Thinking of cutting off part of a keyboard .. would it work?

[denistu007]

Hi guys,

I am getting a KORG M3 to complement my live gear, mainly to use it as a solo/lead synth. For that purpose 49 keys would be sufficient instead of 61 that M3 comes with.

Considering that M3 is already modular, with its core functionality placed in the module, would it be feasible to cut off the upper octave and create a 49-key version of M3. The mechanical side wouldn't be a problem, as I was thinking of bringing it to a machine shop to do it, but my concern is about the integrity of circuit board to which the keys attach to. Cutting portion of the board might lead to loss of all the remaining keys.

I am sure this is not a radical idea, so I guess some of you thought and maybe tried this before.

Would appreciate any inputs on this ..

Thank you,
DT

[michelkeijzers]

Personally I doubt it will work.

Did you think about:

- Check if any other notes have lines over the circuit board you want to cut off?
- Check if any general signal lines run over the circuit board you want to cut off?
- Check if the cut lines do not result in changing/undefined voltage levels, so you might need to connect them to VCC or GND.
- Check if you can cut it easily at all, circuit board are not meant for cutting (afterwards)
- How about the plastic case you cut off?
- How to handle the right white key which is normally differently shaped? You want to move it?
- Check for any cables you have to redirect?
- Did you check stress analysis/board strength by cutting the right side part?
- Did you check if there is placement for bolts to be moved?
- Are there no generic components on the part you are going to cut?

Probably I missed some more things to check.

[denistu007]

Thanks Michel.
All those are valid concerns.
Don't have the keyboard with me yet, so just gathering info hoping that someone actually attempted a similar adventure in the past. Yes, theoretically there are many questions to ask ...
Cheers,
D.

[voip]

I'm guessing this requirement is down to a lot of live situations not offering much space for the performers.

How about using something like the Korg Kontrol49 keyboard, or some other 49 key MIDI controller, connected to the M3 module via a MIDI cable?

.

[denistu007]

Thanks voip.
Yes, that would be an option but not as compact and effective as having a single keyboard.
Cheers,
D.

[Synthoid]

I am sure this is not a radical idea, so I guess some of you thought and maybe tried this before.

Definitely a bad idea overall.... plus it would ruin any chance of selling the modified M3 someday.

[denistu007]

Well, for me a 49-keys M3 would be an ultimate machine, so wouldn't need to sell. And you can always sell the module, and recover probably 80% of money.