Piano keys have transitioned over the centuries from natural materials like ivory to modern alternatives like plastic. For many pianists and enthusiasts, the material of the keys can be a point of fascination, not only for its historical value but also for its impact on the playing experience. This guide about how to tell if piano keys are ivory, will help you determine the composition of your piano keytops, discuss methods to ascertain the material, explore the advantages and disadvantages of each, and delve into the ethical implications of ivory use.
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How to Tell If Piano Keys Are Ivory
Identifying Ivory vs. Plastic Piano Keys
Identifying whether the keys of your piano are ivory, plastic, or synthetic ivory requires careful observation and some simple tests. Here are some key characteristics to look out for:
1. Surface Texture
- Ivory: Ivory keys have a natural, slightly uneven texture. They often feel smoother in the middle and slightly rougher towards the edges, with a faint grain pattern visible under close inspection. This grain can resemble the lines in wood, known as “Schreger lines.”
- Plastic: Plastic keys, particularly those made after the 1970s, tend to have a uniform, smooth texture without any grain. The surface may feel slicker than ivory.
- Synthetic Ivory: Synthetic ivory attempts to replicate the feel of natural ivory. While it might have a slight texture to mimic natural ivory, it often lacks genuine ivory’s fine-grain detail and warmth.
2. Color
- Ivory: Over time, ivory piano keys tends to yellow, giving the keys an off-white or cream color. The coloration is often uneven, with some parts of the key appearing more aged than others.
- Plastic: Plastic keys are usually uniform in color, often bright white. If they do yellow, it’s generally more even across the keys, and the yellowing occurs much slower than ivory.
- Synthetic Ivory: Synthetic ivory keys can vary in color, but manufacturers often aim for a consistent off-white shade replicating aged ivory. However, the coloration is generally more consistent than natural ivory.
3. Key Joints
- Ivory: Ivory key tops were typically made from two pieces of ivory glued together, resulting in a visible seam or joint about two-thirds of the way down the key. This seam is usually absent on plastic keys.
- Plastic: Modern plastic keytops are usually molded from a single piece, so they don’t have a seam.
- Synthetic Ivory: Like plastic, synthetic ivory keys are generally seamless, although some high-end synthetic options might be designed with a faux joint to mimic the appearance of ivory.
4. Heat Test
- Ivory: A careful test involves gently heating a needle and pressing it against an inconspicuous part of the key. Ivory won’t melt, but it may emit a faint, distinctive smell similar to burning hair. However, this test should be performed with extreme caution, as it can damage the key. Additionally, real ivory reacts to ultraviolet light. Using a UV or blacklight, you can see natural ivory fluoresce, bright white, or a glowing violet-blue. Keytops of other materials, such as plastic, wood, and ivorite, do not react this way.
- Plastic: Plastic will typically melt under the heat of a needle, leaving a small mark.
- Synthetic Ivory: Synthetic ivory might not melt as quickly as plastic but will still be more heat-resistant than natural ivory. It may also emit a different smell when subjected to the heat test.
How to Tell If Piano Keys Are Ivory
The History of Ivory Keys on Pianos
The use of ivory in piano keys has a long and storied history, reflecting both the evolution of musical instruments and society’s changing values over time.
Origins of Ivory in Keyboard Instruments
Ivory has been used for centuries in constructing instruments, including pianos, due to its durability, aesthetic appeal, and tactile qualities. As early as the 14th century, keyboard instruments such as the clavichord and the harpsichord featured keys covered with different materials than modern keyboards such as wood, bone, or ivory. These materials were valued for their smooth surface, which made playing more comfortable and precise.
By the time the modern piano began to emerge in the 18th century, ivory had become the material of choice for the white keys on the keyboard. However, the entire key was not made of solid ivory. Rather, the ivory portion was only a thin veneer on top of the key. The preference for ivory continued into the 20th century, with many of the finest pianos produced during this period featuring ivory keys. The use of ivory was not only a matter of function but also of status, as ivory was a luxury material that symbolized wealth and refinement.
The Inversion of Key Colors on Early Instruments
Interestingly, the color scheme of early keyboard instruments was inverted compared to modern pianos: now, the white keys were black, and the black keys were white. This design was standard in many early instruments, such as the clavichord and harpsichord.
