Pianotech

Hi there- first post here, so if I don't have this in the right forum please educate me.

I just bought a Mason and hamlin Model A to restore- and I'd like to replace the current rather poor keytop job with ivory tops.

I found a seller who has a complete numbered set in good condition for 260$ and I wanted to ask if that's a reasonable price to pay? 

Thank you. 

did you mean $2600 or $260 ? either way it is a difficult job to undertake  to remove what is already there and then do it properly. There are many good technicians that can do ivory work or excellent plastic keytops. Ivory also comes in various grades and a full set of grade A costs many thousands plus labor. Selling and buying ivory has risks because of ivory bans . if you are not a member of the Piano Technicians guild or in the trade you will have difficulty try finding a piano rebuilder near you to work with 

Hi there- first post here, so if I don't have this in the right forum please educate me.

I just bought a Mason and hamlin Model A to restore- and I'd like to replace the current rather poor keytop job with ivory tops.

I found a seller who has a complete numbered set in good condition for 260$ and I wanted to ask if that's a reasonable price to pay? 

Thank you. 

I am a guild member and am just starting as a tech. Of course it's a difficult job, but the only way to gain experience is by doing. I understand CITES and relative risks.  I'm not interested in plastic keytops.

The price I was offered was 260$. My original question still stands.

did you mean $2600 or $260 ? either way it is a difficult job to undertake  to remove what is already there and then do it properly. There are many good technicians that can do ivory work or excellent plastic keytops. Ivory also comes in various grades and a full set of grade A costs many thousands plus labor. Selling and buying ivory has risks because of ivory bans . if you are not a member of the Piano Technicians guild or in the trade you will have difficulty try finding a piano rebuilder near you to work with 

Hi there- first post here, so if I don't have this in the right forum please educate me.

I just bought a Mason and hamlin Model A to restore- and I'd like to replace the current rather poor keytop job with ivory tops.

I found a seller who has a complete numbered set in good condition for 260$ and I wanted to ask if that's a reasonable price to pay? 

Thank you. 

Hi there- first post here, so if I don't have this in the right forum please educate me.

I just bought a Mason and hamlin Model A to restore- and I'd like to replace the current rather poor keytop job with ivory tops.

I found a seller who has a complete numbered set in good condition for 260$ and I wanted to ask if that's a reasonable price to pay? 

Thank you. 

------------------------------
Michael Baker
Waldoboro ME
(207) 975-2448
------------------------------

I would recommend replacing them with Ivorite or the equivalent (essentially lab-produced and completely legal instead of elephant-grown). Much less hassle and will last longer without yellowing or chipping. 

------------------------------
Benjamin Sanchez, RPT
Piano Technician / Artisan
(256) 947-9999
www.professional-piano-services.com
www.FromZeroToSixFiguresBook.com

Original Message:
Sent: 06-28-2025 07:39
From: Michael Baker
Subject: Pricing for set of complete numbered ivories

Hi there- first post here, so if I don't have this in the right forum please educate me.

I just bought a Mason and hamlin Model A to restore- and I'd like to replace the current rather poor keytop job with ivory tops.

I found a seller who has a complete numbered set in good condition for 260$ and I wanted to ask if that's a reasonable price to pay? 

Thank you. 

------------------------------
Michael Baker
Waldoboro ME
(207) 975-2448
------------------------------

Michael,

Since you're new in this you might not realize that ivory from one piano may not be of sufficient dimensions to directly transfer to another set of keys. You need sufficient length and width to work with or things will not go well. 

I have a huge store of ivories , yet any time I need to replace one I have to search through carefully to find one (or more) that will work, carefully comparing dimensions. 

So, before just buying this set you would becwell advised to check this issue beforehand by physically trying the ivory on your keys. Do not simply go by a declared measurement from the seller. They must be literally put on the key sticks to check. If they're too small by just a fraction you'll wish you didn't do it.

Peter Grey Piano Doctor 

I would recommend replacing them with Ivorite or the equivalent (essentially lab-produced and completely legal instead of elephant-grown). Much less hassle and will last longer without yellowing or chipping. 

