manually adjusting the paper roll tracking can be seen.
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