Reasons for the Inverted Colors:
- Visual Contrast: The primary reason for this inversion was likely practical. In rooms lit by candlelight, it was easier to see black keys against a lighter background, such as a white or light-colored natural wood. This high contrast made it simpler for musicians to find their way around the keyboard.
- Material Availability: Initially, lighter materials like bone or wood were more readily available and more accessible to work with than darker materials for the larger surface area of the keys. Darker woods or materials were used for the smaller, raised keys corresponding to the accidentals (sharps and flats).
- Aesthetic Preference: The aesthetic preference shifted over time, particularly as ivory became more accessible and desirable. The lighter color of ivory was more visually appealing and was eventually adopted for the more frequently played keys—those corresponding to the natural notes (the modern white keys). As pianos became more standardized, the inverted color scheme fell out of favor, and the now-familiar layout of white natural keys and black accidentals became the norm.
How to Tell If Piano Keys Are Ivory
Keyboard Material and Instrument Age
Pianos from the 18th and 19th Centuries
- Probability of Ivory Keys: High
- During the 18th and 19th centuries, ivory was preferred for piano keys. If you encounter antique pianos from this period, especially those made by renowned manufacturers, there is a high probability that you will find old ivory keytops. Ivory was favored for its durability, smoothness, and aesthetic appeal, making it the standard for high-quality instruments.
Pianos from the Early 20th Century (1900-1940s)
- Probability of Ivory Keys: High to Moderate
- Ivory was widely used in the early 20th century, especially in high-end pianos. However, as the century progressed, the use of ivory started to decline due to increasing costs and emerging concerns about the impact on elephant populations. Old pianos from this era, particularly those manufactured before the 1940s, are still likely to have real ivory keytops.
Pianos from the Mid-20th Century (1950s-1970s)
- Probability of Ivory Keys: Moderate to Low
- By the mid-20th century, ivory for piano keys was gradually phased out in favor of synthetic materials like plastic. Several factors drove the transition, including cost, ethical concerns, and the development of high-quality plastic alternatives. Pianos from the 1950s to the 1970s may have either ivory or plastic keys, depending on the manufacturer and model. However, the likelihood of finding plastic keys increases as you move toward the later decades.
Pianos from the Late 20th Century to Present (1980s-Present)
- Probability of Ivory Keys: Low to Very Low
- By the 1980s, the use of ivory in piano manufacturing had ceased mainly due to global ivory trade bans and a shift in ethical perspectives. New pianos produced from the 1980s onward feature plastic or synthetic ivory keys. The probability of finding ivory keys on modern instruments is very low, and those with ivory keys are likely either older pianos that have been refurbished or extremely rare exceptions.
Summary of Piano Ages and Ivory Key Probability
- Older Pianos (Pre-1940s): High probability of ivory keys.
- Mid-Century Pianos (1950s-1970s): Mixed probability, with a shift towards plastic keys.
- Modern Pianos (1980s-Present): There is a high probability of plastic or synthetic ivory keys, with a very low likelihood of ivory keys.
The instrument’s age is a significant factor in determining the material of the keys, with older pianos being much more likely to feature ivory. In contrast, modern pianos predominantly use plastic or synthetic alternatives.
How to Tell If Piano Keys Are Ivory
Decline of Ivory Use
By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, concerns about ivory’s sustainability and its use’s ethics began to surface. The increasing demand for ivory, driven in part by the popularity of pianos, had devastating effects on elephant populations. As conservation efforts grew and public awareness increased, the use of ivory in piano keys became more controversial.
The global ivory trade was scrutinized in the latter half of the 20th century, leading to international bans and restrictions. Piano manufacturers began to seek alternatives, and by the 1970s and 1980s, most companies had transitioned to using plastic or other synthetic materials for piano keys.
Today, ivory keys are no longer produced, and the practice of using ivory is widely condemned due to its ethical implications and elephants’ endangered status. However, many older pianos with ivory keys still exist, treasured as musical instruments and historical artifacts.
