Slippery black keys a problem

[Paul Cotton]

My ebony black keys are too slippery for playing some pieces (example: Chopin
etude op25 #12). I get better traction when I wet my fingers, but they don't
stay wet. I have degreased the keys and my fingers. I have sanded the tops
with 150 grit sandpaper. No improvement. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Paul
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Paul Cotton

[Steven Lewis]

Not a solution, but just an interesting sideline...
Many years ago as a piano tuner, I would occasionally find an old upright
with talcum powder under the keys. This dismayed me until a black piano
mover friend of mine explained that in the early 1900's , black gospel piano
players would sprinkle talcum powder over the keys to make them more
slippery.

steve

Post by Paul Cotton
My ebony black keys are too slippery for playing some pieces (example: Chopin
etude op25 #12). I get better traction when I wet my fingers, but they don't
stay wet. I have degreased the keys and my fingers. I have sanded the tops
with 150 grit sandpaper. No improvement. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Paul
--------------------
Paul Cotton