Rearranging the keys

[dfahrner]

Is it possible to rearrage the keys on the M3's 61- and 73-key keybeds? For my purposes, the six-octave keyboard on my 73 would work better if it was E-to-E or F-to-F...I don't use the lowest notes, but could use a few higher ones, and the modification would put middle C at the center of the display and controls...this could be done if the mechanics of the keybed are symmetrical (black and white keys have the same pivot points, contact locations, etc., and the only difference is the return spring) and any key can be used at any location...I'll take a look myself, as soon as I figure out how to open up the keyboard, but has anybody else tried this?

df

[Mike Bunker]

One of the Combis or Programs for piano has Switch1 set up to downshift the keyboard by one octave. If you can figure out how this was done, the same technique should work to shift the keyboard up.

Take a look at Combi 000 or Program 000. If this modification is in another location I'm sure someone will note it in another append.

[Synthoid]

I'll take a look myself, as soon as I figure out how to open up the keyboard, but has anybody else tried this?

That would of course void your warranty.

[dfahrner]

Yep, but if it's easy to change the key locations (and I'd only do this if it was really easy) I could put them back in the right place if I ever needed warranty service...nobody tell Korg about this...

df

[orpheus2006]

Yep, but if it's easy to change the key locations (and I'd only do this if it was really easy) I could put them back in the right place if I ever needed warranty service...nobody tell Korg about this...

df

Twice assured, we will not disclose it.

[dfahrner]

Key rearrangement is almost but not quite possible without some modifications, so fageddaboudit...everything inside the keybed is symmetrical except for the location of the return spring, and the hole in the key where the spring fits: black keys springs are mounted slightly further back in the chassis, and the holes are slightly different...the keybed is very nicely designed, and easy to access from the front of the instrument...

df

[thrinithan]

He opened it
Respect dude, you've got more guts than I thought

[Jon Lord]

Key rearrangement is almost but not quite possible without some modifications, so fageddaboudit...everything inside the keybed is symmetrical except for the location of the return spring, and the hole in the key where the spring fits: black keys springs are mounted slightly further back in the chassis, and the holes are slightly different...the keybed is very nicely designed, and easy to access from the front of the instrument...

df

So you did open the keybed?... please post some pictures

[Mike Bunker]

I think everybody has missed the point here. He merely wants to shift the keyboard by one octave. There is a way to do this through programming. Physically moving the keys around will do nothing. In the end the keyboard will still play the same octaves in the same order as before.

[dfahrner]

(No, Mike, I wanted to have a six-octave F-to-F keyboard instead of C-to-C, so I was going to physically rearrange the keys and then use the global transpose function to make the keys sound the correct pitch.)

Opening the keyboard is no big deal, you take out the black screws on the bottom, remove the lower aluminum front piece and the "wood" bottom piece, then remove the two screws at each end that attach the keybed assembly to the metal "frame" and slide it forward...keys can be removed with no tools, you just push the back down to clear the pivot rail and slide them forward...I don't have any way to post pictures, sorry...

Isn't disassembly the first thing everybody does with a new keyboard? Or is it just former engineers? Maybe everyone else plays some music...

df

[orpheus2006]

Isn't disassembly the first thing everybody does with a new keyboard?

Yes, absolutely!

[Synthoid]

Notice: Disassembly of the M3 may lead to fines or imprisonment in your state or country.

[EJ2]

(No, Mike, I wanted to have a six-octave F-to-F keyboard instead of C-to-C, so I was going to physically rearrange the keys and then use the global transpose function to make the keys sound the correct pitch.)

Opening the keyboard is no big deal, you take out the black screws on the bottom, remove the lower aluminum front piece and the "wood" bottom piece, then remove the two screws at each end that attach the keybed assembly to the metal "frame" and slide it forward...keys can be removed with no tools, you just push the back down to clear the pivot rail and slide them forward...I don't have any way to post pictures, sorry...

Isn't disassembly the first thing everybody does with a new keyboard? Or is it just former engineers? Maybe everyone else plays some music...

df

Frankly, I think you should have researched the keyboard design before you bought your M3-73. I would have opted for an 88 version if I wanted to operate differently from the 73 note board, which in my opinion, being raised on C instruments including the piano, makes a hell of a lot more sense than F to F.

And NO, disassembly is not the first thing "everybody" does with a new keyboard. The statistics are clear, most people don't even alter the factory presets. But, to each his own. Go ahead and blow 2 Gs worth of equipment.

[EJ2]

(No, Mike, I wanted to have a six-octave F-to-F keyboard instead of C-to-C, so I was going to physically rearrange the keys and then use the global transpose function to make the keys sound the correct pitch.)

Opening the keyboard is no big deal, you take out the black screws on the bottom, remove the lower aluminum front piece and the "wood" bottom piece, then remove the two screws at each end that attach the keybed assembly to the metal "frame" and slide it forward...keys can be removed with no tools, you just push the back down to clear the pivot rail and slide them forward...I don't have any way to post pictures, sorry...

Isn't disassembly the first thing everybody does with a new keyboard? Or is it just former engineers? Maybe everyone else plays some music...

df

Frankly, I think you should have researched the keyboard design before you bought your M3-73. I would have opted for an 88 version if I wanted to operate differently from the 73 note board, which in my opinion, being raised on C instruments including the piano, makes a hell of a lot more sense than F to F.

And NO, disassembly is not the first thing "everybody" does with a new keyboard. The statistics are clear, most people don't even alter the factory presets. But, to each his own. Go ahead and risk blowing 2 Gs worth of equipment.

[dfahrner]

Frankly, I think you should have researched the keyboard design before you bought your M3-73. I would have opted for an 88 version if I wanted to operate differently from the 73 note board, which in my opinion, being raised on C instruments including the piano, makes a hell of a lot more sense than F to F.

And NO, disassembly is not the first thing "everybody" does with a new keyboard. The statistics are clear, most people don't even alter the factory presets. But, to each his own. Go ahead and risk blowing 2 Gs worth of equipment.

Gee, thanks for the frank and friendly reply, EJ2, and for posting it twice to be sure that we all saw your helpful and supportive comments...end of thread (hopefully)...

df