Do Steinway Pianos Have Ivory Keys – Not Anymore!

Steinway piano do not have ivory keys, and in fact, they ceased using ivory in their keys around 1956. Prior to that, owning a Steinway with ivory keys was commonplace, but over time, the company transitioned to plastic keytops largely due to regulations and conservation efforts.

For context, imagine you’ve stumbled upon a gorgeous, antique Steinway grand at a local estate sale. Curious about its age, you might inspect the keys closely. If they’re original and show a gentle yellowing, with subtle lines indicating grain – something I’ve seen myself on pianos from the early 20th century – you’re likely looking at ivory.

However, the presence of ivory keys on a Steinway piano doesn’t automatically date it before 1956, as it would depend on if the piano underwent restoration. Sometimes antique models are refurbished using plastic keys to replace old or damaged ivory.

History and Composition of Piano Keys

When you consider the elegance of a piano, its keys are one of the first features that catch your eye. Initially crafted from ivory and ebony, piano keys have undergone a notable transformation in both material and ethical sourcing over the years.

Evolution from Ivory to Alternatives

Historically, the white keys of a piano were made from real ivory, derived from the tusks of elephants. However, due to the ivory trade becoming illegal and heightened ethical concerns, manufacturers began seeking alternative materials.

Steinway, for instance started moving towards materials like plastic and eventually ivorite, a synthetic material meant to replicate ivory’s texture. This shift not only addressed ethical issues but also ushered in an era of innovation in piano manufacturing.

Identification and Characteristics of Piano Keys

If you’re curious whether your piano has ivory keytops, you can look for certain visual clues. Ivory keys often have a natural grain called schreger lines, which are quite discernible with a magnifying glass. Additionally, ivory can become yellow-tan over time and is more porous than plastic, giving it a different texture under your fingers.

Under ultraviolet light, ivory will glow, whereas plastic remains dull. These characteristics let you identify if you’re playing on historic ivory keys or modern plastic keytops.

Remember, it’s not just age that can tell you about the keys’ composition—your personal experience with the instrument offers valuable insight.

For example, if you’ve played on both ivory and plastic keys, you might feel the difference; ivory tends to be slightly softer and warmer to the touch, contrasting with the smoother feel of plastic. This can impact your performance subtly but significantly.

Can You Still Buy A Steinway With Ivory Keys?

Steinway pianos are synonymous with quality, and part of their historic charm was the use of ivory keys. However, if you’re looking to buy a Steinway with ivory, then you’ll need to look for a vintage option.

Vintage Steinways that predate the switch may still have their original ivory keytops, which you can find through specialized antique dealers or auction sites.