Yes, you can generally sell an old piano with ivory keys. However, depending on where you are located, there may be regulations that dictate how, when, and even if you can do this. In many locations, ivory is considered a protected species and is only allowed to be sold under very specific, limited circumstances.
It is best to check in with your local government or natural resources department to find out the regulations on ivory sales. Additionally, antique piano buyers may not be willing to purchase an ivory-key piano, even if it is legal to do so.
If the ivory keys are from an animal protected under the Endangered Species Act, then any sale of the piano would be illegal in the United States.
In some cases, you may be able to keep the ivory and just sell the rest of the piano without the keys. The buyer should then be told that the ivory keys are not included and any sale or transfer associated with the keys is prohibited by law.
Ultimately, it’s important to be knowledgeable about the laws and regulations associated with selling and transferring ivory, before you decide to try and sell an old piano with ivory keys.
What do you do with ivory keys on a piano?
Ivory keys on a piano are the white keys found on the keyboard. They are the keys that create the majority of the melody in a piano piece and the ones that pianists press down to make sound. The ivory keys have a particular texture and feel to them, which some pianists may enjoy when playing.
Generally, ivory keys are used to play pieces of music. Depending on the style of the music, the pianist may press the keys lightly, use correct fingering techniques, and play by ear or read music from a score.
Additionally, the sound produced varies depending on the pressure and speed of the keys. The ivory keys are also used to practice technique, scales and chords, and to learn to improvise.
How do you remove ivory from piano keys?
Removing ivory from piano keys can be somewhat challenging and tricky, but with a few necessary tools and the correct technique, it is possible to remove the ivory without causing too much damage.
First, it is recommended to use a razor blade to carefully remove the ivory key top from the rest of the piano key. When using the razor blade, be sure to keep the blade at an angle and do not press too hard against the ivory to avoid chipping.
Once the ivory has been removed from the front of the key, you’ll need to use a drill to remove any screws or metal pieces that are still attached to the ivory key top. Be sure to use the right size bit for the fasteners that are being used.
Once the ivory key top has been completely removed, you will need to sand the key to remove any sticky residue. A fine-grit sandpaper should do the job. If the key has a lacquer finish, you will also need to hand-scrape any of the remaining bits of lacquer off of the ivory.
Be very gentle with the ivory key top, since it is a delicate material and can easily be damaged during the removal process. Once you have finished sanding, you will want to use oil or wax to brighten and restore the ivory.
Finally, the ivory key top should be held on its side and gently tapped using a rubber mallet to get the ivory to fit back together with the metal casing of the key. It is best to use a gentle hammering technique so as not to chip or crack the ivory.
Finally, reattach the ivory key top to the rest of the piano key using glue, screws or metal fasteners.
Follow these steps and you will have successfully removed the ivory from the piano keys.
How can I tell if my piano keys are ivory?
Firstly, you can check the manufacturer’s label to see what they are made of. You can also look for any signs of discoloration or yellowing which can indicate if the keys are ivory. Additionally, if you can run your finger along the key and it feels smooth and slightly waxy, then this can be another indication of ivory.
You can also look to see if there is any pattern in the grain, as ivory keys often have a grain pattern. Lastly, if the color is a pale yellowish, off-white and mellow, it’s a good indication that the keys are ivory.
When did they stop making piano keys out of ivory?
The use of Ivory for piano keys began in the early 19th Century and throughout the 1800s Ivory was the primary material used for the keys of pianos. However, around the 1970s, the use of Ivory for piano keys began to decline due to growing conservation concerns for endangered elephants.
In the 1980s, stricter regulations were put in place to protect elephants from ivory poaching, leading to the ban of ivory for piano keys in the US in 1989. Since then, piano manufacturers have used plastic, wood, and other materials to make piano keys.
Do old pianos have any value?
Yes, old pianos can have some value. Depending on the condition of the piano, the age and type, it can range from just a few hundred dollars up to several thousands. Additionally, if the piano has any provenance, for example, if it belonged to a famous pianist in the past, its value can increase significantly.
Of course, if the piano is an antique, its value is even higher.
If you have an old piano that you would like to sell, it is important to get it appraised so you can understand what its current worth is. You should also seek professional restoration if the piano is not in the best condition.
A qualified professional, such as a piano technician, can give you a good indication of the general condition of the piano and what restoration might cost.
Before selling your old piano, you should also consider keeping it. If the piano has a lot of sentimental value, or has been played by generations of family members, its worth is much higher than any monetary value.
How do I know if my piano is worth anything?
Determining the value of a piano can be a tricky process, as many factors must be considered. The most important factor is its condition and age, as a piano that has seen a lot of use and is in poor condition may not be worth much.
The make and model of the piano can also be important, as certain makes and models may be rarer or more desirable than others which affects their value. Other factors to consider are its tuning, as it must be in tune if it is to actually be played, and its construction, as very old pianos may have been made of higher quality materials than more modern ones.
The best way to get a good estimate of your piano’s worth is to have it appraised by a certified piano technician. A technician will be able to inspect the piano and give you an accurate assessment of its worth.
