Tristan F. Heuss
Managing Director / Customer Service / Production Management
GER / EN
+49 6404-9169-40 tristan@ottoheuss.deKeyboard overhaul
Let us advise you free of charge.
After decades of playing, the keyboard of a musical instrument is often dirty, worn or even slightly damaged. However, with a little skillful work, it can be refreshed and renewed. As the keyboard is the interface between the musician and the instrument, the added value of a refurbished keyboard for the musician is often immeasurably high.
We divide our keyboard overhauls roughly into the following categories, based on which part of the keyboard is being overhauled. It is best to look through all the categories with your keyboard in mind and consider which part may need to be overhauled.
The prices and work to be carried out may change in certain cases. When you hand over the keyboards to us and we inspect them, we can only provide final information. In this case, we will consult with you and discuss the recommended further procedure. The prices quoted are guide prices that apply to most keyboards. The price is independent of the range and is a mixed calculation of 54/56/58/61-key keyboards.
1. REPLACING THE LOWER KEYS
We professionally refurbish worn lower keys: the keys are sanded flat, edges are broken as in the original and then thoroughly cleaned. For a precise playing feel and a neat appearance of the keyboard. This does not include the fronts of the lower keys. These are checked below.
2. RENEW FRONTS
We can renew the front surfaces (fronts) of your lower keys on request. You choose the right material - we ensure a clean and dimensionally accurate finish. The top of the key remains unchanged. Please also select the front shape (A, A ½, B or E), as front “E” means more work.
3. REPLACING THE UPPER KEYS
We can replace the top keys (sharps) at your request. You choose the desired material - we replace the old coverings professionally. The lower keys remain untouched. This does not include any upper key overlays. These are requested below.
4. REPLACING THE UPPER KEY OVERLAYS
The upper key overlay (upper side of the sharp) is firmly attached to the upper key. It can therefore only be replaced together. If you order this, a new upper key (sharp) must also be replaced.
5. REFURBISH LOWER KEYS
We professionally refurbish worn lower keys or fronts: the keys are sanded flat, edges are shaped as in the original and then thoroughly polished. For a precise playing feel and a neat appearance of the keyboard.
6. REFURBISHING TOP KEYS
Worn top keys are sanded flat and realigned if necessary. The edges are then shaped and the surface cleaned. The aim is to achieve an even height and a uniform appearance.
7. REPLACEMENT OF BUSHINGS
We replace the b in the event of wear or excessive play. Depending on requirements, we use cashmere or leather. Old materials are completely removed and replaced with a perfect fit - for precise and play-free key guidance.
8. APPLY BUSHING STABILIZER (GARNIERFIX)
Humidity can impair the dimensional stability of felt bushings. Treatment with “Garnierfix” significantly reduces the sensitivity to moisture and prevents the keys from sticking. Garnierfix also has a slightly lubricating effect and reduces the friction between the key and the guide pin - without changing the suppleness of the bushing. Can only be used on cashmere felt, not on leather.
9. REPLACE PINS OF THE FRAME
Worn or corroded frame pins are removed and replaced with new, dimensionally correct pins. The new pins are precisely aligned to ensure correct and even key guidance. If the existing pins are still in acceptable condition, they can be straightened and reused instead.
10. REPLACE KEY PIN HOLE
If there is excessive looseness in the key pin hole, it must be adjusted to ensure a stable position of the key. Depending on its condition, this is done either by replacing it or by steaming the material to compact it. The aim is to achieve a tight fit of the key for smooth and precise playing.
11. REDUCING THE SPACE BETWEEN THE KEYS
The space between two keys - is often thinned out on older keyboards due to decades of use. In this case, the key is cut on both sides and new spruce wood is glued on. The surface is then sanded flat to create a uniform key pattern again. As the fronts and coverings are damaged during cutting, these must also be replaced. A new front A or B (no bone) is included in the price. Please add the desired lower key covering separately to the shopping cart.
12. UV BLEACHING
Yellowed coverings made of bone, ivory or mammoth can be gently lightened using UV light of the appropriate wavelength. This process requires about one week of additional processing time.
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13. FELTING THE KEY ENDS
The key ends are covered with 2 mm thick white felt. The felt is applied with a punched hole to ensure a clean fit and noise-reducing guidance of the tracker wire at the end of the key.
