Pianotech

  • 1.  Brown Keyfronts

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 02-18-2019 15:36
      |   view attached
    I've got this 1975 Yamaha M1 console with severely discolored fronts.  I tried Naptha first.  Then paint brush cleaner.  Then lacquer thinner.  None of those even made a dent in the discoloration.  Any suggestions?

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    Gary Bruce, RPT
    Bruce Piano Service
    Edmond, OK
    405-413-TUNE
    www.brucepiano.com
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  • 2.  RE: Brown Keyfronts

    Posted 02-18-2019 16:35
    Sanding might remove the surface deterioration nut it may continue on the new surface. Paint or replace.

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    Regards,

    Jon Page
    mailto:jonpage@pianocapecod.com
    http://www.pianocapecod.com
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    Original Message


  • 3.  RE: Brown Keyfronts

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 02-18-2019 21:47
    What about toothpaste? Or similarly Corningware cleaner with mild abrasive and bleach?

    Pwg

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


  • 4.  RE: Brown Keyfronts

    Posted 02-18-2019 22:23
    There was a period where Yamaha used some bad plastic and they had to replace a lot of keytops and fronts.  As recently as four years ago we sent a set from the 80's in to Yamaha under warranty for this same problem.  As far as we know, there's no solution short of replacement for the problem.  Others may know more than we do, however.  All I know is what that which with we've dealt.  There will be those more informed than we are out there, I'm sure.

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    Ted Rohde
    Central Illinois
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    Original Message


  • 5.  RE: Brown Keyfronts

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 02-19-2019 06:43
    As you can see these fronts curl as well.  I have had success sanding them flat and painting them with spray paint designed for plastic.  Don't know the how this lasts, but I have a keyboard that I did 7 years ago that has held up fine.

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    William McKaig
    Tampa FL
    813-831-4179
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    Original Message


  • 6.  RE: Brown Keyfronts

    Posted 02-19-2019 07:57
    I once tried spray-on plastic paint, which worked pretty well. I clamped a group of keys together and masked off the tops. I tried another set with poor results and had to re-cover those. You can buy the paint at the hardware store if you'd like to experiment.



    Original Message


  • 7.  RE: Brown Keyfronts

    Posted 02-19-2019 09:43
    Yes, Yamaha replaced them under warranty. Don't think you can sand them white.

    Sent from my iPhone



    Original Message


  • 8.  RE: Brown Keyfronts

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 02-19-2019 23:29
    Gary, I was also going to suggest sanding them. It may be worth a try. 
    I agree with the wisdom already given here but if it DOES come down to painting them, I have something I can highly recommend. It's a primer that is made for items & surfaces that normally paint will not stick to. Aluminum window frames  for example, which is what we used it for. Just let me know if you are interested. 
    Best of luck! Kevin

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    [Kevin] [Fortenberry] [RPT]
    [Staff Techician]
    [Texas Tech Univ]
    [Lubbock] [TX]
    [8067783962]
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    Original Message