Piano repair, replacing key contact rubbers (Korg SP170, 250, 280).

Fixing too loud keys (velocity problems) and non working keys, on Korg electronic piano (SP170s).
The same principle goes for most other brands too.
Problem; some keys were very loud, no matter how soft you play them.
Solution; replacement of the key contact rubbers.
Repair time; approx. 1 1/2 Hour.
Cost; about 75,00 Euro
Key contact rubbers and other Korg spare parts can be ordered at your local Korg distributor.
Here is a link to the official Korg website with a complete worldwide list;
www.korg.com/us/corporate/dis...
Tips;
*Be careful not to damage the potentiometer, when you turn the piano upside down. Putting a piece of cloth underneath te piano, can prevent this.
*After removing the key-beds (octaves), place some paper or plastic-foil over the key-mechanism, to avoid getting grease on your hands or on the contacts.
Tags;
#korgrepair
#synthrepair
#keyboardrepair
#korgsp170
#korgsp250
#kraakmusic1

[@r188568]

Brilliant, this helped us fix my child's Korg, works a treat now. Thanks for this.

[@Kraakmusic1]

That is great to hear, I'm glad I could be of assistance!

[@lightbeatz3709]

thank you for those cool tutorials you deserve more subscribers

[@Kraakmusic1]

Thank you very much!

[@lightbeatz3709]

@@Kraakmusic1 i have some issues with my korg sp200 the lights are not working anymore what can i do to fix it some button lights working but alot of dont work anymore

[@Kraakmusic1]

@@lightbeatz3709 You could check for a bad connection somewhere on the circuitboard, but if some are working and others don't it is probably wise to replace the entire PCB (if you can find it somewhere). These are the specifications I found online; Panel board (KIP-2050), for Korg SP200 keyboard. This replacement PCB is Korg part number GRA0002050.

[@michaeljulianjakubiec1402]

Thank you!

[@Kraakmusic1]

You're welcome!

[@christianmclaren3190]

Put it back together, then I see I have about 20 screws left over. My advice is to take a photo each time you encounter a new set of screws so you don't forget what goes where. On the up side, it sounds great!

[@Kraakmusic1]

Good advice! It is also a good idea to collect the removed screws in separate small bags or tin cans or something, this saves time when putting it back together again.

[@v8pilot]

Or get a large sheet of cardboard and stick each screw into the cardboard following the outline of the piano.

[@user-uk1ns4jf6p]

Great video, thanks a lot. Does it also apply for the KORG 170?

[@Kraakmusic1]

Yes, as far as I know the same principle goes for the whole range.

[@marciojardim8318]

Hi I’m a proud owner of a Korg vintage keyboard IS40 and I would like to know if possible where can I get the the proper Keybed cushion for this keyboard?… Could you please help me… best regards from Funchal Madeira…

[@Kraakmusic1]

Hello Marcio, The best thing to do first is to find a local Korg dealer to see if spare-parts (or replacement parts) for this unit are (still) available. I've put a link in the description where you can find a worldwide list of Korg dealers. Hope this helps!

[@pedropenduko2714]

Hey, what type of cleaning solution do you use for cleaning the CONTACTS? Thank you really enjoy your content.

[@Kraakmusic1]

I do not use any detergent, just a dry cotton swab.

[@FlimFlamBougelets]

Thanks you play nice! Can you really hear the contacts when you snap them in with a screwdriver? I replaced my contacts on my Krome 88, and now I have a few keys that have bad velocity. Either real loud or soft.... so I'm afraid some of the contacts I have are not snapped in. Would you agree?

[@Kraakmusic1]

Thanks! Yes, with the repair of my SP170 you could realy hear the little pins (underneath the rubbers) pop in the holes of the circuitboard (sometimes soft, sometimes a bit louder. You have to line them up very precise and make sure they pop in). I assume that the time-delay between the two contacts (when you press a key), is electronically translated in the appropriate level of velocity. So it is very well possible that - if it is not perfectly aligned - only one of the two contacts makes a connection, or both of them at (almost) the same time. So you get a very soft, or a very loud sound and nothing in between. The only way to make sure, is to open up your Krome again and check this. If this happens on only a few keys in the same octave, it is probably an easy fix. You can also try and replace the rubber (in the range were the problems are) with a contactrubber of the highest or lowest octave (that are often less used) and see if this solves anything. It can also be that the contacts on your circuitboard itself are dirty or worn down.

