Custom Finger Buttons

I am making custom key touches for musical instruments from exotic woods and metals. I am an instrument repairer who adds custom flair to musical instruments by replacing the ubiquitous pearl key touches with the material of your choice. I have a variety of woods that I can make into custom accents. 

If you have any suggestions for a material you would like me to use for your project feel free to e-mail me privately.


—-Instructions—-

To replace your old pearls you may have to ask your local repairman to replace them if you are feeling uncomfortable with it, but it is within your capabilities if you are conscientious of the delicacy of musical instruments. Brass players will have an easier time as you can unscrew your finger buttons and do not have to abuse the keys while on the instrument, saxophonists will need to remove keys or very carefully support the keys they are working on. Replacing pearls means destroying the old ones by either using a dremel or a (small) hammer and (small) chisel or screwdriver, so imagining your G key and the way that the touch is floating away from the body, you will have to support this key touch from the underside while removing the old pearl. The old pearl will typically be held in by pressure only, so once you crack it things will start to let go fairly easily.

Clear out all remnants of the old pearl and decide on the order and orientation of your new wooden or metal key touches. These touches should fit by tension alone as they are built to the same specifications as standard pearls, but if there is any wiggle to them you may want to use some contact cement to give things a sturdier feel. If you have diameter specifications that are not represented on the list I give then please e-mail me and I will make them to your specifications for no extra charge.