Pianotech

Newbie question: I have a client with an 80 year old parlor grand. The keys were recovered approximately 25-35 years ago. Some of the key tops are starting to unglue and curl.

Client will not re-cover the keytops. She just wants them glued back down. The curves ones will flatten easily but without a strong enough glue, they will pop back up.

Can I use something like Gorilla Glue or Crazy Glue on these plastic keytops?

Thank you!!

Keith Gramlich

Hi Keith:
If the keytops were applied with rubber cement, it will have dried out and become useless. I always use PVC-E glue from the piano supply houses. Or Eileen's Tacky Glue. It's water soluble and needs no clamps. Krazy Glue might work temporarily, but will ruin the plastic surface if any gets on it. I don't like Gorilla glue because it foams and you'll need to clamp it. Hard to remove if you have to do it over. It's tough all right, and messy as it starts to foam. Test all of the keytops because likely there will be more ready to come off..
Good luck
Paul McCloud


Keith Gramlich:
Newbie question: I have a client with an 80 year old parlor grand. The keys were recovered approximately 25-35 years ago. Some of the key tops are starting to unglue and curl.

Client will not re-cover the keytops. She just wants them glued back down. The curves ones will flatten easily but without a strong enough glue, they will pop back up.

Can I use something like Gorilla Glue or Crazy Glue on these plastic keytops?

Thank you!!

Keith Gramlich


Original Message:
Sent: 8/25/2020 7:05:00 AM
From: Keith Gramlich
Subject: Glue for old key coverings

Newbie question: I have a client with an 80 year old parlor grand. The keys were recovered approximately 25-35 years ago. Some of the key tops are starting to unglue and curl.

Client will not re-cover the keytops. She just wants them glued back down. The curves ones will flatten easily but without a strong enough glue, they will pop back up.

Can I use something like Gorilla Glue or Crazy Glue on these plastic keytops?

Thank you!!

Keith Gramlich

Original Message:
Sent: 8/25/2020 7:05:00 AM
From: Keith Gramlich
Subject: Glue for old key coverings

Newbie question: I have a client with an 80 year old parlor grand. The keys were recovered approximately 25-35 years ago. Some of the key tops are starting to unglue and curl.

Client will not re-cover the keytops. She just wants them glued back down. The curves ones will flatten easily but without a strong enough glue, they will pop back up.

Can I use something like Gorilla Glue or Crazy Glue on these plastic keytops?

Thank you!!

Keith Gramlich

Keith,

Please put into writing that, under the circumstances you will try to improve it, but you cannot guarantee success due to the deterioration of previous adhesive and the possibility of compatability issues with possibility of premature failure. 

It's amazing how people's memory fails after they think you "fixed" it but now it's happening all over again. She needs to know that there is a right way, and a wrong way to do this, and she is choosing the wrong way (but she'll forget that). DAMHIK!

Therefore I repeat: make sure you have some form of writing that expresses the fact that you cannot be held liable if this doesn't work as hoped, and that your advice was not taken on the matter. 

Pwg

------------------------------
Peter Grey
Stratham NH
603-686-2395
pianodoctor57@gmail.com
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 08-25-2020 11:28
From: Debra Legg
Subject: Glue for old key coverings

25+ years in the keytop business says that they will need to be clamped.  PVC-e or the stronger Roo Clear best bet for glue.  They will most likely curl again in a day or more. 

--

Debra Legg

www.debraleggpiano.com

5 Tarr's Lane WEST

Rockport, MA  01966
978-546-8428

Original Message:
Sent: 8/25/2020 7:05:00 AM
From: Keith Gramlich
Subject: Glue for old key coverings

Newbie question: I have a client with an 80 year old parlor grand. The keys were recovered approximately 25-35 years ago. Some of the key tops are starting to unglue and curl.

Client will not re-cover the keytops. She just wants them glued back down. The curves ones will flatten easily but without a strong enough glue, they will pop back up.

Can I use something like Gorilla Glue or Crazy Glue on these plastic keytops?

