Are Piano Keys Still Made Out Of Ivory
When you think of a piano, one of the first things that may come to mind is the smooth and shiny white keys. But have you ever wondered what they are made of? In the past, ivory was the material of choice for piano keys. However, due to environmental concerns and animal rights issues, ivory is no longer used in piano manufacturing. In this article, we will explore the history of ivory keys and the current materials used in modern pianos.
The History of Ivory Keys
Ivory has been used for centuries to make various items, including piano keys. In fact, ivory was the material of choice for piano keys for several reasons. Ivory is a durable material that can withstand the repetitive striking of piano keys. Additionally, ivory keys have a unique texture and feel that cannot be replicated by synthetic materials.
During the 19th and early 20th centuries, ivory was the primary material used in piano manufacturing. However, with the rise of environmental concerns and animal rights issues, the use of ivory began to decline. In 1973, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) was established to regulate the international trade of endangered species, including elephants which are the main source of ivory.
The Ban on Ivory
The use of ivory in piano manufacturing was officially banned in 1989 with the passing of the African Elephant Conservation Act in the United States. This ban made it illegal to import or export ivory for commercial purposes. This was followed by a worldwide ban on ivory trade in 1990 by CITES, effectively ending the use of ivory in piano keys.
Alternative Materials
So, if ivory is no longer used in piano manufacturing, what are piano keys made of now? Today, most piano keys are made of a synthetic material called Ivorite. Ivorite is a material that is designed to mimic the texture and feel of ivory. It is made of a combination of polymers and minerals that are molded to create a key that closely resembles ivory in both appearance and texture.
In addition to Ivorite, other synthetic materials such as plastic and acrylic have also been used to make piano keys. While these materials may not have the same texture and feel as ivory, they are still durable and can produce a high-quality sound.
Conclusion
In conclusion, ivory keys were once the material of choice for piano manufacturing due to their durability and unique texture. However, with the rise of environmental concerns and animal rights issues, the use of ivory has been banned in piano manufacturing. Today, most piano keys are made of synthetic materials such as Ivorite, plastic, and acrylic. While these materials may not have the same texture as ivory, they are still durable and produce a high-quality sound. The use of synthetic materials has allowed piano manufacturers to continue producing high-quality instruments while also protecting the environment and the animals that live in it.