------------------------------
Benjamin Sanchez, RPT
Piano Technician / Artisan
(256) 947-9999
www.professional-piano-services.com
www.FromZeroToSixFiguresBook.com

Original Message:
Sent: 06-28-2025 07:39
From: Michael Baker
Subject: Pricing for set of complete numbered ivories

Hi there- first post here, so if I don't have this in the right forum please educate me.

I just bought a Mason and hamlin Model A to restore- and I'd like to replace the current rather poor keytop job with ivory tops.

I found a seller who has a complete numbered set in good condition for 260$ and I wanted to ask if that's a reasonable price to pay? 

Thank you. 

------------------------------
Michael Baker
Waldoboro ME
(207) 975-2448
------------------------------

Michael,

Since you're new in this you might not realize that ivory from one piano may not be of sufficient dimensions to directly transfer to another set of keys. You need sufficient length and width to work with or things will not go well. 

I have a huge store of ivories , yet any time I need to replace one I have to search through carefully to find one (or more) that will work, carefully comparing dimensions. 

So, before just buying this set you would becwell advised to check this issue beforehand by physically trying the ivory on your keys. Do not simply go by a declared measurement from the seller. They must be literally put on the key sticks to check. If they're too small by just a fraction you'll wish you didn't do it.

Peter Grey Piano Doctor 

I would recommend replacing them with Ivorite or the equivalent (essentially lab-produced and completely legal instead of elephant-grown). Much less hassle and will last longer without yellowing or chipping. 

------------------------------
Benjamin Sanchez, RPT
Piano Technician / Artisan
(256) 947-9999
www.professional-piano-services.com
www.FromZeroToSixFiguresBook.com

Original Message:
Sent: 06-28-2025 07:39
From: Michael Baker
Subject: Pricing for set of complete numbered ivories

Hi there- first post here, so if I don't have this in the right forum please educate me.

I just bought a Mason and hamlin Model A to restore- and I'd like to replace the current rather poor keytop job with ivory tops.

I found a seller who has a complete numbered set in good condition for 260$ and I wanted to ask if that's a reasonable price to pay? 

Thank you. 

------------------------------
Michael Baker
Waldoboro ME
(207) 975-2448
------------------------------

Hi there- first post here, so if I don't have this in the right forum please educate me.

I just bought a Mason and hamlin Model A to restore- and I'd like to replace the current rather poor keytop job with ivory tops.

I found a seller who has a complete numbered set in good condition for 260$ and I wanted to ask if that's a reasonable price to pay? 

Thank you. 

Hi Michael,

I would not recommend this type of job for anyone who wants a beautiful ivory keyboard, especially not if you are inexperienced in key recovery. The ivory is highly unlikely to be a perfect fit, and even if it were from a similar piano originally. The problems are 1) the keys have worn, and 2) the ivory will be worn, and 3) almost all piano keys are made by hand, and every key will have a slightly different width and shape.

On top of that, every time a keyset is recovered, even by experts, it loses some integrity and key width. Even my best key recovery person our shop, my son Aaron, would not attempt used ivory as a replacement material, since we know the result would not please our customer.

My best suggestion is to consider one of the modern ivory replacements such as Elforyn Super Tusk, Ivocor, or Tharan. Elforyn Super Tusk today is indistinguishable from real ivory, except maybe by an expert. Since those materials start out wider than the keys (they come 1" x 6.5" blanks), they can be custom matched to fit each key width and sharp notch.

I hope that helps,

-Dean

Hi there- first post here, so if I don't have this in the right forum please educate me.

I just bought a Mason and hamlin Model A to restore- and I'd like to replace the current rather poor keytop job with ivory tops.

I found a seller who has a complete numbered set in good condition for 260$ and I wanted to ask if that's a reasonable price to pay? 

Thank you. 

Erhm....

You present a convincing argument.

I'll have to check out those options- Will there be opportunities to see examples at this years convention?

My thinking regarding actual Ivory is twofold; One, as someone whose played piano for 30 years- the tactile sensation of ivory is (in my current experience) second to none- far and away more satisfying to play then any plastic I've had the chance of trying- secondly- (and this was more assumption at this point than anything else) was that the fully restored value of a vintage Mason and Hamlin would be higher if using ivory keys, as that was what was used originally (1916). Correct me if I'm wrong here? 

