Are My Piano Keys Made Of Ivory? (How To Recognize It)

Using ivory for jewelry, for example, but also for piano keys, has not been allowed in many parts of the world for several decades.

Nevertheless, there are many (older) pianos and grand pianos that still have ivory keys. In this guide, you will quickly and easily learn how to recognize ivory keys on your piano.

Are my piano keys made of ivory?

If your piano was built before the 1970s, the keys are probably ivory. If so, shine an ultraviolet flashlight on the keys. If the keys reflect white or blue, they are ivory.

If you also want to know why ivory was used for keys in the first place, how you can still (legally) buy a piano with ivory keys, and what materials are used today, you’ve come to the right place.

Why ivory keys were used for pianos?

The answer is simple: because of the feel.

The fact is, every pianist feels differently about ivory keys. Either you love them, or you hate them.

The feel of ivory keys is very soft. This creates a very special playing feeling that you can only get from ivory keys.

The feeling of playing on a piano (or a grand piano) with ivory keys cannot really be described.

It’s best to try it out if you have the opportunity to play on a good old piano.

If you come to the conclusion that you love the feel of ivory keys, the question naturally arises: how can I buy a piano with ivory keys today?

How can I buy a piano with ivory keys?

Important: In some parts of the world, not only is the new production of ivory illegal, but so is the general introduction of ivory.

Example: In Switzerland, you are not allowed to own a piano with ivory keys. Before you import your piano into Switzerland, the keys must be exchanged.

However, if you live in a country that does not prohibit the purchase of historical pianos with ivory keys, here is a list of things for you to be aware of:

1: Age. As early as the early 1950s, there were the first laws that banned the trade of ivory in some countries. So depending on the brand, you should make sure the piano is old enough. (For example, Steinway and C. Bechstein they were built until circa the 60’s). If you buy a younger piano, it most likely won’t have ivory keys.

2: Condition. As with all old things, condition is very crucial. Make sure the piano (especially the wood and action) are in good condition. Most dealers sell old pianos and grand pianos mostly refurbished. There, you usually don’t have to worry about anything.

3: Originality. If you buy a reconditioned piano, you have to make sure that the keys are original. If the keys have been replaced, 99% of the time they will be made of a different material.

4: Brand. Ivory has always been a relatively expensive material. That’s why it was mainly used by premium manufacturers for the keys. For example, if you look at a piano made by Steinway and Sons, C. Bechstein, Boesendoerfer or similar, in almost all cases the keys will be made of ivory, while cheaper manufacturers have often resorted to other materials.

Now you have a small overview of how to search for a piano with ivory keys.

However, if you have already bought a piano and want to know how to find out in detail if ivory keys are installed, let’s answer this question now:

How do I find out if my piano keys are ivory? (In 5 simple steps)

1: Ivory keys usually consist of several parts.

Most ivory keys consist of several parts. Usually, at the level of the black keys, there is a gap between 2 parts that make up the ivory key. (However, on high quality pianos, this gap is often difficult to see with the naked eye).

2: Ivory keys have a very specific pattern.

While keys made of plastics are usually completely smooth, ivory keys usually have a very specific pattern. It can usually be compared to very small grooves that are in the key. (Again, these are usually only visible when you get close to the keys).

3: Ivory keys often turn yellowish.

Another indication is if your keys tarnish slightly. However, this is not a criterion for exclusion, because keys made of other materials can also turn yellow under certain circumstances.

4: Ivory keys get dirty more easily.

Ivory keys are much more 3-dimensional than normal keys. Therefore, they get dirty more easily because dust accumulates more easily in the small grooves in the keys.

So if the keys on your old piano get dirty very quickly (and a black/dark layer forms quickly), they are probably ivory keys.

5: Ivory keys glow under ultraviolet light.

If you have an ultraviolet flashlight, and shine it on the keys, the keys will start to glow either white or blue/purple.

Look for ultraviolet flashlights on Amazon now by clicking on this link.

Here you can see an example from my own piano. As you can see, both the patterning of the keys and the small gap on each key is not obvious at first glance. Also, the keys are just a little bit yellowish, but this is a result of the good quality of the piano.

(The piano is a C. Bechstein, year of manufacture circa 1965).

In general, there is no “proof”. Instead, if at least 2-3 of the above indications are present, you can be sure.

What does it mean to me if I have a piano with ivory keys?

It depends on where you are. In many countries it is legal to own historical items made of ivory, in which case you don’t have to do anything for now.

However, if you live in Switzerland, for example, you will have to have the keyboard replaced.

Of course it is not forbidden to change the keyboard, if it is allowed in the respective country, but you want to change for personal reasons, either because you don’t like the feel or because you don’t want to have ivory.

Is ivory still used for piano keys today?

Ivory is (rightly) no longer legal in most parts of the world. That’s why all piano manufacturers now resort to other materials (mostly artificial materials).

Summary and conclusion

In this article we have taken a look at how you can recognize ivory keys on your upright or grand piano.

We also looked at what you can do to legally buy a used piano with ivory keys today, if it is legal in the country you live in.

It is still important to note that ivory keys are neither better nor worse than other keys.

Many pianists prefer ivory keys, but just as many pianists prefer regular keys.

If you want a piano with ivory keys, you should definitely look around on the used market, because they are not available new anymore (and it would be irresponsible).

I wish you a lot of fun with your new knowledge!