Pianotech

Hello Pianotech,

A number of years ago I ordered some of the soft chalk that Jurgen used to sell when he ran Piano Forte Supply. Now I'm down to my last nub and I see that Erwin's Piano Forte Supply is not listing it for sale. It is noticeably softer than normal school chalk which is known to mar the finish of damper heads. 

The label on it was Staedtler. I looked on their website and couldn't find exactly what I was looking for. I sent an email to the company, we'll see if they get back to me. Here's a picture of the chalk Jurgen used to sell

Does anyone have other leads on a softer white chalk that won't mare polished damper heads? I just ordered some white charcoal (who knew?) and I'm curious how that might work. 

Looks like it might be pastel chalk. Try looking in an art supply store. The Staedtler website has pastel chalk but only boxes with multiple colors. Still... an art supply store might have a different brand that you can buy one at a time. 

That's what I was thinking too, Geoff, but pastels are usually somewhat oily which would not be good. Anyways, I did hear back from the company which was very nice customer service considering a small request like mine:

Dear Mr. Sowers, 

Your contact form has reached the STAEDTLER headquarters in Germany. Thank you very much for your interest in our products. 

Unfortunately we have to inform you that this chalk (article No. 2350) was taken out of our assortment in 2015. There are no more leftovers. The follower product (article No. 2350, too) looked different: STAEDTLER® 2350 - Blackboard chalk | STAEDTLER and was also taken out of the assortment end of 2022. No more stock either. 

Sorry that we cannot give you a positive response but at least you know now that you don't have to spend any more time on searching for this article.

Geoff - I stand corrected! I remembered having a pastel set as a kid that were the oil type. Then when I was looking into this I discovered you were right! If you search for "soft pastels" they are generally the chalk type: dry and soft and a little fragile. 

I ordered a few different types and we'll see how they work. I also ordered a Chalkola chalk pen which might actually be the best, as long as it can easily wipe off a damper head. One advantage that some of the chalk pastels have is that they are square not round, which is nice for not rolling off the piano! 

Anyways, thanks for the advice and I'll report back with my review of the different chalks I ordered. Here's a breakdown:

1. Chalkola Chalk Markers about $14 for a set of 4. Interestingly they have reversable tips so you can either have a bullet shape or chisel.
2. Hashi from Korea $9 for 6 pieces
3. Alphacolor the cheapest of the group: $3 for 3 pieces
4. Rembrandt from the Netherlands - one of the high end at almost $7 for one piece
5. Schminke from Germany considered one of the best in the art industry at about $7 for one piece. 

Staedtler is normally sold through drafting and architectural supply houses.  You might try Charette. Also try Jahn piano supply

Would you consider using one of those chalk markers that auto body places use to write on windows and dented fenders?  If it wipes off glass or automotive finish, it should wipe off a finished damper head.  (Mind you, I wouldn't use a marker like that on open pore wood like on the keys or hammers.)

Just an idea.

https://www.collisionservices.com/product/autowriter-markers/car-markers-automotive-paint-markers

Interesting idea, Christopher! I just ordered one and I'll see how it works. It seems similar to "chalk markers" which also supposedly just wipe off with a damp rag. 

Ryan