Hi Michael,

I would not recommend this type of job for anyone who wants a beautiful ivory keyboard, especially not if you are inexperienced in key recovery. The ivory is highly unlikely to be a perfect fit, and even if it were from a similar piano originally. The problems are 1) the keys have worn, and 2) the ivory will be worn, and 3) almost all piano keys are made by hand, and every key will have a slightly different width and shape.

On top of that, every time a keyset is recovered, even by experts, it loses some integrity and key width. Even my best key recovery person our shop, my son Aaron, would not attempt used ivory as a replacement material, since we know the result would not please our customer.

My best suggestion is to consider one of the modern ivory replacements such as Elforyn Super Tusk, Ivocor, or Tharan. Elforyn Super Tusk today is indistinguishable from real ivory, except maybe by an expert. Since those materials start out wider than the keys (they come 1" x 6.5" blanks), they can be custom matched to fit each key width and sharp notch.

I hope that helps,

-Dean

Hi there- first post here, so if I don't have this in the right forum please educate me.

I just bought a Mason and hamlin Model A to restore- and I'd like to replace the current rather poor keytop job with ivory tops.

I found a seller who has a complete numbered set in good condition for 260$ and I wanted to ask if that's a reasonable price to pay? 

Thank you. 

Erhm....

You present a convincing argument.

I'll have to check out those options- Will there be opportunities to see examples at this years convention?

My thinking regarding actual Ivory is twofold; One, as someone whose played piano for 30 years- the tactile sensation of ivory is (in my current experience) second to none- far and away more satisfying to play then any plastic I've had the chance of trying- secondly- (and this was more assumption at this point than anything else) was that the fully restored value of a vintage Mason and Hamlin would be higher if using ivory keys, as that was what was used originally (1916). Correct me if I'm wrong here? 

Hi Michael,

I would not recommend this type of job for anyone who wants a beautiful ivory keyboard, especially not if you are inexperienced in key recovery. The ivory is highly unlikely to be a perfect fit, and even if it were from a similar piano originally. The problems are 1) the keys have worn, and 2) the ivory will be worn, and 3) almost all piano keys are made by hand, and every key will have a slightly different width and shape.

On top of that, every time a keyset is recovered, even by experts, it loses some integrity and key width. Even my best key recovery person our shop, my son Aaron, would not attempt used ivory as a replacement material, since we know the result would not please our customer.

My best suggestion is to consider one of the modern ivory replacements such as Elforyn Super Tusk, Ivocor, or Tharan. Elforyn Super Tusk today is indistinguishable from real ivory, except maybe by an expert. Since those materials start out wider than the keys (they come 1" x 6.5" blanks), they can be custom matched to fit each key width and sharp notch.

I hope that helps,

-Dean

Hi there- first post here, so if I don't have this in the right forum please educate me.

I just bought a Mason and hamlin Model A to restore- and I'd like to replace the current rather poor keytop job with ivory tops.

I found a seller who has a complete numbered set in good condition for 260$ and I wanted to ask if that's a reasonable price to pay? 

Thank you. 

Hi Michael,

Yes, there will be samples and examples at the upcoming PTG convention in Des Moines. We're very much looking forward to this national PTG, it looks like very good attendance since I've heard both the hotel block and exhibit hall is sold out!

Based on your comment that the keys were poorly recovered:  

When piano keys are poorly recovered, there is almost always damage to the shape and size of the key. stick wood In that case, unless you restore that shape and size - or install new keys - the result will be unsatisfactory. For instance, very wide spaced between the keys, uneven spaces and trapezoid key fronts, uneven or incorrect/too wide sharp notches etc...

Our shop rates keyset when they arrive for recovery. If the keyset rates grade A or B, we will recover. If the keyset rates condition C or worse, we will decline the job and suggest either major repairs or replacement of the keyset (or return the keys to the shipper).

Simply recovering alone, with older, poor condition keys, does not restore the size and shape, and the will give poor result.

Do Ivory keytops make a piano more valuable? Maybe in some people's opinion, but only if the set is in pristine, original condition. Since your keyset has already been poorly recovered, I don't think there is any practical way to un-break that egg with ivory.

Poor quality ivory keytop or poor key condition job compared first rate modern mineral plastic on good keys? No question the modern material wins for value and function.

