The use of ivory for piano keys began to decline in the 19th century, when alternate materials such as plastic, bone and even metals like aluminum became available. Ivory began to be replaced in grand and upright pianos across the world, although in certain countries like the United Kingdom, use of ivory was still common until the 1950s.
Since 1975, the worldwide ban on international trade of elephant ivory resulted in ivory being completely phased out as a material used to make piano keys. This was followed by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) in 1989 which further confirmed that the use of ivory in making piano keys was no longer permissible.
Some piano makers continued to make ivory keys used in antique pianos until the 1990s, to meet the demands of customers who wanted to retain the unique look and feel of ivory keys. However, with stricter enforcement of the CITES regulations, use of ivory for piano keys ceased completely by the end of the 1990s.
How do I know if my piano keys are ivory?
The most accurate method is to check for discoloration from contact with human skin. The oils from the human skin can cause the ivory to yellow or darken over time while non-ivory materials do not discolor in the same way.
Additionally, ivory keys have a unique, smooth feel that is not the same as plastic or other materials. You can distinguish between the two by running your finger along the key – ivory will have a softer and smoother feel than plastic or woods.
You may also be able to observe ridges or bumps along the plastic and wooden keys, while ivory keys will be completely smooth. Carefully examine the keys in good lighting and look for any look of discoloration, ridges, and bumps to determine if the keys are ivory or not.
Are piano keys made of ivory worth anything?
It depends on the age, condition and origin of the piano keys. Ivory piano keys from some older pianos can be quite valuable, as they’re made from ivory that has long been banned from international trade.
In determining how much ivory piano keys are worth, condition is a key factor. Ivory that is cracked, chipped or discolored may not be worth much, but keys in good condition and with engravings can be worth more.
In fact, a set of original ivory piano keys in excellent condition can fetch up to $3000. Additionally, the origin of the ivory can be important. Ivory from African Elephants is typically more sought after than some other species.
Another factor to consider is that, before buying or selling ivory piano keys, it is important to check the laws and regulations regarding the trading of ivory in your state or country as it is illegal to buy or sell ivory in some areas.
Do they still make ivory piano keys?
No, they do not. The ivory used to make piano keys was taken from the tusks of dead or hunted elephants, and in 1989, an international ban was imposed on the ivory trade. Since then, the manufacture, sale, and import of products crafted from ivory have been prohibited.
Today, the use of ivory for any kind of instrument is strictly regulated by law. Keyboards, keyboards covers and keys are produced from more eco-friendly materials such as hardwood, plastic, and acrylic.
Since ivory was a popular material of choice for manufacturers, and was also more expensive, some manufactures produce replicas of ivory piano keys from other materials to replicate the same look and feel.
Alternatives being plastic and polyester.
Despite being illegal, there are still ivory keys available on the market, and it’s important to remember that it is illegal to buy or sell items that have been crafted from ivory. Purchasing these items may be contributing to the illegal ivory trade and the poaching of elephants.
How much does it cost to replace ivory keys on a piano?
The cost to replace ivory keys on a piano can vary greatly depending on a variety of factors, including the piano’s age, type, model, and size. The cost of the ivory itself and how much labor is required are all factors that will affect the final cost of the replacement.
Generally speaking, the cost to replace ivory keys on a piano ranges from approximately $100-$2,000, but replacement may also be higher or lower depending on the circumstance. Additionally, overall restoration of a piano with new ivory keys will usually cost far more than just replacing them.
It is always recommended to consult with a professional and experienced piano technician when making any repairs or restorations.
Does Steinway still use ivory?
No, Steinway no longer uses ivory. Ivory is an endangered material, and its usage is now heavily regulated by law. Despite the fact that Steinway used ivory to make its iconic 88-key piano keyboards since their inception in 1853, the company has since shifted away from this material.
Instead, they now use a specialized plastic keytop material called Ivorite, which looks almost identical to the ivory but is sustainably produced and environmentally friendly. This material is the same material used to manufacture the current original Steinway & Sons Connoisseur Collection.
When did Baldwin stop using ivory?
Baldwin stopped using ivory as a material in piano keys in 1983. This came as a part of a larger movement to protect elephants, one of the animals that provide ivory for pianos. Since then, Baldwin has used a synthetic material for the keys in all of their pianos.
Baldwin, however, still offers pianos with genuine ivory key tops. This is the exception to Baldwin’s commitment since 1983 to avoid the use of ivory. These key tops are only used in certain limited edition and special order pianos, and come with a strict sustainability and responsibility policy.
What do I do with ivory keys?
Ivory keys are often found on older antique pianos and they can be a beautiful and valuable addition to your home.
If you have vintage ivory keys, you have a few options. For collectors, you may choose to simply display them in a frame or put them in an ivory display box. This is a great way to show off their unique beauty to friends and family.
For those who plan to use them, restoration is often the best option. While it may take a bit of time and money, having the ivory keys restored can restore their function and appearance. You can take the keys to a professional who specializes in ivory key restoration, or seek the advice of experienced antique piano restorers.
They can help you determine whether a full disassembly and restoration is needed, or if it only requires a cleaning and refinishing of the damaged keys.
Regardless of what you decide to do with them, taking care of and preserving the ivory keys is important. With proper care, you can ensure that these keys remain beautiful and valuable for many years to come.
How do you restore ivory piano keys?
