Key Replacement

[TroyK]

Here's a somewhat off topic question, but I'll be someone has the answer. I was recently given a pretty decent piano. I have a piano tuner friend who tuned it up for me and it's totally usable.

The white keys are a little ragged though on the surface. Some of the tops are loose and most of the ends are chipped. It seems like the vertical faces of them are all fine, black keys are fine, it's just the plastic (not ivory) covers. I suspect that I can buy a set of them somewhere.

It also seems like I could pull them all off with a butter knife and glue new ones in place with something (hide glue, elmers). Has anyone done this and is there a reason that it should be harder than I'm thinking?

I'm not a piano player and love the budget I'm on with this thing so far. I've paid my friend for a tuning, which I'll get some free follow ups on since she's going to play it. And I paid an associate of her's for the move.

Thanks in advance,

Troy

[peasandhoney]

Key covers are replaceable. Depending on manufacture, you might be able to get direct replacements. There are generic ones out there too, but may need more work in fitting. There will also be some key leveling to be done once the covers are on. I spent two years studying piano restoration (part of my music degree), and the key leveling was the most madding thing I have ever done. Took me for ever (mostly because after 15 minutes I would have to walk away because I couldn't see straight). This would be a job for a professional for this reason. Your tuner friend should know some people (and if you choose to DIY, I might be able to dig up some part sources [that folder must be around here somewhere])

http://www.ptg.org/findATechnician-s...=981&Sort=Last