Modern mineral plastic reproduces the look and feel of real ivory quite well. A major part of duplicating the feel pianists want, we've found is the polishing process. Mineral plastics can be polished like ivory because they have a higher hardness, similar to ivory.  Softer material such as a acrylic won't take a fine polish, it's too soft (polishing acrylic is like try to polish cheese).

I hope that helps,

Best regards,

-Dean

Erhm....

You present a convincing argument.

I'll have to check out those options- Will there be opportunities to see examples at this years convention?

My thinking regarding actual Ivory is twofold; One, as someone whose played piano for 30 years- the tactile sensation of ivory is (in my current experience) second to none- far and away more satisfying to play then any plastic I've had the chance of trying- secondly- (and this was more assumption at this point than anything else) was that the fully restored value of a vintage Mason and Hamlin would be higher if using ivory keys, as that was what was used originally (1916). Correct me if I'm wrong here? 

Hi Michael,

I would not recommend this type of job for anyone who wants a beautiful ivory keyboard, especially not if you are inexperienced in key recovery. The ivory is highly unlikely to be a perfect fit, and even if it were from a similar piano originally. The problems are 1) the keys have worn, and 2) the ivory will be worn, and 3) almost all piano keys are made by hand, and every key will have a slightly different width and shape.

On top of that, every time a keyset is recovered, even by experts, it loses some integrity and key width. Even my best key recovery person our shop, my son Aaron, would not attempt used ivory as a replacement material, since we know the result would not please our customer.

My best suggestion is to consider one of the modern ivory replacements such as Elforyn Super Tusk, Ivocor, or Tharan. Elforyn Super Tusk today is indistinguishable from real ivory, except maybe by an expert. Since those materials start out wider than the keys (they come 1" x 6.5" blanks), they can be custom matched to fit each key width and sharp notch.

I hope that helps,

-Dean

Hi there- first post here, so if I don't have this in the right forum please educate me.

I just bought a Mason and hamlin Model A to restore- and I'd like to replace the current rather poor keytop job with ivory tops.

I found a seller who has a complete numbered set in good condition for 260$ and I wanted to ask if that's a reasonable price to pay? 

Thank you. 

Erhm....

You present a convincing argument.

I'll have to check out those options- Will there be opportunities to see examples at this years convention?

My thinking regarding actual Ivory is twofold; One, as someone whose played piano for 30 years- the tactile sensation of ivory is (in my current experience) second to none- far and away more satisfying to play then any plastic I've had the chance of trying- secondly- (and this was more assumption at this point than anything else) was that the fully restored value of a vintage Mason and Hamlin would be higher if using ivory keys, as that was what was used originally (1916). Correct me if I'm wrong here? 

Hi Michael,

I would not recommend this type of job for anyone who wants a beautiful ivory keyboard, especially not if you are inexperienced in key recovery. The ivory is highly unlikely to be a perfect fit, and even if it were from a similar piano originally. The problems are 1) the keys have worn, and 2) the ivory will be worn, and 3) almost all piano keys are made by hand, and every key will have a slightly different width and shape.

On top of that, every time a keyset is recovered, even by experts, it loses some integrity and key width. Even my best key recovery person our shop, my son Aaron, would not attempt used ivory as a replacement material, since we know the result would not please our customer.

My best suggestion is to consider one of the modern ivory replacements such as Elforyn Super Tusk, Ivocor, or Tharan. Elforyn Super Tusk today is indistinguishable from real ivory, except maybe by an expert. Since those materials start out wider than the keys (they come 1" x 6.5" blanks), they can be custom matched to fit each key width and sharp notch.

I hope that helps,

-Dean

Hi there- first post here, so if I don't have this in the right forum please educate me.

I just bought a Mason and hamlin Model A to restore- and I'd like to replace the current rather poor keytop job with ivory tops.

I found a seller who has a complete numbered set in good condition for 260$ and I wanted to ask if that's a reasonable price to pay? 

Thank you. 

A well done synthetic keyboard job will enhance the value more than a half-baked ivory "restoration". 

Peter Grey Piano Doctor 

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

Original Message:
Sent: 06-29-2025 10:53
From: Michael Baker
Subject: Pricing for set of complete numbered ivories

Erhm....

You present a convincing argument.

I'll have to check out those options- Will there be opportunities to see examples at this years convention?

