The A-Z of the piano
We celebrate the world's most popular instrument with a look at 26 of its greatest features
I is for Ivories
The black keys were once made from the dense wood, ebony. Until 1989, the white keys were covered in ivory which, apart from its sensual touch, was ideal for absorbing sweat from the player’s fingers. Now synthetic materials (polymers and resins) are used for both the black and white keys.
