To glue the _hollow_ sharps, white glue or carpenter's glue is poured to
1/3 (or so) of the hollow.  The sharp keytop is then secured to the
keystick with masking tape so the glue will flow down and secure the
sharp in place.  Allow it to dry overnight.

Gluing plastic tops to naturals:  PVC-E adhesive is best.  This gives a
flexible bond allowing expansion and contraction of the wood.  If you
ever noticed some plastic tops which are cracked, it is due to the wrong
adhesive.  An adhesive which melts the plastic to the wood doesn't allow
flexing, because plastic doesn't react to humidity changes the way wood
does.  And if you get a little PVC-E on the surface, just wipe it off --
no damage.

Note:  This is one of a very few places in a piano where PVC-E is used.
Although it is a great adhesive for gluing felt to wood or metal, I use
it _only_ where a _flexible_ bond is needed.  If you ever have had the
task of removing PCV-E, you know what I mean.  Nothing beats hide glue
(hot or cold) to glue felt, and it can be removed in a fraction of the
time.

Jon Page¶
Harwich Port, Cape Cod, Mass.¶
jpage@capecod.net