My thinking regarding actual Ivory is twofold; One, as someone whose played piano for 30 years- the tactile sensation of ivory is (in my current experience) second to none- far and away more satisfying to play then any plastic I've had the chance of trying- secondly- (and this was more assumption at this point than anything else) was that the fully restored value of a vintage Mason and Hamlin would be higher if using ivory keys, as that was what was used originally (1916). Correct me if I'm wrong here? 

------------------------------
Michael Baker
Waldoboro ME
(207) 975-2448

Original Message:
Sent: 06-29-2025 09:16
From: Dean Reyburn
Subject: Pricing for set of complete numbered ivories

Hi Michael,

I would not recommend this type of job for anyone who wants a beautiful ivory keyboard, especially not if you are inexperienced in key recovery. The ivory is highly unlikely to be a perfect fit, and even if it were from a similar piano originally. The problems are 1) the keys have worn, and 2) the ivory will be worn, and 3) almost all piano keys are made by hand, and every key will have a slightly different width and shape.

On top of that, every time a keyset is recovered, even by experts, it loses some integrity and key width. Even my best key recovery person our shop, my son Aaron, would not attempt used ivory as a replacement material, since we know the result would not please our customer.

My best suggestion is to consider one of the modern ivory replacements such as Elforyn Super Tusk, Ivocor, or Tharan. Elforyn Super Tusk today is indistinguishable from real ivory, except maybe by an expert. Since those materials start out wider than the keys (they come 1" x 6.5" blanks), they can be custom matched to fit each key width and sharp notch.

I hope that helps,

-Dean

------------------------------
Dean Reyburn, RPT
Reyburn Pianoworks
Reyburn CyberTuner
1-616-498-9854
dean@reyburn.com
www.reyburnpianoworks.com
www.cybertuner.com
www.reyburntools.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/dean.reyburn

Original Message:
Sent: 06-28-2025 07:39
From: Michael Baker
Subject: Pricing for set of complete numbered ivories

Hi there- first post here, so if I don't have this in the right forum please educate me.

I just bought a Mason and hamlin Model A to restore- and I'd like to replace the current rather poor keytop job with ivory tops.

I found a seller who has a complete numbered set in good condition for 260$ and I wanted to ask if that's a reasonable price to pay? 

Thank you. 

------------------------------
Michael Baker
Waldoboro ME
(207) 975-2448
------------------------------

A well done synthetic keyboard job will enhance the value more than a half-baked ivory "restoration". 

Peter Grey Piano Doctor 

Erhm....

You present a convincing argument.

I'll have to check out those options- Will there be opportunities to see examples at this years convention?

My thinking regarding actual Ivory is twofold; One, as someone whose played piano for 30 years- the tactile sensation of ivory is (in my current experience) second to none- far and away more satisfying to play then any plastic I've had the chance of trying- secondly- (and this was more assumption at this point than anything else) was that the fully restored value of a vintage Mason and Hamlin would be higher if using ivory keys, as that was what was used originally (1916). Correct me if I'm wrong here? 

Hi Michael,

I would not recommend this type of job for anyone who wants a beautiful ivory keyboard, especially not if you are inexperienced in key recovery. The ivory is highly unlikely to be a perfect fit, and even if it were from a similar piano originally. The problems are 1) the keys have worn, and 2) the ivory will be worn, and 3) almost all piano keys are made by hand, and every key will have a slightly different width and shape.

On top of that, every time a keyset is recovered, even by experts, it loses some integrity and key width. Even my best key recovery person our shop, my son Aaron, would not attempt used ivory as a replacement material, since we know the result would not please our customer.

My best suggestion is to consider one of the modern ivory replacements such as Elforyn Super Tusk, Ivocor, or Tharan. Elforyn Super Tusk today is indistinguishable from real ivory, except maybe by an expert. Since those materials start out wider than the keys (they come 1" x 6.5" blanks), they can be custom matched to fit each key width and sharp notch.

I hope that helps,

-Dean

Hi there- first post here, so if I don't have this in the right forum please educate me.

I just bought a Mason and hamlin Model A to restore- and I'd like to replace the current rather poor keytop job with ivory tops.

I found a seller who has a complete numbered set in good condition for 260$ and I wanted to ask if that's a reasonable price to pay? 