Thank you!!

Keith Gramlich

Original Message:
Sent: 8/25/2020 12:11:00 PM
From: Peter Grey
Subject: RE: Glue for old key coverings

Keith,

Please put into writing that, under the circumstances you will try to improve it, but you cannot guarantee success due to the deterioration of previous adhesive and the possibility of compatability issues with possibility of premature failure. 

It's amazing how people's memory fails after they think you "fixed" it but now it's happening all over again. She needs to know that there is a right way, and a wrong way to do this, and she is choosing the wrong way (but she'll forget that). DAMHIK!

Therefore I repeat: make sure you have some form of writing that expresses the fact that you cannot be held liable if this doesn't work as hoped, and that your advice was not taken on the matter. 

Pwg

------------------------------
Peter Grey
Stratham NH
603-686-2395
pianodoctor57@gmail.com
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 08-25-2020 11:28
From: Debra Legg
Subject: Glue for old key coverings

25+ years in the keytop business says that they will need to be clamped.  PVC-e or the stronger Roo Clear best bet for glue.  They will most likely curl again in a day or more. 

--

Debra Legg

www.debraleggpiano.com

5 Tarr's Lane WEST

Rockport, MA  01966
978-546-8428

Original Message:
Sent: 8/25/2020 7:05:00 AM
From: Keith Gramlich
Subject: Glue for old key coverings

Newbie question: I have a client with an 80 year old parlor grand. The keys were recovered approximately 25-35 years ago. Some of the key tops are starting to unglue and curl.

Client will not re-cover the keytops. She just wants them glued back down. The curves ones will flatten easily but without a strong enough glue, they will pop back up.

Can I use something like Gorilla Glue or Crazy Glue on these plastic keytops?

Thank you!!

Keith Gramlich

Don't do it. Don't waste your time and her money. Do it right or don't do it at all.

Developing a reputation is not doing hack work, unless that is the reputation you want to develop.

------------------------------
Regards,

Jon Page
mailto:jonpage@comcast.net
http://www.pianocapecod.com
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 08-25-2020 13:29
From: Debra Legg
Subject: Glue for old key coverings

Yep, what Peter said!

Deb

Original Message:
Sent: 8/25/2020 12:11:00 PM
From: Peter Grey
Subject: RE: Glue for old key coverings

Keith,

Please put into writing that, under the circumstances you will try to improve it, but you cannot guarantee success due to the deterioration of previous adhesive and the possibility of compatability issues with possibility of premature failure.

It's amazing how people's memory fails after they think you "fixed" it but now it's happening all over again. She needs to know that there is a right way, and a wrong way to do this, and she is choosing the wrong way (but she'll forget that). DAMHIK!

Therefore I repeat: make sure you have some form of writing that expresses the fact that you cannot be held liable if this doesn't work as hoped, and that your advice was not taken on the matter.

Pwg

------------------------------
Peter Grey
Stratham NH
603-686-2395
pianodoctor57@gmail.com

Original Message:
Sent: 08-25-2020 11:28
From: Debra Legg
Subject: Glue for old key coverings

25+ years in the keytop business says that they will need to be clamped.  PVC-e or the stronger Roo Clear best bet for glue.  They will most likely curl again in a day or more. 

--

Debra Legg

www.debraleggpiano.com

5 Tarr's Lane WEST

Rockport, MA  01966
978-546-8428

Original Message:
Sent: 8/25/2020 7:05:00 AM
From: Keith Gramlich
Subject: Glue for old key coverings

Newbie question: I have a client with an 80 year old parlor grand. The keys were recovered approximately 25-35 years ago. Some of the key tops are starting to unglue and curl.

Client will not re-cover the keytops. She just wants them glued back down. The curves ones will flatten easily but without a strong enough glue, they will pop back up.

Can I use something like Gorilla Glue or Crazy Glue on these plastic keytops?

Thank you!!

Keith Gramlich

Right on, Jon.

