[sdiy] Where to get special white keys?

[Tom Wiltshire]

On 26 Feb 2009, at 20:50, Tim Parkhurst wrote:

> On Thu, Feb 26, 2009 at 12:40 PM, Tom Wiltshire  
> <tom at electricdruid.net> wrote:
>
> Seems like the only practical answer to the question is Dave's  
> suggestion to get hold of dead combo organs, one with reverse  
> colour keys. You could then make a keyboard like you're suggesting.
>
> How many keyboards are there with reverse colour keys? How many of  
> those aren't worth repairing? Is this idea doable, or just a nice  
> idea?
>
> T.
>
>
> Personally, I'd say it would be MUCH easier to paint some existing  
> keys. Just give the keys a light sanding to "rough up" the finish a  
> bit, spray a light coat of primer, and then a few coats of black.  
> Let each color coat dry for a few days, and this should be very  
> durable. Maybe even follow with a satin or gloss clear coat. Also,  
> try to use paint meant for plastic. I think Krylon makes a type of  
> paint made for just such a purpose. I think this is easier  
> (especially for an experimental unit) than trying to find and then  
> gut a reverse color keyboard.
>
> Just my two one-hundredths of a dollar... ;-)
>
>
> Tim (already has a roughed up finish) Servo

Yeah, fair enough. I had nightmare visions of a flaking, peely  
keyboard, but if you could find something durable, this is certainly  
easier.

I suppose really it's just a question of time. Ivory is quite  
durable, but you can see the wear on my hundred-year-old piano. Paint  
doesn't stand a chance in the longer term.

T.