Thank you. 

If I recall correctly, Brigham Larson did a restoration where they pieced together a full ivory key set. I think he said it was about 100 hours of work, and I believe they were matching from an ivory collection from many pianos.

------------------------------
Tim Foster RPT
New Oxford PA
(470) 231-6074

Original Message:
Sent: 06-29-2025 11:28
From: Peter Grey
Subject: Pricing for set of complete numbered ivories

A well done synthetic keyboard job will enhance the value more than a half-baked ivory "restoration". 

Peter Grey Piano Doctor 

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

Original Message:
Sent: 06-29-2025 10:53
From: Michael Baker
Subject: Pricing for set of complete numbered ivories

Erhm....

You present a convincing argument.

I'll have to check out those options- Will there be opportunities to see examples at this years convention?

My thinking regarding actual Ivory is twofold; One, as someone whose played piano for 30 years- the tactile sensation of ivory is (in my current experience) second to none- far and away more satisfying to play then any plastic I've had the chance of trying- secondly- (and this was more assumption at this point than anything else) was that the fully restored value of a vintage Mason and Hamlin would be higher if using ivory keys, as that was what was used originally (1916). Correct me if I'm wrong here? 

------------------------------
Michael Baker
Waldoboro ME
(207) 975-2448

Original Message:
Sent: 06-29-2025 09:16
From: Dean Reyburn
Subject: Pricing for set of complete numbered ivories

Hi Michael,

I would not recommend this type of job for anyone who wants a beautiful ivory keyboard, especially not if you are inexperienced in key recovery. The ivory is highly unlikely to be a perfect fit, and even if it were from a similar piano originally. The problems are 1) the keys have worn, and 2) the ivory will be worn, and 3) almost all piano keys are made by hand, and every key will have a slightly different width and shape.

On top of that, every time a keyset is recovered, even by experts, it loses some integrity and key width. Even my best key recovery person our shop, my son Aaron, would not attempt used ivory as a replacement material, since we know the result would not please our customer.

My best suggestion is to consider one of the modern ivory replacements such as Elforyn Super Tusk, Ivocor, or Tharan. Elforyn Super Tusk today is indistinguishable from real ivory, except maybe by an expert. Since those materials start out wider than the keys (they come 1" x 6.5" blanks), they can be custom matched to fit each key width and sharp notch.

I hope that helps,

-Dean

------------------------------
Dean Reyburn, RPT
Reyburn Pianoworks
Reyburn CyberTuner
1-616-498-9854
dean@reyburn.com
www.reyburnpianoworks.com
www.cybertuner.com
www.reyburntools.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/dean.reyburn

Original Message:
Sent: 06-28-2025 07:39
From: Michael Baker
Subject: Pricing for set of complete numbered ivories

Hi there- first post here, so if I don't have this in the right forum please educate me.

I just bought a Mason and hamlin Model A to restore- and I'd like to replace the current rather poor keytop job with ivory tops.

I found a seller who has a complete numbered set in good condition for 260$ and I wanted to ask if that's a reasonable price to pay? 

Thank you. 

------------------------------
Michael Baker
Waldoboro ME
(207) 975-2448
------------------------------

Michael, of course a major consideration in doing any work on ivories will be the legal considerations / consequences if there is any buying/selling of the ivories associated with the job. Even for normal everyday repairs. There are different ways for you to ask the question to ChatGPT depending upon the ivory work being done, but I'll post one example below. Regards, Norman.

- - - - - - -

You said:

Is it legal to sell (elephant) ivory key coverings to a piano technician for him/her to then install a replacement set on a piano?

ChatGPT said:

Thanks for the clarification. Here's a direct and structured answer:

✅ Short Answer (U.S.):

Generally, no - it is not legal to sell elephant ivory key coverings, even to a piano technician, unless very specific conditions are met under federal and state laws.

🦣 Federal Law (U.S.):

Under the Endangered Species Act and the African Elephant Conservation Act, most commercial trade in elephant ivory is prohibited, with limited exceptions.

Selling is only legal if all of the following apply:

1. The ivory is "antique" (at least 100 years old).

2. It was legally imported into the U.S.

3. It has not been repaired, modified, or changed since its original creation.

4. The sale happens within a state (interstate sales are even more restricted).

Even then, you must have documentation to prove the age and legal origin of the ivory.

