Are ivory piano keys better?

Ivory keys are better to the touch, more responsive, and less likely to “stick” to one’s fingers because of perspiration that may accumulate while one is playing a particularly difficult piece. Ivory absorbs sweat, which provides for a better feel of the instrument in general.

When did they stop putting ivory keys on pianos?

Many American piano manufacturers discontinued using ivory in the early 1970s, however, some international manufacturers in parts of Europe and Asia continued using ivory throughout the 1980s, until ivory trade was finally banned in an effort led by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) in …

How can I tell if my piano has ivory keys?

Look for an ultraviolet torch. Hold it above the piano keys. If you notice the keys reflect either bright white or violet-blue colours, the keys are made of ivory. Artificial material like resins or plastics will show a completely different reaction.

When did ivory become illegal?

The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) decided to end international ivory trade in 1989. This year marks thirty years since the ban entered into effect, on January 18, 1990.

How do I know if my piano keys are Ebony?

The “sharps” on a piano are usually made by gluing a plastic or wooden keytop to the wooden key lever, so only the top would be ebony, if its not some other dyed wood. Ebony is not always black either, so may have been dyed too.

When did Steinway stop using ivory keys?

“1956-Steinway along with the other American piano manufacturers all agreed to abandon ivory and start using plastic for keys.”

When did Steinway stop ivory keys?

1956-Steinway along with the other American piano manufacturers all agreed to abandon ivory and start using plastic for keys.

Why do piano keys turn yellow?

The discoloration and yellowing of your piano keys is inevitable. Indirect sunlight after a cleaning can help prevent white piano keys from yellowing. Beware: Plastic keyboard keys will become discolored if exposed to sunlight, so always keep them covered when not in use.

Do ivory piano keys have any value?

Since ivory is scarce, it makes sense to think that they have some value if in good condition. Sadly, this is far from the case. Through the 1940s, the white keys of a piano, also called the naturals, were covered with thin pieces of ivory.

Is it illegal to sell ivory key-tops?

Many tuners, technicians and stores also have an overabundance of ivory key-tops available to them from old used pianos (many times the piano even disposed or given away for free, with the ivories intact). And on top of all this, ivory is illegal to sell or trade. So what can you do with ivory key-tops?

What are the white keys on a piano made of?

Through the 1940s, the white keys of a piano, also called the naturals, were covered with thin pieces of ivory. First point to understand is that “ivory keys” are not the entire key. Only the very thin covering, called the key-top, was ivory. The ivory covered the top and front of each wooden key, thereby making them white.

Why do pianos have plastic keys?

With the piano becoming so popular that every genteel drawing room had an upright, so did the demand for ivory, which had been used to cover the keys since the early 1700s. As time went on–and the Great Depression of the 1920s hit–many manufacturers began using plastic in place of ivory, as it was a less expensive alternative.