I decided to practice replacing keytops on an old overdamper piano at home. I've only completed about a dozen keys, but I ran into a problem. When I put the keys back into the piano, they are rubbing (ever so slightly) against the keyslip. Can I move the keyslip forward a millimeter to give the keys room to breath? It looks to me like the keyslip is connected to the keyblock and that the keyblock is the anchor with a couple of screws along the sides that go into the arms of the piano. Can I just unscrew the screws, move it forward and drill a couple new anchors for the screws?

Or would it be better to try to find to find keyfronts with thinner molding... even though I've done a dozen keys?

Any thoughts?

In Him,

Londonderrry, N. Ireland

At this point, you could either move the keyslip forward, or hollow the back of the keyslip. Hollowing the back may be easier. To move the keyslip, you would have to patch the old screw holes, redrill new holes, which is difficult when you have patched the old holes, and shim the ends of the keyslip, being careful to maintain the proper angle and avoid warping or bending.

Did you remove the old key fronts before you started this? As difficult as that may be, it is hard to fit one-piece tops with fronts unless you do.

Assuming that you did remove the old material, you still need to remove some of the wood from the front of the key (and probably the top, too, have you checked to make sure they fit when the fallboard is replaced), because replacement material is usually thicker than the original.

You might be able to tip the key slip forward, using the original screw holes. You can do this by placing shims between the key slip and key blocks, or placing shims between the key frame and the key slip.

Do you have a key top machine? Replacing tops without one is a real pain. I did it once, never again. Keytops are a good job to send out to the local key top guy. That's what I do.

BDB & John:

Yes, I purchased a Genesis Jig from the Randy Potter School a few weeks ago, so I have removed the front of the keys for all of them. It just seems that the molding is just the smallest bit thicker than the previous old molding (although it is fine on top when the fall board is replaced.)

Bob:

I think I am going to try your suggestion first tommorow morning. And if tipping the key slip forward doesn't work... I am going to hollow the back of the key slip as BDB suggested.

I will let you guys know what happens tommorow. Thanks for the advice! It's kind of fun replacing the keytops once you get started (as long as they fit properly).

In Him,

Londonderrry, (N. Ireland)

So you will be the local key top guy!! Good for you!!