Korg Forums

[rob_tky]

Hi All,
I know that any topic starting with "keybed" probably sounds like a broken record (or broken keybed repeating the key, so to speak ... )

Anyway, my K is version 1 though with KDP1 keybed setting, probably blue contacts, though I did not check when I opened it last time. I was not interested in "contact strips", "blue/pink" colours, etc, as I thought I am not affected by this issue. I have not been for ~2.5 years after purchase, but it happens now.
I wonder, for anyone who had it resolved, by Korg or on their own by replacing contacts, has it reoccurred?
Also, I have not seen any posts about this issue in K2, but would appreciate comments.

R
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Korg Karma, Korg Kronos 73

[jeebustrain]

I believe the issues were resolved with the Kronos X and I haven't heard of anyone having issues with the new one. I'd suggest you contact Korg and see what they can do for you. Your board is likely out of warranty (as mine is), but you might get lucky.
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[rob_tky]

Thank you. Lack of replies suggests the issue is not common anymore, which is good.
In the meantime, I got a kind pm telling me that contacts color can be seen when looked between the keys with a torch. And indeed, its tips are easily visible.
Contrary to what I thought, I've got pink ones.
I checked few repair options. Local Korg service quoted ~250$ starting price for repair. I checked PartsIsParts option too.

Thanks anyway.
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Korg Karma, Korg Kronos 73

[pedro5]

Patience,my friend....

This is still a newish post.
You may get other responses.....

Best Wishes.

[dfahrner]

[rob_tky]

Thank you. I was inclined to go PartsIsParts way, but was confused with colors. Now that I know I'm not on the latest space-shuttle-grade contacts technology, I'll diy fix it.
Thanks for replies.
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Korg Karma, Korg Kronos 73

[rob_tky]

I fitted new contacts. To my surprize cut off did not go away. I'll refit and check again.
Tested on German Grand. Volume slightly dropped, and velocity dynamic narrowed probably.
If anyone would like to comment (here or via pm), welcome.
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Korg Karma, Korg Kronos 73

[timbukktwo]

Please keep us posted as to the outcome of refitting the contact strips!

[rob_tky]

[timbukktwo]

Wow- that was quick! The reason for asking was that after you refitted the new contacts, you still had the cut-off issue! Pink, blue, up, down- know what I mean? To me, the cut-off issue perplexes me as to truly what's really the problem for some boards! I have serial number #001325 with original pink contacts and (so far) no problems. Good luck!

[rob_tky]

My serial is about double yours, have not had problem for ~2+ years, using keyboard every day pretty much (not gigging though)

You're right, there is a bit of guessing game with colors. If anyone wants to avoid that, there is always Korg service. Maybe I'll end there too, but i'll hang on for a while longer, things are looking up.
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Korg Karma, Korg Kronos 73

[dfahrner]

From an earlier posting, here are the differences I found between old and new contacts when I fixed my K88 a couple of years ago:

Opening a "refurbished" K73 and comparing its blue key contact strips with the pink ones in the K88, there are slight but significant differences: the blue contact strips are made of a harder, less flexible rubber than the pink ones, and are a little taller, with a slightly angled top surface. The blue contact strips are approximately .440" tall on the S2 (second contact) side, and .420" tall on the S1 side, while the pink ones are approximately .400", with the top surface parallel to the bottom.

From Korg Customer service, these are the part numbers for the KRONOS key contact strips that they currently have in stock:

#500422008889: RH-3E RUBBER SW12KEY E20373
#500422008890: RH-3E RUBBER SW 4KEY E30636

df

[rob_tky]

Yes, that's the one I got (assuming there was no mistake on PIP side, as there are no numbers on strips themselves).
And yes they look a bit taller, thought I would say they are softer than my pink ones.
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Korg Karma, Korg Kronos 73

[geoelectro]

Cleaning refers to the contacts themselves. That means both surfaces, the black graphite area of the rubber contacts and the point where they touch the PC board. Cleaning only means removing any dust or film. In the mildest case simply wiping the PC board contact area with your finger and blowing the contacts and board before installing. In the worse case using some alcohol on a Q-tip to wipe the surfaces and in some extreme cases, using a small eraser to burnish the surfaces. Worn is determined by looking at the graphite area of the rubber contact for glazing (shiny) places on the contact.

So;

Light - wipe and blow. (works well with new contacts)
Med - clean with alcohol, wipe and blow (older, dirty but not worn)
Hard - burnish, clean with alcohol and wipe and blow. (Worn etc.)

Once the rubber breaks or cracks, replace.

Geo
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[rob_tky]

Thanks Geo. In the meantime I came across this link, which says the same.

http://www.oldcrows.net/~oldcrow/synth/korg/polysix/keyclean2.html
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Korg Karma, Korg Kronos 73