Alan

------------------------------
Alan Eder, RPT
Herb Alpert School of Music
California Institute of the Arts
Valencia, CA
661.904.6483
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 08-25-2020 18:51
From: Jon Page
Subject: Glue for old key coverings

Don't do it. Don't waste your time and her money. Do it right or don't do it at all.

Developing a reputation is not doing hack work, unless that is the reputation you want to develop.

------------------------------
Regards,

Jon Page
mailto:jonpage@comcast.net
http://www.pianocapecod.com

Original Message:
Sent: 08-25-2020 13:29
From: Debra Legg
Subject: Glue for old key coverings

Yep, what Peter said!

Deb

Original Message:
Sent: 8/25/2020 12:11:00 PM
From: Peter Grey
Subject: RE: Glue for old key coverings

Keith,

Please put into writing that, under the circumstances you will try to improve it, but you cannot guarantee success due to the deterioration of previous adhesive and the possibility of compatability issues with possibility of premature failure.

It's amazing how people's memory fails after they think you "fixed" it but now it's happening all over again. She needs to know that there is a right way, and a wrong way to do this, and she is choosing the wrong way (but she'll forget that). DAMHIK!

Therefore I repeat: make sure you have some form of writing that expresses the fact that you cannot be held liable if this doesn't work as hoped, and that your advice was not taken on the matter.

Pwg

------------------------------
Peter Grey
Stratham NH
603-686-2395
pianodoctor57@gmail.com

Original Message:
Sent: 08-25-2020 11:28
From: Debra Legg
Subject: Glue for old key coverings

25+ years in the keytop business says that they will need to be clamped.  PVC-e or the stronger Roo Clear best bet for glue.  They will most likely curl again in a day or more. 

--

Debra Legg

www.debraleggpiano.com

5 Tarr's Lane WEST

Rockport, MA  01966
978-546-8428

Original Message:
Sent: 8/25/2020 7:05:00 AM
From: Keith Gramlich
Subject: Glue for old key coverings

Newbie question: I have a client with an 80 year old parlor grand. The keys were recovered approximately 25-35 years ago. Some of the key tops are starting to unglue and curl.

Client will not re-cover the keytops. She just wants them glued back down. The curves ones will flatten easily but without a strong enough glue, they will pop back up.

Can I use something like Gorilla Glue or Crazy Glue on these plastic keytops?

Thank you!!

Keith Gramlich

The question you should ask yourself is not, "Can I do it?", but "Should I do it?"

It will save you hours of work and aggravation. You can't polish a sneaker and
you can't pick up a t_ _d by the clean end.

------------------------------
Regards,

Jon Page
mailto:jonpage@comcast.net
http://www.pianocapecod.com
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 08-25-2020 19:02
From: Alan Eder
Subject: Glue for old key coverings

Right on, Jon.

Alan

------------------------------
Alan Eder, RPT
Herb Alpert School of Music
California Institute of the Arts
Valencia, CA
661.904.6483

Original Message:
Sent: 08-25-2020 18:51
From: Jon Page
Subject: Glue for old key coverings

Don't do it. Don't waste your time and her money. Do it right or don't do it at all.

Developing a reputation is not doing hack work, unless that is the reputation you want to develop.

------------------------------
Regards,

Jon Page
mailto:jonpage@comcast.net
http://www.pianocapecod.com

Original Message:
Sent: 08-25-2020 13:29
From: Debra Legg
Subject: Glue for old key coverings

Yep, what Peter said!

Deb

Original Message:
Sent: 8/25/2020 12:11:00 PM
From: Peter Grey
Subject: RE: Glue for old key coverings

Keith,

Please put into writing that, under the circumstances you will try to improve it, but you cannot guarantee success due to the deterioration of previous adhesive and the possibility of compatability issues with possibility of premature failure.

It's amazing how people's memory fails after they think you "fixed" it but now it's happening all over again. She needs to know that there is a right way, and a wrong way to do this, and she is choosing the wrong way (but she'll forget that). DAMHIK!

