Lady K "piano keyboard" washer questions and evolution discussion

[toploadloyalist]

These truly sophisticated Lady K washer models were made from 1966 to 1975. Over these years, the button selection labels changed amidst the added features including soak (1969) and knit (1971) cycles.

The selections were as follows from left to right, top to bottom row: PRE-WASH AND COTTONS/LINENS WHITE, PRE-WASH AND COTTONS/LINENS COLORED, COTTONS/LINENS WHITE (w/o pre-wash), COTTONS/LINENS COLORED (ditto), WASH 'N WEAR WHITE, WASH 'N WEAR COLORED, DELICATE FABRICS/LINGERIE (regular slow agitation and soak), WASHABLE WOOLENS/FRAGILE FABRICS (EXTRA slow agitation and soak), COLD WASH, SPIN ONLY, HEAVY DUTY, CUSTOM CARE, OPTIONAL SECOND RINSE, SELECTIVE DIALING/CANCEL.

Later, the first two buttons were replaced by PRE-WASH OR SANI-RINSE and ENZYME SOAK (later AUTOMATIC PRE-SOAK), COLD RINSE replaced HEAVY DUTY, 'PERMANENT PRESS' replaced 'WASH 'N WEAR', 'LINENS' was dropped and leaving as just 'COTTONS'.

In 1971, the two delicate selections changed to KNITTED FABRICS (slow) and DELICATES-WASHABLE WOOLENS (extra slow). The former was advertised as a brand new cycle. Were there any significant differences from previous models? Also, any differences in 2-speed models between those two selections in terms of wash and rinse temperatures?

 

[quincyman]

My mom had a 1964 Lady K with all the buttons for different cycles PLUS slow/extra slow choices. It was quite a machine.

 

[revvinkevin]

Correction.....

 

 

The final year for the "piano key" control panel machines <span style="font-size: 12pt;">was 1974, not 1975.  The last year for a 3 speed Lady K was 1973, the '74 model was a 2 speed.</span>

 

Also, the "piano keys" were also found on the Kenmore "800" and "900" series models in addition to the Lady K, depending on the year.   The "900" series was essentially a Lady K in features and function, but with only the Kenmore name.

 

While these are not "piano keys", Whirlpool had machines from maybe 1958 and Kenmore from 1960(?) with a similar "push the button, lock the timer cycle" which selected cycle, speed and water temp.

 

Photos: a 1963 Lady K, a 1970 Kenmore "800" and a 1974 Lady K.

 

Kevin

 

[toploader55]

Always love the PentaSwirl

 

[toploadloyalist]

Thanks Revvin Kevin

Thanks for the correction. Missed it by one year. Was I correct on the debut year (1966)?

 

[frigilux]

Thanks for the photos, Kevin. Love the console on the '63. I see the cycle buttons on the '74 did not escape the fake wood grain trend of the period. That stuff seemed to be on nearly everything for a few years in the 1970's. I recall we even had a fake wood grain Crock Pot, LOL.

 

[brucelucenta]

What was the first year of the piano key super capacity washer?

 

[revvinkevin]

Supe capacity or large capacity?

Bruce, the first "large" capacity LK washer was the '74 model year, all before were standard capacity.

Eugene, you are more than welcome! I have to agree, I wasn't really fond of the woodgrain on that 74 model, but with the large capacity with the Penta swirl agitator, Plus the other features, it was still a really neat machine.

Randy, yes I believe 1966 was the first year for this configuration.

Kevin

 

[brucelucenta]

So, the first year of the super capacity piano key was also the last year it was made.

 

[revvinkevin]

Bruce, I don't know that they were referred to as "super capacity", I've always them called "large capacity".