Pianotech

Next week I will be replacing an entire set of key tops on a Yamaha hybrid N3. I'm planning on using Roo Glue and am wondering if there's a simple system for clamping groups at a time. I'm trying to come up with something not too elaborate as I'm not likely to be replacing more sets in the future. Is there's a simple way to get the tops aligned on the key stick?

Also, regarding the N3, the manual is a little vague about pulling the action, I'm not clear about how much needs to be done outside of what's typical, I see two brackets at either end of the stack, and the electrical connectors. Any clarity on that would be much appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

~S

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Steven Rosenthal RPT
Honolulu HI
(808) 521-7129
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I just did a set yesterday and have been doing keytop recovering for over 30 years. I use spring clamps and a 3/16”x1 1/8”x6” strip of wood or masonite as a clamp. You’ll also need something to gauge the overhang of the front. I use the spring clamp that fits in the key mortise and a piece of masonite with the needed thickness of front keypuncings taped to it. On this set, I just used a squirt bottle of glue and a small paint brush to even it out. I peeled off the original plastic and reglued them. When you have glued on the third key the first one is ready to take off the clamps. This is important, as the glue joint is tight, but can still be moved a bit if it has shifted in the clamps. Scrape the excess glue from the edges and a quick filing and you’re done.
Normally, when recovering a set for an older piano, I use the molded keytops with the fronts on them and a small paint roller to apply the glue to a small group of keys.

Hope it goes well!
Gene Taets, R.P.T.

Thanks to both of you. Debra, you're saying that the tape is adequate clamping? That will simplify things.

The big issue is successfully pulling and disassembling the action. At least as complicated as pulling an old player stack as a preliminary. And then getting the whole thing back together again so it doesn't go up in smoke. I've been warned to put the grounding wires exactly where I find them.

------------------------------
Steven Rosenthal RPT
Honolulu HI
(808) 521-7129
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 06-18-2026 18:02
From: Eugene Taets
Subject: Suggestions for clamping new key tops

I just did a set yesterday and have been doing keytop recovering for over 30 years. I use spring clamps and a 3/16"x1 1/8"x6" strip of wood or masonite as a clamp. You'll also need something to gauge the overhang of the front. I use the spring clamp that fits in the key mortise and a piece of masonite with the needed thickness of front keypuncings taped to it. On this set, I just used a squirt bottle of glue and a small paint brush to even it out. I peeled off the original plastic and reglued them. When you have glued on the third key the first one is ready to take off the clamps. This is important, as the glue joint is tight, but can still be moved a bit if it has shifted in the clamps. Scrape the excess glue from the edges and a quick filing and you're done.
Normally, when recovering a set for an older piano, I use the molded keytops with the fronts on them and a small paint roller to apply the glue to a small group of keys.

Hope it goes well!
Gene Taets, R.P.T.

Original Message:
Sent: 6/18/2026 7:33:00 PM
From: Steven Rosenthal
Subject: RE: Suggestions for clamping new key tops

Thanks to both of you. Debra, you're saying that the tape is adequate clamping? That will simplify things.

The big issue is successfully pulling and disassembling the action. At least as complicated as pulling an old player stack as a preliminary. And then getting the whole thing back together again so it doesn't go up in smoke. I've been warned to put the grounding wires exactly where I find them.

------------------------------
Steven Rosenthal RPT
Honolulu HI
(808) 521-7129
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 6/18/2026 7:33:00 PM
From: Steven Rosenthal
Subject: RE: Suggestions for clamping new key tops

Thanks to both of you. Debra, you're saying that the tape is adequate clamping? That will simplify things.

The big issue is successfully pulling and disassembling the action. At least as complicated as pulling an old player stack as a preliminary. And then getting the whole thing back together again so it doesn't go up in smoke. I've been warned to put the grounding wires exactly where I find them.

------------------------------
Steven Rosenthal RPT
Honolulu HI
(808) 521-7129
------------------------------