Therefore I repeat: make sure you have some form of writing that expresses the fact that you cannot be held liable if this doesn't work as hoped, and that your advice was not taken on the matter.

Pwg

------------------------------
Peter Grey
Stratham NH
603-686-2395
pianodoctor57@gmail.com

Original Message:
Sent: 08-25-2020 11:28
From: Debra Legg
Subject: Glue for old key coverings

25+ years in the keytop business says that they will need to be clamped.  PVC-e or the stronger Roo Clear best bet for glue.  They will most likely curl again in a day or more. 

--

Debra Legg

www.debraleggpiano.com

5 Tarr's Lane WEST

Rockport, MA  01966
978-546-8428

Original Message:
Sent: 8/25/2020 7:05:00 AM
From: Keith Gramlich
Subject: Glue for old key coverings

Newbie question: I have a client with an 80 year old parlor grand. The keys were recovered approximately 25-35 years ago. Some of the key tops are starting to unglue and curl.

Client will not re-cover the keytops. She just wants them glued back down. The curves ones will flatten easily but without a strong enough glue, they will pop back up.

Can I use something like Gorilla Glue or Crazy Glue on these plastic keytops?

Thank you!!

Keith Gramlich

Thank you all for a lot of wonderful advice!! This is terrific! I will proceed with all due caution. I would have given second thoughts about it but it’s a recommendation and family member of a very good client of mine.

I have spoken to them and cautioned them about piecemeal work that may not last and they understand all of the ramifications.

I truly appreciate all your guidance!!!

Thank you!!

Best Regards,
Keith Gramlich


Original Message:
Sent: 8/25/2020 6:51:00 PM
From: Jon Page
Subject: RE: Glue for old key coverings

Don't do it. Don't waste your time and her money. Do it right or don't do it at all.

Developing a reputation is not doing hack work, unless that is the reputation you want to develop.

------------------------------
Regards,

Jon Page
mailto:jonpage@comcast.net
http://www.pianocapecod.com
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 08-25-2020 13:29
From: Debra Legg
Subject: Glue for old key coverings

Yep, what Peter said!

Deb

Original Message:
Sent: 8/25/2020 12:11:00 PM
From: Peter Grey
Subject: RE: Glue for old key coverings

Keith,

Please put into writing that, under the circumstances you will try to improve it, but you cannot guarantee success due to the deterioration of previous adhesive and the possibility of compatability issues with possibility of premature failure.

It's amazing how people's memory fails after they think you "fixed" it but now it's happening all over again. She needs to know that there is a right way, and a wrong way to do this, and she is choosing the wrong way (but she'll forget that). DAMHIK!

Therefore I repeat: make sure you have some form of writing that expresses the fact that you cannot be held liable if this doesn't work as hoped, and that your advice was not taken on the matter.

Pwg

------------------------------
Peter Grey
Stratham NH
603-686-2395
pianodoctor57@gmail.com

Original Message:
Sent: 08-25-2020 11:28
From: Debra Legg
Subject: Glue for old key coverings

25+ years in the keytop business says that they will need to be clamped.  PVC-e or the stronger Roo Clear best bet for glue.  They will most likely curl again in a day or more. 

--

Debra Legg

www.debraleggpiano.com

5 Tarr's Lane WEST

Rockport, MA  01966
978-546-8428

Original Message:
Sent: 8/25/2020 7:05:00 AM
From: Keith Gramlich
Subject: Glue for old key coverings

Newbie question: I have a client with an 80 year old parlor grand. The keys were recovered approximately 25-35 years ago. Some of the key tops are starting to unglue and curl.

Client will not re-cover the keytops. She just wants them glued back down. The curves ones will flatten easily but without a strong enough glue, they will pop back up.

Can I use something like Gorilla Glue or Crazy Glue on these plastic keytops?

Thank you!!

