If you have an older piano, however, there are ways you can tell if the keys are made from ivory. One way is to look for \u201cveins\u201d on the surface: ivory keys will have a fine line between the keytop and the stem, as they’re produced in three parts (key, stem, and front).
Also asked, can you sell old ivory piano keys?
Selling and trading ivory is illegal. Ebay, for example, will immediately pull any listing that mentions ivory. 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).
One may also ask, when did piano keys stop using ivory? 1970’s
Herein, are pianos with ivory keys valuable?
Since ivory is scarce today – and also illegal to buy/sell in many instances – it seems that they might be valuable on the second-hand market. This is not exactly the case. Most of the piano keys are made out of wood and a cover of ivory or plastic is placed on top and in front of the keys.
Are antique pianos worth anything?
An antique piano is one which is at least 100 years old. Like antique books, antique pianos are not worth a lot of money just because they are old. In actuality these old instruments may be worth very little at all. Most antique, upright pianos are worth $500 or less in very good condition.
19 Related Question Answers Found
Is ivory worth anything?
That means that poaching — one of the biggest threats to elephants — is widespread and may be a bigger problem than we think. Poachers kill elephants for their valuable tusks — a single pound of ivory can sell for $1,500, and tusks can weigh 250 pounds.
Is it illegal to own a piano with ivory keys?
The short answer to this question is no, you can’t buy new pianos with ivory keys anymore. So, if you own a piano with ivory keys, or a guitar with ivory inlays, a violin bow containing some ivory or anything else containing ivory, it will become illegal to transport it across state lines.
Can you clean ivory piano keys?
To remove fingerprints, marks, and dirt, use a damp cloth and mild soap. If there is yellowing on the ivory piano keys, try applying rubbing alcohol, milk, or toothpaste. Another option is to use professional cleaning products to keep the ivory piano keys clean.
Can you replace ivory on piano keys?
For the most part, if you have an ivory key or just a few ivory keys that need to be replaced, your tuner may be able to find matches.
Can you sell old ivory?
Under Federal law, you can sell your African elephant ivory within your state (intrastate commerce) if you can demonstrate that your ivory was lawfully imported prior to the date that the African elephant was listed in CITES Appendix I (January 18, 1990). Some states have laws prohibiting or restricting sale of ivory.
Can you tune a really old piano?
A: The great majority of pianos can be tuned. On very old pianos with rusty strings, first tuning the piano to itself is sometimes advisable to test the condition of the piano before adding greater tension. Note: There are some pianos with loose tuning pins or other structural problems that can make tuning difficult.
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.
How do you sell or sell a piano?
What To Do With That Piano Sell it. You can post it on community boards and online sites like Craigslist, eBay, Kijiji, Facebook etc. Pass it on to someone in your network of friends, neighbours and family. Donate it to a local school or community centre. Donate to a charity or local business. Curbside Pick-up Program. Removal Companies.
Are piano keys still made from ivory?
The truth is, if you are in possession of a piano built pre-1950, your piano keys are almost certainly covered with ivory. There’s also the consideration of maintenance and repair–ivory keys should be replaced with ivory keys, both to maintain the value of the instrument, and for aesthetic reasons.
Do pianos appreciate in value?
Acoustic pianos, as investment vehicles, tend to appreciate in value over time. The market for pianos tends to rise and fall with demand, but quality Yamaha pianos usually hold their value well.
Do elephants tusk grow back?
If an elephant breaks a tusk it will grow back. False! Tusks are teeth and just like our teeth, if one is broken, it stays broken. But unlike our teeth, a tusk can continue growing from the root if that isn’t damaged.
Are teeth ivory?
Ivory is a hard, white material from the tusks (traditionally elephants’) and teeth of animals, that consists mainly of dentine, one of the physical structures of teeth and tusks. Elk also have two ivory teeth, which are believed to be the remnants of tusks from their ancestors.
Are ivory 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.
What is ivory used for?
Commercial uses of ivory include the manufacture of piano and organ keys, billiard balls, handles, and minor objects of decorative value. In modern industry, ivory is used in the manufacture of electrical appliances, including specialized electrical equipment for airplanes and radar.
How do you clean ivory?
How to Clean Yellowed Ivory Cut a lemon cleanly in half on a cutting board, using a sharp knife. Hold a lemon half in your hand and use the salted, exposed side to scrub your yellowed ivory item. Set the ivory item to the side to air dry. Soak a soft cloth in clean water and wring out the excess. Repeat the procedure if necessary.
Why were piano keys made of ivory?
Traditionally, longer keys were played more often than shorter keys, so they were conventionally covered with strips of ivory as it’s such a hard-wearing material. The shorter keys weren’t played as much, therefore were made from simple dark wood, such as sugar pine, spruce or basswood and were called ‘black notes’.
What can I do with old piano keys?
Check out these 15 gorgeous upcycling projects that will preserve at least part of your old piano and help you create a gorgeously musical aspect to your space! Piano tool bench. Piano mini bar. Piano front desk. Piano computer desk. Standing piano head board. Grand piano planter. Glass covered piano key coffee table.
Are black piano keys made of ebony?
The raised black sharp key tops on vintage Steinways and other pianos were almost always made of ebony. A hard, dense and naturally dark wood, ebony provided a beautiful contrast to the gleaming white ivory.
How do you disinfect a piano key?
If you want to simply disinfect your piano keys, the best solution is using some filtered water with white vinegar to wipe them down. Using a cheesecloth or flannel, make sure you wipe vertically down and take time to dry the keys in between wipes. Make sure you remember to change cloths from white keys to black keys.