Korg Forums

mrtunes · Joined: 08 Jan 2008 Posts: 33 Location: Toronto

is this possible? i've had this ms2000R for a long time but didn't really use it. now i have all the interface I/O stuff to put it to use and i noticed that some knobs have a greasy feel to them. the Latch button seems to have some sort of fluid around it like it's coming from the inside. i'm wondering if it's possible that synths do something similar to batteries and their leaking acid if not used for a long time?

xmlguy · Platinum Member Joined: 26 Nov 2007 Posts: 3605

Yes potentiometers and faders often have lubricant inside to make them move smoothly. Usually they don't leak unless they are allowed to get hot and/or they are stored upside down. Switches normally don't need lubricant because they have self cleaning contacts and are on/off, while pots and faders have resistance strips that benefit from lubrication. The lubricant is generally a silicone oil that shouldn't be acidic or electrically conductive.

mrtunes · Joined: 08 Jan 2008 Posts: 33 Location: Toronto

thank you. that explains it. i'm pretty sure it was never stored upside down. there were a few incidents where it was carried around in a gig bag with a keyboard which is where it was probably tilted the wrong way for a while. i didn't notice it until i put it on my rack. i guess eventually i will just take it in for a cleaning and the technician can also relube the knobs for me that have gone dry