Keith Gramlich

oh oh...do it right or not at all. Sent the keys out to a key repair service that will have the equipment and skill to dit it right. You can charge for your effort in removing the keys, packing and shipping them and then returning them. It is not worth taking on the job . This is an 80 year old piano and the keys got recovered 25-30 years ago. Its like trying to glue the threads back on a retread tire. Once you touch it you own it....

------------------------------
James Kelly
Owner- Fur Elise Piano Service
Pawleys Island SC
843-325-4357
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 08-25-2020 19:50
From: Keith Gramlich
Subject: Glue for old key coverings

Thank you all for a lot of wonderful advice!! This is terrific! I will proceed with all due caution. I would have given second thoughts about it but it's a recommendation and family member of a very good client of mine.

I have spoken to them and cautioned them about piecemeal work that may not last and they understand all of the ramifications.

I truly appreciate all your guidance!!!

Thank you!!

Best Regards,
Keith Gramlich


Original Message:
Sent: 8/25/2020 6:51:00 PM
From: Jon Page
Subject: RE: Glue for old key coverings

Don't do it. Don't waste your time and her money. Do it right or don't do it at all.

Developing a reputation is not doing hack work, unless that is the reputation you want to develop.

------------------------------
Regards,

Jon Page
mailto:jonpage@comcast.net
http://www.pianocapecod.com

Original Message:
Sent: 08-25-2020 13:29
From: Debra Legg
Subject: Glue for old key coverings

Yep, what Peter said!

Deb

Original Message:
Sent: 8/25/2020 12:11:00 PM
From: Peter Grey
Subject: RE: Glue for old key coverings

Keith,

Please put into writing that, under the circumstances you will try to improve it, but you cannot guarantee success due to the deterioration of previous adhesive and the possibility of compatability issues with possibility of premature failure.

It's amazing how people's memory fails after they think you "fixed" it but now it's happening all over again. She needs to know that there is a right way, and a wrong way to do this, and she is choosing the wrong way (but she'll forget that). DAMHIK!

Therefore I repeat: make sure you have some form of writing that expresses the fact that you cannot be held liable if this doesn't work as hoped, and that your advice was not taken on the matter.

Pwg

------------------------------
Peter Grey
Stratham NH
603-686-2395
pianodoctor57@gmail.com

Original Message:
Sent: 08-25-2020 11:28
From: Debra Legg
Subject: Glue for old key coverings

25+ years in the keytop business says that they will need to be clamped.  PVC-e or the stronger Roo Clear best bet for glue.  They will most likely curl again in a day or more. 

--

Debra Legg

www.debraleggpiano.com

5 Tarr's Lane WEST

Rockport, MA  01966
978-546-8428

Original Message:
Sent: 8/25/2020 7:05:00 AM
From: Keith Gramlich
Subject: Glue for old key coverings

Newbie question: I have a client with an 80 year old parlor grand. The keys were recovered approximately 25-35 years ago. Some of the key tops are starting to unglue and curl.

Client will not re-cover the keytops. She just wants them glued back down. The curves ones will flatten easily but without a strong enough glue, they will pop back up.

Can I use something like Gorilla Glue or Crazy Glue on these plastic keytops?

Thank you!!

Keith Gramlich

I wanted to thank you all so much for the help and good sound advise. I met with them last night and as soon as they get money together, they are going to recover all the keys. Nice to note that the piano is going to be handed down to the persons granddaughter, who really wants the piano and the grandmother wants to do it right for her. 

I love this business!!!

Thank you all again!

Keith Gramlich 

------------------------------
Keith Gramlich
East Meadow NY
917-757-4207
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 08-25-2020 07:04
From: Keith Gramlich
Subject: Glue for old key coverings

Newbie question: I have a client with an 80 year old parlor grand. The keys were recovered approximately 25-35 years ago. Some of the key tops are starting to unglue and curl.

Client will not re-cover the keytops. She just wants them glued back down. The curves ones will flatten easily but without a strong enough glue, they will pop back up.

Can I use something like Gorilla Glue or Crazy Glue on these plastic keytops?

Thank you!!

Keith Gramlich