Issues with a 2nd hand Kronos (2011)

Abierto · Post by **Abierto** » Wed Jul 17, 2024 12:14 pm

Hi all,

I've been gifted a 2nd hand Korg Kronos 73 for my bday, but I found out it has some issues:

- COMBI button doesn't "click". I have do press it hard in order to switch to combi mode;
- PROG button does "click", but it doesn't change every time to program mode;
- 69-70-71-72 keys do a "metallic" sound when hitted with a considerable velocity (like some foam slipped away from its position internally).

Right now I'm using set list in order to switch to combi/prog, in oder to prevent any other decay of the first 2 existing issues.

Does any of you have ever encountered those issues? Do you think it will be easy to fix?

geoelectro · Post by **geoelectro** » Wed Jul 17, 2024 12:25 pm

Your button problem is likely the switch contacts under each button. They should be replaced. As for easy...not really. Due to how modern keyboards are built, getting to these switches is major disassembly. They are located on circuit boards that are fastened to the front panel. Then, there are other circuit boards sandwiched above them. So a lot of disassembly to get to them. Replacing them is to unsolder the old one and solder in the new one. Then, replace everything that was removed.
As for the keyboard there is a felt that can go bad with heavy handed playing. I've ordered the felt from Parts is Parts. They may have the contacts as well.
Good luck!
Geo

Abierto · Post by **Abierto** » Wed Jul 17, 2024 12:50 pm

geoelectro wrote:Your button problem is likely the switch contacts under each button. They should be replaced. As for easy...not really. Due to how modern keyboards are built, getting to these switches is major disassembly. They are located on circuit boards that are fastened to the front panel. Then, there are other circuit boards sandwiched above them. So a lot of disassembly to get to them. Replacing them is to unsolder the old one and solder in the new one. Then, replace everything that was removed.
As for the keyboard there is a felt that can go bad with heavy handed playing. I've ordered the felt from Parts is Parts. They may have the contacts as well.
Good luck!
Geo

Oof, as I expected. I saw a tutorial about replacing touchscreen on a Korg M3 and was true pain. I bet reaching the top from the bottom will be painfull too. Luckly I can still use the keyboard without major issues.
About the felt, can you explain about contacts? Keys are working perfectly except the "sound" they emit...

KK · Post by KK » Wed Jul 17, 2024 2:39 pm

If the felt is defective and stop the keys too late, the rubber contacts might also be damaged. It is another simple replacement. Any decent tech who has the replacement parts should be able to repair the buttons, felt and defective keys in 90 mins max.

Abierto · Post by **Abierto** » Wed Jul 17, 2024 2:55 pm

KK wrote:If the felt is defective and stop the keys too late, the rubber contacts might also be damaged. It is another simple replacement. Any decent tech who has the replacement parts should be able to repair the buttons, felt and defective keys in 90 mins max.

Let's hope I can find someone in Italy good enough then