Sticky feeling keys

[Bobsk8]

Worked the last 2 days on an outside Jazz gig in Atlanta where the temperature was about 95 degrees. We had fans, but the problem I was mainly having was that the keys felt "sticky", when I was playing, like I had something on my fingers. Anyone found a solution for that problem?

[kanker.]

I've had that problem. The only solution that's worked for me is to constantly wipe the sweat off of my head/neck and onto my hands, and onto the keys. Sound a little weird, but it works for me.

[Ed Coury]

I vote for stashing a few WetNaps in your pocket, and washing your hands periodically during the show.

[kanker.]

I vote for stashing a few WetNaps in your pocket, and washing your hands periodically during the show.

Trust me, that's not enough moisture.

[SpaceNorman]

I don't think that it's an issue of hands not being moist enough - but rather something with the plastic keys and the heat. I often set my rig up in the garage during the summer (no AC) - and have noticed that after a couple of days of hot days the keys feel like they're coated with a film of grime. (I'm trying to decide if it's just a dusty garage thing or if the heat truly has something to do with it.)

 

Either way....when the keys get that way, I've taken to spraying a little spray furniture polish (i.e. Lemon Pledge) on a rag and giving the keys the once over. I never spray directly on the keys (and therefore don't get spray between the keys) and am careful not to really goop up the rag....just a light application of the polish. The keys feel great afterwards...and haven't shown any indication that they're worse for the wear for having a little bit of furniture polish applied.

[mate stubb]

+1 for lemon pledge. JoeyD turned me on to that trick, although you have to occasionally clean them anyway. You don't want a buildup.

[BluesKeys]

+1 for lemon pledge. JoeyD turned me on to that trick, although you have to occasionally clean them anyway. You don't want a buildup.

 

I too use pledge... learned it from a local hot shot... who will remain nameless.

[Jazz+]

Clean the keys with dish washing soap and water, then with just a wet towel. Or use rubbing alcohol. If that doesn't work then use Windex. Then apply the wax and use talcum powder on your hands.

[Strategery]

Go wash your hands....you'll put your eye out!! :grin:

 

 

[delirium]

at least you can do true legato this way...

 

[eric]

When my keys get dirty, I use some dishwashing detergent, small amount, on a wet paper towel. I wash all the keys and the chassis of the keyboard with this, then I make 1-2 more passes with just a plain wet paper towel, following this up with dry paper towels. Works great!

[kad]

We do a lot of outdoor stuff this time of year... I do the Pledge thing as well (although I prefer Endust). I thoroughly wipe down all of my keyboards with Endust before showtime, then I use baby powder throughout the night to keep my hands dry. That combination works like a charm. In fact, I just got home from a sticky outdoor gig.

[SpaceNorman]

There is definitely something about extreme summer heat (maybe combined with humidty?) that does affect what would otherwise be "normal" feeling key tops. Does anybody know what's really happening from a physical change perspective?