Indeed, ivory is illegal to buy and sell in most places today. Since ivory is scarce, it makes sense to think that they have some value if in good condition. Secondly, how much does it cost to replace piano keys? The cost of doing this procedure is about $475.00 for upright pianos and $575.00 for grand pianos.
Full Answer
How much is an ivory piano key worth?
However, there is a possibility they can match a key to an existing piano when a key top needs to be replaced if they have a big enough collection of old ivories of different sizes and hues. Before the laws tightened, a set of ivory keys could have been worth thousands of dollars. There is some today who still sell them.
What can I do with my ivory keys?
So the market for selling ivory keys tops is very limited. So what can you do with ivory keys you don’t need? The best thing you can do is give them to your piano technician. Many times a technician will keep some ivory key tops with them in case one needs to be replaced on a piano. No two ivories are the same.
How many ivory keytops will fit on a 88 note piano?
Replacement set of piano keytops, with 52 simulated satin ivory keytops--which will fit all of the white keys on a 88 note piano. The ivory color has a grained translucent finish that simulates the look of real ivory.
Are white piano keys worth anything?
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. First of all, when we talk about the white piano keys, we are referring to the keytops and not the keys themselves.
Can you replace ivory on piano keys?
0:042:30Easy Piano Key Top Ivory Repair DIY - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd this is a way to repair. An old piano key ivory with a new synthetic. Type key replacement thatMoreAnd this is a way to repair. An old piano key ivory with a new synthetic. Type key replacement that is very easy to work with and it's very good to use this kind of a replacement it's very simple and.
How much does it cost to have piano keys replaced?
The cost of doing this procedure is about $475.00 for upright pianos and $575.00 for grand pianos. The other way to solve the problems is by removing the old leads and replacing them with new ones. Replacing key leads is about $900.00.
Are ivory piano keys worth anything?
Before the laws tightened, a set of ivory keys could have been worth thousands of dollars. There is some today who still sell them. You should use caution when dealing with ivory since the laws can be complex.
Is it legal to sell ivory piano keys?
This means that individuals and dealers will not be permitted to buy, sell, or take in trade ivory-keyed pianos, unless the ivory is removed from the piano before the instrument is moved.
Can you replace keys on old piano?
Replacing old keytops with the new molded plastic tops (parts page) will make your keyboard look brand new and is a relatively easy procedure, with only minimal (if any) reshaping needed.
What pianos have ivory keys?
1:473:04How to Tell if You Have Ivory Piano Keys? - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipHundred year old pianos overseas if they have ivory keys the trade is very carefully guarded. SoMoreHundred year old pianos overseas if they have ivory keys the trade is very carefully guarded. So it's very unusual to have ivory keys can you get ivories.
What year did they stop using ivory for piano keys?
In 1990, a global treaty was signed, banning trade in all kinds of rhino or elephant ivory. Pianos with ivory keys are no longer manufactured, but many older pianos with ivory keys still exist and are in use.Jul 20, 2017
What do I do with old ivory piano keys?
0:591:57Are Ivory Piano Keys Worth Anything? - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe best thing you can do is give them to your piano tuner who might be able to offer them as fixesMoreThe best thing you can do is give them to your piano tuner who might be able to offer them as fixes for people who might be missing some ivory keys as I discussed in a previous video.
Do all old pianos have ivory keys?
'Tickling the ivories' is a euphemism for playing the piano that's persisted to today, even though piano manufacturers no longer use ivory in their manufacture—and for good reason. Most pianos have 52 white keys and 36 black keys for a total of 88 keys.Sep 16, 2019
When did Steinway stop using ivory keys?
19561956-Steinway along with the other American piano manufacturers all agreed to abandon ivory and start using plastic for keys.
Are old pianos worth anything?
What Determines Antique Piano Values? Antique pianos are pianos that're at least a hundred years old, and, like antique books, they're not worth a lot of money just because of their age. In actuality, these old instruments may be worth very little at all, depending on their brand and condition.
What is ivory worth?
Currently going for about $3,300 per pound, the global ivory trade is worth about $23 billion annually, a reality made plain by the gruesome photos of butchered elephants that have become almost commonplace.Dec 11, 2021
Can You Replace Just One Ivory Key on Your Piano?
Piano Lessons / piano parts / Can You Replace Just One Ivory Key on Your Piano?
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What are white piano keys made of?
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. The pieces of ivory or plastic that go over the wooden keys are very thin.
Is it illegal to sell ivory?
The biggest problem you are going to face is that selling ivory is illegal. Ripping the key tops off a piano and trying to sell them by themselves is not a good idea. For example, if you even try to list a product with ivory on eBay the listing will be removed – they simply don’t allow it.
Can you match ivory keys to piano?
Many times a technician will keep some ivory key tops with them in case one needs to be replaced on a piano. No two ivories are the same . However, there is a possibility they can match a key to an existing piano when a key top needs to be replaced if they have a big enough collection of old ivories of different sizes and hues.