They can also help you to determine what repairs may be needed and their cost so you can make an informed decision about the potential value of the instrument.
How much is a 50 year old upright piano worth?
The value of a 50 year old upright piano is impossible to accurately determine without seeing the instrument itself. In general, the value of a 50 year old upright will vary depending on its condition and make/model.
A piano that is made by a reputable manufacturer such as Steinway & Sons or Kawai will usually have a higher value than a lesser-known or lesser-quality brand. On average, a 50 year old upright can range in value from $500 to upwards of $10,000 or more, depending on its condition and features.
In addition, if the piano was well-maintained, it may be worth more due to its potentially excellent condition. Lastly, the provenance (or the history of ownership) of the piano can also affect its value since a piano with a known and well-respected ownership history carries more prestige and thus a higher value.
Overall, the best way to determine the exact value of a 50 year old upright piano is to consult a qualified professional technician who can inspect the instrument and determine its condition and worth.
How do you tell if something is ivory or plastic?
To tell if something is ivory or plastic, there are several methods you can use. If it is a small item, such as a figurine, jewelry, or a carving, you can try to scratch it with something long and thin, like a needle.
Ivory will scratch, whereas plastic will not. You can also look closely and check for any grain pattern or texture. Ivory generally has a visible texture or grain, while plastic tends to appear smooth and uniform in color.
Additionally, if you have a strong light, you can hold an item up to the light and look for the tell-tale thin line of the tiny cracks that form in ivory over time. Lastly, you can take the item to an antique dealer or a gemologist who should be able to identify if it is ivory or not.
Do ivory piano keys turn yellow?
Yes, ivory piano keys can turn yellow over time due to exposure to light, air, and heat. This is a natural process that occurs due to the ivory aging and it can also happen to ivory sculptures. The yellowing occurs because of the breakdown of protein fibers in the ivory due to oxidation.
It is important to keep ivory piano keys out of direct sunlight and away from heat sources to help slow down this process. Regularly dusting the ivory keys and cleaning with a damp cloth can also help.
If the yellowing has already occurred, the only way to reverse it is to have the keys professionally bleached and restored.
Are all piano keys made of ivory?
No, not all piano keys are made of ivory. Historically, some keys were made from ivory, bone, and even wood. Today, modern piano keys are usually made from plastic or a combination of plastic and other materials.
The white keys are often made from a hard plastic, like cellulose acetate, and the black keys are typically a combination of wood and plastic. The use of real ivory on piano keys is now illegal to protect the African elephant population.
Are ivory keys on a piano worth anything?
Yes, ivory keys on a piano are worth something, especially if they are antique. Depending on what kind of piano it is and its condition, antique ivory keys can be worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
Rare, collectible pianos with ornate design and ivory keys can often be sold for high prices. However, the age and condition of the ivory keys are essential factors for their value. It is advisable to consult with an appraiser or antique piano expert to determine the keys’ worth.
Are ivory keys legal?
The legality of ivory keys depends on the country and region you are in. Generally, due to the global restrictions put in place by CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora), it is not legal to trade ivory keys or any other ivory products across international borders.
Within a particular country, the legality of ivory trade may also be governed by domestic laws, as some nations have implemented further restrictions on the possession and sale of products derived from endangered species.
In the US, federal law prohibits the sale of ivory across state lines, with some exceptions. Generally, it is only legal to buy or sell ivory products which are more than 100 years old, those made with a de minimis amount of ivory, and those that were lawfully imported into the US prior to the enactment of restrictions.
It is important to note that CITES and other international wildlife agreements do not just affect ivory – they also regulate other wildlife products derived from endangered species, such as tortoiseshell, coral, and hawksbill sea turtle shells.
It is therefore essential to ensure that any wildlife products you may buy, sell, or possess are obtained and traded legally.
What old pianos are worth money?
Antique pianos that were made before the 20th century can be worth some money, depending on the make and condition. The most valuable pianos tend to be those that were crafted by expert makers such as Steinway, Mason & Hamlin, Chickering, and Baldwin.
Prices for these models can range from a few thousand dollars to as much as $100,000-200,000 for a highly sought after example in excellent condition. Additionally, square grand pianos have become increasingly collectible and can sometimes command high prices.
Other valuable pianos include Art Case or fine cabinetry models made before 1920, particularly those with well-preserved ivory keys. And upright pianos of various makes and brands made before the 1940s may also be of value.
Generally, however, older pianos will have to have a certain level of historical and musical significance as well as physical integrity to become worth money.
When did Baldwin stop using ivory?
The piano action manufacturing company, Baldwin, stopped using ivory to make their keys in 1987. This move reflected a larger trend of piano makers discontinuing the use of ivory in piano key manufacturing.
Baldwin instead opted to use a more modern, organic material to make their keys, a process they perfected in the mid-1980s. Today, Baldwin relies on techniques like resin-coating and thermo-molding to craft their keys, resulting in a product that is nearly indistinguishable from the ivory keys of keyboard instruments from the past.