If you want to restore ivory piano keys, there are a few steps you should take. First, use a soft wet cloth to clean off any dirt or dust that has accumulated on the piano keys. Following that, use a clean dry cloth to buff the keys and make them shine.
If there are any deep scratches or discoloration on the keys, you may have to use a fine steel wool pad to gently scrub the keys in order to remove any unwanted marks or remnants. After that, use a mild cleanser to remove any additional dirt or other buildup on the piano keys, and then apply pure beeswax or a paste wax product to add a protective layer to the ivory keys.
Finally, you can use a clean, soft cloth to buff the keys until they are smooth and shining. All of these steps should help to restore the natural beauty of your ivory piano keys.
How can you tell if a piano key is ivory or plastic?
One way to tell if a piano key is ivory or plastic is to look at the surface of the keys. Ivory keys tend to have a smoother, more polished surface while plastic keys may have an artificial grainy look.
Another way to tell is to feel the surface. Ivory keys have a glossy surface, while plastic keys have a more matte or rubbery feel. Additionally, ivory keys may turn slightly yellow over time due to exposure to light.
Lastly, you can listen to the sound of the piano. Ivory keys tend to produce a warmer, richer tone than plastic keys. However, it is important to note that quirks of the piano’s interior construction, such as the size of the soundboard, can also affect the sound.
Ultimately, a combination of visual and tactile cues is the best way to tell if a piano key is ivory or plastic.
How can you tell if keys are real ivory?
The best way to tell if a key is made of real ivory is to look closely at the color and texture. Real ivory is generally thicker and denser than plastic or other materials, and it will be off-white to yellowish in color, with a unique pattern of lines that are known as ‘Schreger lines’.
When rubbed, real ivory will feel cool and smooth to the touch. Additionally, real ivory will usually have a pleasant, almost waxy odor. You can also check for the presence of ivory tusks on the key with a magnifying glass, as ivory tusks are still used to make some small items like keys.
Another warning sign would be if the key was priced very low, as ivory is extremely expensive and it may be suspect if the key is not. Lastly, you could take the key to a qualified professional who could test it for you.
Is it legal to sell a piano with ivory keys?
No, it is not legal to sell a piano with ivory keys. The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) prohibits international trade in items containing ivory, including plant ivory, elephant ivory, walrus ivory and mammoth ivory, among others.
The ivory used for piano keys is typically elephant ivory, which is legally protected under CITES. The United States also has a federal ban on the sale of African elephant ivory implemented in 2016, which prohibits the interstate or foreign sale of all items containing ivory, including pianos with ivory keys.
All states have also passed wildlife protection laws that criminalize the trafficking of any item containing ivory, making it illegal to sell pianos with ivory keys. Violations of these laws can result in significant criminal and administrative penalties, including major fines, imprisonment, and seizure and forfeiture of property, including the piano.
What material is used for piano keys?
Most piano keys are made from a mixture of materials, primarily some type of hardwood, such as ebony and rosewood. The press key is typically made of a molded plastic, while the tails and sharps may be made of plastic, ivory, or bone.
Plastic is often used because it provides a smooth surface while still being relatively durable. The white keys tend to be made of ivory, although synthetic ivory that is made from plastic is also becoming more common.
In addition to the bakelite keytops, most pianos also have sharps and tails covered in either plastic or ivory. Some high-end pianos also have gold-plating on the keys, but this is mostly for display purposes and does not improve function.
What are Steinway piano keys made of?
Steinway piano keys are typically made of a hardwood such as spruce, but they can also be made of plastic, metal, or even ivory. The type of material used may vary depending on the particular model and year, with some older models having plastic and ivory keys and newer models having spruce and metal keys.
Generally, a majority of the upright and grand piano models made by Steinway & Sons have spruce keys, but there are a few models that feature plastic keys.
No matter what the material, the keys typically have a textured ivory-like surface to ensure smooth key movement and provides an aesthetically pleasing look. This allows for great precision, which is essential for the overall sound quality of a piano.
Furthermore, Steinway includes a felt lining underneath each key for extra stability and damping.
Finally, the keys of a Steinway piano are subject to rigorous quality control testing to ensure that all the keys have consistent weight and size throughout. This also helps maintain the accuracy of the notes and reduces the risk of breakage during movement.
Such attention to detail is what sets Steinway pianos apart from the competition, which is why they remain the standard of excellence in the industry.
Did piano keys used to be black?
No, piano keys did not used to be black. Before the 19th century, piano keys were usually made from ivory or other materials such as stained ivory, ebony, and rosewood. These materials were used because their durability and dense structure enabled them to be resistant to the hammering of the piano string.
However, this changed in the 19th century with the invention of the modern cast-iron frame piano. With the introduction of this technology, ivory became too expensive and impractical to manufacture, and so makers began using alternative material.
In most cases, this alternative was black-painted wood; by the 20th century, black had become the standard color for piano keys. The introduction of plastic keys in the 1970s marked yet another shift away from the traditional ivory keys.
Do Steinway pianos have ivory keys?
Steinway pianos do not have ivory keys. While the company did use ivory keys on some older pianos manufactured before World War II, it changed its policy in the 1950s, when stricter regulations concerning the use of ivory began to be enforced.
Since then, Steinway has used more traditional materials such as plastic for its piano keys. The company does, however, offer optional upgrade keys made using white and ebony wood, a modern replica of the ivory keys of yesteryear.