Ethical Considerations of Ivory Keys
Piano key tops made from ivory, while historically valued for their tactile qualities, are deeply entwined with significant ethical concerns. Elephant tusks, from which ivory is derived, are harvested at a devastating cost to wildlife. The demand for ivory has led to the endangerment of elephant populations, driving them toward the brink of extinction. As a result, the trade of ivory has been banned globally under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
Owning ivory keys today carries ethical implications, particularly for those conscious of the impact on endangered species. Many pianists and collectors now prefer instruments with keys made from alternative materials, such as plastic or synthetic ivory, which do not contribute to the destruction of wildlife.
How to Tell If Piano Keys Are Ivory
Advantages and Disadvantages of Different Key Materials
Surface and Grip:
- Ivory: Many pianists appreciate the slight grip that ivory keys provide, which can prevent fingers from slipping during play, especially in humid conditions. The surface of the keys offers a unique tactile experience that is difficult to replicate with other materials. Some pianists suggest that ivory keys feel natural and textured, providing a better grip on the keys. The dryness of ivory keys can also aid in stroking keys faster without the slipperiness that can occur on plastic keys.
- Plastic: While plastic keys are durable and easy to clean, they can sometimes feel too smooth, leading to a slippery playing experience. This can be a disadvantage for a piano player who requires precise control during performances.
- Synthetic Ivory: Designed to mimic the texture and grip of natural ivory, synthetic ivory offers a middle ground. It provides a better surface for pianists than plastic while avoiding the ethical concerns associated with real ivory.
Maintenance:
- Ivory: Ivory keys require more maintenance than plastic keys. They are prone to yellowing, which needs to be carefully managed, and they can crack or chip over time. Cleaning ivory requires gentle methods to avoid damage, and they should be protected from excessive moisture.
- Plastic: Plastic keys are much easier to maintain. They are resistant to chipping and cracking, and cleaning them is straightforward with standard household cleaners.
- Synthetic Ivory: Similar to durable plastic, synthetic ivory keys are relatively easy to maintain. However, to preserve their texture and appearance, they may require specific cleaning products designed for synthetic materials.
Role of a Piano Technician
A professional piano technician plays a crucial role in assessing the composition of piano keys. If you’re uncertain whether your keys are made of ivory, plastic, or synthetic ivory, a technician can perform an expert evaluation. They can identify the material through visual inspection, texture analysis, and potentially more invasive methods, such as the heat test. Furthermore, technicians can advise on the best care practices for your keys and recommend appropriate maintenance strategies to preserve their condition.
How to Tell If Piano Keys Are Ivory
Real Ivory vs. Synthetic Ivory
Real Ivory
Real ivory is derived from the tusks of elephants and is valued for its unique tactile properties and historical significance. Pianos featuring real elephant ivory keys are often older, as the trade in ivory has been banned for several decades.
Synthetic Ivory
Synthetic ivory is a modern material created to mimic the look and feel of ivory keys without the ethical concerns. It is commonly used in high-quality pianos and instruments, offering a surface that closely replicates the grip and aesthetic of real ivory. Some modern pianos provide NEOTEX keys, which offer an ivory feel. Yamaha pianos use Ivorite. These synthetic surfaces provide more texture as compared to plastic keys, though like real ivory, they can get dirty and begin to look unpleasant over time.
Most digital pianos have plastic keys. Some higher-end instruments like the Dexibell Vivo S8 offer an ivory imitation coating. However, these coatings are typically not of the same high quality as the synthetic ivory on acoustic pianos.
Instrument Examples – Rea Ivory vs. Synthetic Ivory:
- Real Ivory: Older grand pianos, especially those manufactured before the 1970s, are likely to have real ivory keys. These are now considered rare and often involve significant legal and ethical considerations.
- Synthetic Ivory: Modern high-end pianos, such as certain models by Yamaha or Kawai, feature synthetic ivory keys. These keys are designed to provide the same tactile experience as ivory without the associated ethical issues.
Conclusion
Thanks for reading this article “How to tell if piano keys are ivory”. Determining whether your piano keys are made of ivory, plastic, or synthetic ivory involves careful inspection and, if necessary, expert consultation. While ivory keys have a unique historical and tactile appeal, they have significant ethical, legal, and maintenance challenges. Plastic and synthetic ivory keys offer durable, ethical alternatives that are easier to care for, though they may differ in feel. Understanding these differences can help you make informed decisions about your piano, ensuring it meets your needs while aligning with your values.