The piano is one of the most popular musical instruments in the world. It’s a versatile instrument that has been used in a variety of musical genres, from classical to pop, and it’s played by both amateurs and professionals. The piano consists of many parts, and one of the most essential components is the keys. In this article, we’ll explore the history of piano keys the materials used to make them, and the construction process.
So, what are piano keys made of? First, let’s go over some history of the piano and it’s predecessors so we can better understand the part the materials of the keys play in the overall construction process.
A brief history of the piano keys
The piano is a relatively modern instrument, with the first prototype invented in the early 1700s by Bartolomeo Cristofori in Italy. At that time, the keys were made of wood, usually a type of hardwood like ebony or rosewood. The keys were covered in a layer of ivory, which provided a smooth surface for the player’s fingers to press on.
In the 19th century, piano makers began to experiment with different materials to make the keys. Some tried to use synthetic materials, like celluloid or bakelite, while others continued to use natural materials like ivory. The use of ivory became controversial in the 20th century due to concerns over the treatment of elephants, and many countries banned its use. Today, most pianos are made with synthetic materials, but some high-end instruments still use natural ivory.
But what are piano keys made of today? Here’s an overview of some common materials:
Ivory
Ivory was once the most popular material for piano keys, but its use has become controversial in recent years due to concerns over the treatment of elephants. Ivory comes from the tusks of elephants, and the process of obtaining it can be cruel and inhumane. As a result, many countries have banned the use of ivory, and many piano makers have switched to synthetic materials.
Despite its controversial status, ivory has some unique properties that make it ideal for use in piano keys. Ivory is a durable and smooth material that provides a natural feel to the keys. It also has a unique sound that’s difficult to replicate with synthetic materials. However, due to its legal status, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to find pianos with ivory keys.
Plastic
Plastic is the most common material used for piano keys today. It’s affordable, easy to work with, and can be molded into any shape. Plastic key tops can be made to look like ivory or other natural materials, which makes them a popular choice for many piano makers.
There are several different types of plastic that can be used for piano keys, including acrylic, polycarbonate, and ABS. Acrylic is a type of plastic that’s commonly used for key tops. It’s durable, scratch-resistant, and can be made to look like ivory or other natural materials. Polycarbonate is another popular material that’s often used for piano keys. It’s a strong and lightweight material that’s resistant to impacts and scratches. ABS is a type of plastic that’s known for its toughness and durability, which makes it ideal for use in piano keys.
Wood
Some high-end pianos still use natural wood for key tops, usually a type of hardwood like ebony or rosewood. Wood provides a unique feel to the keys, but it’s not as durable as other materials. Wooden key tops require a lot of maintenance to keep them looking and feeling their best, and they can be easily damaged by moisture or temperature changes.
Despite their high maintenance requirements, wooden keys have a unique sound that’s difficult to replicate with synthetic materials. Wooden keys also provide a natural feel that’s preferred by some pianists. However, wooden keys are becoming increasingly rare as more piano makers switch to synthetic materials.
Piano keys are an essential component of the piano, and they have undergone many changes throughout history. The materials used to make piano keys have evolved from natural materials like wood and ivory to synthetic materials like plastic and acrylic. Each material has its own unique properties that make it ideal for use in piano keys.
Despite the controversy surrounding the use of ivory, it remains a popular choice for some high-end pianos due to its durability and natural feel. Plastic is the most common material used for piano keys today due to its affordability, ease of use, and ability to be molded into any shape. Wood provides a unique feel to the keys, but it requires a lot of maintenance and is not as durable as other materials.
Regardless of the material used, the construction process of piano keys requires precision and attention to detail. The keys are made up of several layers of materials, and each layer must be carefully crafted to ensure that the keys are durable and provide a natural feel to the player’s fingers.
The construction process of piano keys
The construction of piano keys is a complex process that requires precision and attention to detail. Here’s a step-by-step guide to how piano keys are made:
- The key frame is made – The key frame is the structure that holds the keys in place. It’s usually made of wood or metal, and it’s shaped to fit the contour of the piano’s case.
- The key blanks are cut – Key blanks are rectangular pieces of wood that will become the keys. They’re usually made of a type of hardwood like maple or beech.
- The key tops are added – The key tops are glued onto the key blanks. This is usually done in multiple layers to create a smooth and durable surface. The key tops are made of different materials, depending on the manufacturer’s preference. Some common materials used for key tops include ivory, plastic, acrylic, and wood.
- The sharps and flats are added – The sharps and flats are the black keys on the piano. They’re made of a different material than the white keys and are usually made of plastic or ebony. The sharps and flats are mounted onto the key tops, and they’re spaced to fit between the white keys.
- The keys are mounted onto the frame – The keys are mounted onto the key frame, and the action mechanism is installed. The action mechanism is a complex system of levers and springs that translates the motion of the keys into sound.
The construction of piano keys requires a high level of skill and attention to detail. Each layer of material must be carefully crafted to ensure that the keys are durable and provide a natural feel to the player’s fingers. The key frame must be shaped to fit the contour of the piano’s case, and the spacing between the keys must be precise to ensure that the player can move their fingers comfortably.
The process of adding the key tops is particularly important, as this is the part of the key that the player’s fingers come into contact with. The key tops must be smooth and durable, and they must provide a natural feel that allows the player to express themselves musically. Some high-end pianos use natural ivory for key tops, which requires a particularly delicate touch during the construction process.
The installation of the action mechanism is also a complex process that requires precision and attention to detail. The action mechanism translates the motion of the keys into sound, and it must be designed to respond to the player’s touch with accuracy and sensitivity.
The construction of piano keys is a complex process that requires a high level of skill and attention to detail. The choice of materials used for the key tops can affect the sound and feel of the piano, and each layer of material must be carefully crafted to ensure that the keys are durable and provide a natural feel to the player’s fingers. The installation of the action mechanism is also a crucial part of the construction process, as it translates the motion of the keys into sound and must respond accurately to the player’s touch. Overall, the construction of piano keys is an essential part of the piano-making process that helps to create beautiful music.
In conclusion, the choice of material for piano keys depends on the preferences of the piano maker and the player. Each material has its own unique properties that can affect the sound and feel of the piano, and the construction process requires a high level of skill and attention to detail. Whether you prefer the natural feel of ivory or the affordability of plastic, the keys are an essential part of the piano that helps to create beautiful music.
For continued reading about how a piano works, you can check out our deep dive here: How Does a Piano Work?