📍 State Laws:

Some states have their own stricter bans, which override federal allowances:

• California, New York, New Jersey, Washington, Hawaii, Illinois, and others have outright bans on ivory sales - even antique items.

• In these states, it is illegal to sell ivory of any kind, including piano key coverings, regardless of age or use.

🎹 For Piano Technicians:

• A technician can legally reinstall ivory keytops already on the same piano.

• But acquiring and installing a new set of ivory key coverings (from a separate source) may be considered illegal trade, especially if it involves money changing hands or occurs across state lines.

📝 Conclusion:

Unless you:

• Can prove the ivory is antique and legally imported,

• Are located in a state that allows such sales,

• And are selling within that state,

…it is likely illegal to sell ivory key coverings, even for restoration.

------------------------------
Norman Brickman
Potomac Piano Service
Potomac, Maryland
potomacpiano@verizon.net
https://potomacpiano.com
(301) 983.9321

Original Message:
Sent: 06-29-2025 14:53
From: Tim Foster
Subject: Pricing for set of complete numbered ivories

If I recall correctly, Brigham Larson did a restoration where they pieced together a full ivory key set. I think he said it was about 100 hours of work, and I believe they were matching from an ivory collection from many pianos.

------------------------------
Tim Foster RPT
New Oxford PA
(470) 231-6074

Original Message:
Sent: 06-29-2025 11:28
From: Peter Grey
Subject: Pricing for set of complete numbered ivories

A well done synthetic keyboard job will enhance the value more than a half-baked ivory "restoration". 

Peter Grey Piano Doctor 

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

Original Message:
Sent: 06-29-2025 10:53
From: Michael Baker
Subject: Pricing for set of complete numbered ivories

Erhm....

You present a convincing argument.

I'll have to check out those options- Will there be opportunities to see examples at this years convention?

My thinking regarding actual Ivory is twofold; One, as someone whose played piano for 30 years- the tactile sensation of ivory is (in my current experience) second to none- far and away more satisfying to play then any plastic I've had the chance of trying- secondly- (and this was more assumption at this point than anything else) was that the fully restored value of a vintage Mason and Hamlin would be higher if using ivory keys, as that was what was used originally (1916). Correct me if I'm wrong here? 

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Michael Baker
Waldoboro ME
(207) 975-2448

Original Message:
Sent: 06-29-2025 09:16
From: Dean Reyburn
Subject: Pricing for set of complete numbered ivories

Hi Michael,

I would not recommend this type of job for anyone who wants a beautiful ivory keyboard, especially not if you are inexperienced in key recovery. The ivory is highly unlikely to be a perfect fit, and even if it were from a similar piano originally. The problems are 1) the keys have worn, and 2) the ivory will be worn, and 3) almost all piano keys are made by hand, and every key will have a slightly different width and shape.

On top of that, every time a keyset is recovered, even by experts, it loses some integrity and key width. Even my best key recovery person our shop, my son Aaron, would not attempt used ivory as a replacement material, since we know the result would not please our customer.

My best suggestion is to consider one of the modern ivory replacements such as Elforyn Super Tusk, Ivocor, or Tharan. Elforyn Super Tusk today is indistinguishable from real ivory, except maybe by an expert. Since those materials start out wider than the keys (they come 1" x 6.5" blanks), they can be custom matched to fit each key width and sharp notch.

I hope that helps,

-Dean

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Dean Reyburn, RPT
Reyburn Pianoworks
Reyburn CyberTuner
1-616-498-9854
dean@reyburn.com
www.reyburnpianoworks.com
www.cybertuner.com
www.reyburntools.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/dean.reyburn

Original Message:
Sent: 06-28-2025 07:39
From: Michael Baker
Subject: Pricing for set of complete numbered ivories

Hi there- first post here, so if I don't have this in the right forum please educate me.

I just bought a Mason and hamlin Model A to restore- and I'd like to replace the current rather poor keytop job with ivory tops.

I found a seller who has a complete numbered set in good condition for 260$ and I wanted to ask if that's a reasonable price to pay? 

Thank you. 

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Michael Baker
Waldoboro ME
(207) 975-2448
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