The best way to get the yellow off of piano keys is to first determine the cause of the discoloration. If the keys are yellowing due to neglect, dirt, smoke, or something else that could be removed with soap and water, then the best course of action is to give them a good cleaning.
Use a mild detergent and a damp cloth to wipe the keys, making sure to get into every crevice, being careful not to damage the keys. If the discoloration is more severe and the keys have been yellowing for a while, then you may need to use a more specialized method of cleaning to get the yellow off.
One option is to use rubbing alcohol and cotton balls. Start by dipping a cotton ball in rubbing alcohol and then wiping the sullied keys. Repeat the process until all the yellow has been removed. Alternately, you can try using a baking soda and white vinegar paste.
Start by mixing together baking soda and white vinegar until it forms a thick paste. Then, apply the paste to the keys and allow it to sit for several minutes. Once done, use a damp cloth to wipe away the remaining paste.
No matter what method you choose, it is always a good idea to finish off with some type of polishing compound to restore the original shine of the piano keys.
How do you make ivory white again?
Ivory is a natural material, so it can be difficult to make it look white again. However, if it appears to be yellowing, discoloring, or otherwise looking dingy, there are some steps that you can take to clean it up and restore its whiteness.
The first step is to thoroughly clean the ivory piece with a soft, dry cloth. Use gentle pressure and make small circles to get rid of any dirt or dust that may have accumulated on the ivory. Once it has been wiped down, use a brush to remove any residue that may have settled along the surface.
Next, place the ivory object in a bowl with a solution of lukewarm water and a mild, ivory-safe soap. Allow it to soak in the solution for a few minutes. Once it is finished soaking, rinse it off with fresh, warm water and inspect it for any dirt or discoloration.
If any remains, repeat the process, ensuring that you use a soft cloth or brush in order to avoid causing any scratches or damage.
Finally, buff and polish the ivory piece. Using a soft, dry cloth, apply firm, gentle pressure in small circles to shine the ivory back to a brighter sheen. You can also use an ivory polishing cream which is specially formulated for cleaning and polishing ivory, making it sparkly and white again.
You should also regularly dust the ivory in order to prevent any further discoloration or dullness.
Are piano keys made of ivory worth anything?
Piano keys that are made of ivory may be valuable depending on the age and condition of the instrument they are attached to. Ivory is a rare material and is quite sought after, so there could be a collector’s value to a set of ivory keys.
In addition, if the ivory is from an old instrument, it could be considered an antique, which carries more value than a more modern piece. However, the real value in the ivory of a piano lies in the instrument it is attached to.
If the instrument is no longer functioning, then the ivory could still be sold as individual pieces, though its value may be limited. If the instrument is in working order, it could be a valuable piece of history and the ivory is only a part of that.
Ultimately, the value of ivory piano keys would depend on the instrument they are attached to and its condition.
Can I sell a piano with ivory keys?
No, you cannot sell a piano with ivory keys. The sale and purchase of ivory is strictly regulated by the Endangered Species Act in the United States because some species of elephants and other animals are in danger of extinction.
Ivory is also banned in many other countries around the world. Selling a piano with ivory keys would be in violation of those laws. Furthermore, ivory has been determined to be unethical to use in any consumer product.
If you own a piano with ivory keys, you should explore other options for disposing of them such as donating the instrument, contact conservation agencies for advice about disposing of the ivory, or you could check with your local music store to find out if they will buy it from you with the ivory keys removed.
How can I tell if my piano keys are real ivory?
If you are wondering if your piano keys are real ivory, there are a few ways you can tell. First, you can look for a very close-grained texture on the keys, which indicates real ivory. Real ivory has a smooth texture, with small, close-grained lines that run from one end of the key to the other.
Additionally, you can examine the color of the keys; real ivory is usually a warm yellowish-white color that is creamy and uniform across the entire key. Fake ivory is often an off-white or grayish color, and is much less creamy in its texture.
Finally, you can listen for a tell-tale sound by gently tapping the key. Genuine ivory gives off a distinctive ringing sound that is unlike most other materials. If you’re still unsure, consider bringing your piano to a professional tuner or technician that can examine it in person and make a determination.
What do I do with ivory keys?
Ivory keys are those found on a vintage piano and made from elephant ivory, hippopotamus ivory, or walrus tusk. They are considered a collectible item and can have vaarious different uses. The most popular use for ivory keys is in jewelry.
For many jewelry designers, ivory keys serve as a unique source of inspiration and can be crafted in a variety of shapes and designs, including necklaces, bracelets and earrings. They can also be used to accent home decor, such as in photo frames or candle-holders.
Finally, many use ivory keys as musical instruments, such as for percussion or as part of a wind instrument. Many antique shops and piano restoration companies may also buy and sell ivory keys. Before purchasing or selling any ivory keys, you should check to see if it is, in fact, legal in your area.
Are ivory keys illegal?
Yes, ivory keys are illegal in many countries. In the United States, it is illegal to import, sell, purchase, or possess ivory products, including ivory keys. The ban was established in 1989 as part of the African Elephant Conservation Act, a federal law to protect threatened and endangered species.
The law was further strengthened in 2016 when the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service issued regulations that expanded the definition of what is considered “ivory” to include any product related to animals, such as the piano keys.
The purpose of this ban is to reduce the demand for ivory and to suppress the market for illegal wildlife products. Ivory can come from any animal species, including whales, elephants, rhinoceroses, hippopotamuses, warthogs, and walruses.
