Key Failure, falling keys

[FRANKH]

Hi all, First time posting! I have a Korg Kronos2 ls88. It's under 2 years old. It was purchased NEW from American Music Supply Co. I paid around $3400.00 US dollars. I love the functions however, the keybed design seems to be a disaster! In under 2 years, 13 white keys have fallen down approximately 1/8 to 1/4" and not returning to their full UP position. I noticed a key repair tutorial on Youtube showing that there is basically a flat metal spring that inserts into a knotch on the plastic key. Eventually, the metal digs into the plastic, making the notch deeper, thus keys are unable to return to full height. In my opinion, this is a serious design flaw for a $3500 keyboard! I have read threads where many others share this same problem, yet Korg refuses to address the issue.I have ordered replacement keys over a year ago to no avail. I just tried another company to get the replacements, so we'll see what happens. I wonder if any techys out there know of retrofitting the entire keybed with another 88 keybed from perhaps a different keyboard. After all, all they do is make contact. Yes, there are other variables like sensitivity and after touch but, really, I'm sure it can be done with some minor mods. Such a pity that this great instrument was skimped on when it came to keybed design, so cheap! I don't think I'll ever buy a Korg again, although, I do love my CX3.

[Falcon2e]

This information is certainly not good news for those with the 88 model. Sorry to hear this. It’s my understanding that Korg uses keybeds from other suppliers, I think that my K61 has a keybed from an Italian company, you may too. Don’t give up yet, a replacement is likely available, although I wouldn’t be happy either.

One more thought... I seem to remember reading about the metal front rail sometimes getting bent and rubbing against the keys. Are you sure that’s not what is preventing the keys from returning?

[FRANKH]

Thanks for your reply. I haven't opened the board yet. I was waiting for the replacement keys so I could do the repair one time. I feel the more times I open up that board, the more chances there are that things can go wrong. From what I've seen on youtube, they supposedly sell a hardening gel that you can use to repair the keys by filling in the gouge caused by the flat metal return spring. I'd much rather just replace the key for $11.00 a piece rather than, remove the key, fill the gouge and sand...etc. I strongly believe Korg ought to try to make good on this faulty design. Perhaps some sort of recall but, I doubt that will ever happen.

[GregC]

Hi all, First time posting! I have a Korg Kronos2 ls88. It's under 2 years old. It was purchased NEW from American Music Supply Co. !

I have read threads where many others share this same problem,

"yet Korg refuses to address the issue. ".

clarify. are you saying Korg refuses to address your key bed issue ?

if so, how exactly did korg get involved with your K2 ?

[FRANKH]

Quite honestly, Every time I tried to contact Korg USA support, I get a default message stating BAD REQUEST. So you're correct, Korg didn't actually "refuse" to resolve the issue but rather have made it impossible for me to reach them to discuss this issue. Unless, someone may know of a way to contact, someone from Korg, all I have been able to do is contact and complain to Korgs suppliers and they claim not to recognize any problem. However, if there is no problem with these keys, why then are they out of stock for over a year??? I get the Covid 19 thing but, seriously, a year? Also, I have yet to find a supplier that carries the replacement spring for these keys. I'd gladly order 13 of them, just to have them at the ready for when I do the repair. I'm very disheartened by the lack of support. It's very similar to what I believe Yahama pulled with the Motif. Everybody bought one and then "poof" all gone, discontinued. Call me paranoid but, I believe it's a bit of a marketing strategy to keep getting us to buy other keyboards. I believe it's easier to get parts for a 1965 Hammond B3 then any of these new keyboards.

[GregC]

Quite honestly, Every time I tried to contact Korg USA support, I get a default message stating BAD REQUEST. So you're correct, Korg didn't actually "refuse" to resolve the issue but rather have made it impossible for me to reach them to discuss this issue.s.

Hi Frank, your #1 friends are your retailer and then their recommended Korg service center. They should get on the same page as you,, that you have a dud key bed.

They are the parties that deal with Korg USA . Thats the process as I know it

[DCMUSIC3]

Hi FRANKH,

This is the thread for your problem.

http://www.korgforums.com/forum/phpBB2/ ... p?t=117742

The Korg distributor in Australia is providing me with a new LS keybed. No charge of course.

It's yet to arrive so I don't know if the design problem has been resolved.

cheers,
DC.

[musicalsam]

Hi,

Six keys from across my beloved Kronos 73 mk1 have sunk. The repair shop replaced two which have now sunk again.

I think the entire RH3 keybed needs replacing.

The repair shop cannot obtain one.

Have you had success getting a keybed directly from Korg or elsewhere?

[billysynth]

I had issues with RH3 from day one since purchasing in 2011. I had to send the unit back three times for repair, the third time it went back they replaced the whole keybed.

Korg have great software inside their hardware but the actual hardware itself is cheap plastic knobs, sliders, keybed, dial knob…all rubbish to bring the cost down. It might be cheaper to buy but in the end you have lots of frustrated clients!

Dealing with returns and couriers is a nightmare in its self let alone having a techie open up your synth and you having to wait for who knows how long before you get it back.

I’d rather pay the extra cash and have high quality hardware along with their great software….here’s hoping for their next generation top of the range Production Station.

Regards
Vas