The poaching of these animals for the purpose of harvesting their ivory is a serious environmental and economic problem. Due to overharvesting for the ivory trade, several species are now threatened with extinction.
Therefore, the regulations are in place so that the animal species affected by the ivory trade can recover their populations.
Anyone found to be in violation of the African Elephant Conservation Act or the 2016 regulations could face civil penalties, criminal prosecution, or both. It is important to stay informed of the current laws in your area regarding the possession of ivory products and to adhere to them in order to protect threatened and endangered species.
What year did they stop using ivory for piano keys?
The use of ivory for piano keys began during the mid-19th century, with manufacturers finding that the ivory material provided superior key response over other materials such as bone, plastic, or metal.
However, concerns about the conservation of elephant populations and the overharvesting of ivory pushed to the forefront in the 1970s. By the 1980s and 1990s, increasing global awareness and the enactment of ivory trade restrictions prompted the majority of piano manufacturers to switch to alternatives such as plastic or nylon.
Most piano manufacturers discontinued the use of ivory for piano keys by the early 2000s and a few conservatively held onto their ivory stock for limited production until about 2015. Ivory for the production of piano keys is no longer used today and manufacturers now use materials such as plastic, wood, or materials that resemble ivory to mimic the look and feel of real ivory keys.
How much does it cost to replace ivory piano keys?
The cost to replace ivory piano keys will depend on a few factors, including the type of ivory used, the complexity of the job, and the price of the materials. If you choose to use the highest quality of authentic ivory for your keys, you may be looking at upwards of $1,500 per key.
If you opt for a more cost effective alternative, such as simulated ivory that has been crafted to look like authentic ivory, you may be able to replace just the damaged keys for anywhere from $150-$500 each.
If you prefer to go a more affordable route, there are also acrylic substitutes you can use. Bringing the cost of replacement down to as little as $30 per key.
When hiring a piano technician, it is important to remember that they will charge a labor fee on top of the cost of materials, so be sure to account for this when you are calculating the total cost.
Can I use vinegar to clean piano keys?
Yes, you can use vinegar to clean piano keys. Vinegar is a great natural alternative for cleaning and it is safe to use on delicate surfaces. The acidic properties in vinegar make it a great antibacterial and antiseptic option.
To use, mix one cup of water with two tablespoons of white vinegar. Dip a soft cloth into the mixture and wring it out to remove any excess. Then, use the cloth to gently wipe down the keys, making sure each one is cleaned.
You can use a clean, dry cloth to polish the keys once you have finished. Make sure to open the piano keys to clean in between each one individually. Once you have finished, you can use a small brush to remove any dust that may have been left behind.
Can you clean piano keys with alcohol?
Yes, you can clean piano keys with alcohol. Alcohol is often used as a disinfectant and is great for cleaning piano keys because it is a powerful and effective option. You should use isopropyl alcohol, as it evaporates quickly and does not leave any residue.
To clean the keys, you should use a soft cloth and dampen it with the alcohol. Then, just gently wipe down the keys. When you are finished, use a dry cloth to ensure there is no moisture remaining. Additionally, you can also use a damp cloth with soap and water as another option for cleaning the keys.
It is important to not use harsh chemicals or abrasive cloths when cleaning piano keys as it can cause damage.
Do ivory piano keys turn yellow?
Yes, ivory piano keys can turn yellow over time. This is because ivory is a type of material that can easily absorb moisture, oils, and other substances that come into contact with it. With regular playing and exposure to the air, ivory can deteriorate and start to yellow, making the piano keys look aged and discolored.
Additionally, when ivory comes in contact with heat, it tends to darken. Over time, the yellowing of ivory piano keys is unavoidable, and even the highest-quality ivory can succumb to this process. Thankfully, the yellowing is usually only a cosmetic issue.
While it can be difficult to reverse the process, restoring the whiteness of ivory piano keys is possible by using a special cleaner designed specifically for ivory.
How can you tell real ivory from plastic?
Real ivory can usually be distinguished from plastic ivory by its off-white, yellow tinge. Real ivory has “grains”, which are small ridges or lines running through it, while plastic usually has a uniform, solid look.
Ivory is often cooler and more dense than plastic, while also being more easily scratched. These qualities are easiest to discern by sight and feel. Another way to test the material is to take a pin or toothpick and lightly scratch it.
Ivory will turn a light blue-gray, while plastic will give off no color change. Burning is the final test to determine if a material is real ivory. Ivory smells like burnt fat or hair when burned, whereas plastic will give off fumes or an acrid odor.
Also, ivory will blacken and leave hard gray ash, while plastic will melt, become malleable, and shrink into a hard bead.
How can you tell the age of ivory?
The age of ivory can be determined through a few different methods. One of the most common is carbon 14 dating, which measures how much of the radioactive isotope carbon-14 is present in a sample of the material.
This method can date items as far back as 60,000 years using specialized equipment, but is not applicable to every sample since it depends on an animal’s environment and diet.
Radiocarbon dating can also be used to determine the age of ivory, though this is a less precise method. Radiocarbon dating tests for the amount of carbon-14 left in a sample, and then calculates its age by measuring the rate of decay for that sample.
A visual inspection can also be done to determine how old the ivory is, as aging of ivory can be observed in cracking, staining, or discoloration. Thickness measurements can also be made of an ivory sample to identify age, since ivory gets thinner with age.
Additionally, UV light and microscope examination can also be used to detect tell-tale signs of ivory age, including the presence of air bubbles that form as the ivory ages.