[@FlimFlamBougelets]

@@Kraakmusic1 Thank you! I took my Krome apart (again) and was meticulous about making sure the contacts 'clicked' into their sockets. I did it 1 octave at a time -- and each time I turned my keyboard on and tested each note -- rather than doing the whole key board at once. This helped as I found 1 strip had 1 contact (note) that sounded too loud. It was easy to redo that octave and move on.

[@Kraakmusic1]

@@FlimFlamBougelets Great to hear that!

[@odindryll]

Hi Kraakmusic1, I bought an used sp170s, a subtle hissing sounds comes from the speakers when you get really really close, also when I plugged in my headphones is the same hissing sound. Any ideas on how to fix that?

[@Kraakmusic1]

Hello Vicente, I must say that mine has also a bit of a noisefloor on the speakers, but not on the headphones. This could indicate an issue with the (pre)amplifier but mostly is due to a bad connection (mostly the headphones plug/socket), it could also be caused by an inferior power supply (did it came with the original?). Another possibility is interference from a mobile phone or another source of electromagnetic radiation in close proximity. Hope this helps!

[@NomeDeArte]

I have one key (a D, white key) that makes some clacking noise when I press it. It's works fine, same response, same sound, but is the only one that make that sound. Do you know if I need to do this or if maybe is another problem? Thank you for this amazing video!

[@Kraakmusic1]

If the clacking sound is mechanical, you can try replacing the octave-keybed with the (often less used ) highest keybed, and/or put a little grease between the D key and it's closest keys (although this might increase the chance of dust build-up a bit. If the sound is produced "electronically" - and it only appears with that specific key, It could be one of the speakers is damaged, and this key causes a resonance-frequency. You can check with headphones. If they sound fine when pressing that key, it is probably a problem with the speakers/amplifier. Hope this helps!

[@jonathanjudd3168]

How closely would this procedure work on the Korg LP-180? My contacts are sticking (again) after I had them replaced three years ago, the keyboard is only six years old. I'm wondering is this is juts a way of life for my Korg LP-180. New rubber contacts are $50 for a set, I'm thinking maybe they just need to be cleaned with some isopropyl alcohol Your tutorial looks to be about a 2-3 hour project, which is manageable.

[@Kraakmusic1]

I don't have any personal experience with LP-180 repairs, but I suspect that the technique inside is pretty much the same as the SP series, so I would give it a go with the same procedure. Be careful not to get any grease on the contacts! You can always check your old contacts first, maybe this happend when they were installed. If this were the case, you can try cleaning them first with alcohol & check if the problems are solved now. It is about a 2 hours job. Hope this helps, let me know how it worked out.

[@mlpb1058]

Hello, sadly I saw your video late. I try to clean my keyboard, removed the rubbers and cleaned with alcohol. When I put the rubbers back the sound more or less without the keys, but when I place the keys on the top the most of them do not work. Do I need to put new rubbers? Thanks for the tips and the amazing video!

[@SecretSonics]

Hello there, In most cases the contacts are too much worn down and cleaning does not fix the problem. If your highest and lowest octave (that are usually less used) have no (or lesser) problems, then you know the contactrubbers are worn out and need to be replaced with new ones. If - in your case - the sound is okay pressing the rubbers, but not okay when you place the keybed on top of them, this could also be an alignment problem. When you place the rubbers on the pc-board, you have to place the little pins in the holes and hear them pop in. Hope this helps!

[@Kraakmusic1]

Thanks! Hope the Secret Sonics comment will fix your problem!

[@caduhouse]

Thank you. Now my piano works again! Just a question: Have you some tip around improve the sensitivity? Thank you!

[@Kraakmusic1]

Glad to be of assistance! There is some information in the SP-170S' Owners Manual, that you can download from Korg's webste. It says; The Key Touch Control function enables you to change the way your playing strength will affect the output level. You can set this function by using the white keys in a range from D2 to F2. (See the figure on the left.) • To play fortissimo with soft strokes (Light touch), press and hold down the PIANO PLAY and SOUND buttons , and then press the D2 key. • To play fortissimo with very strong strokes (Heavy touch), press and hold down the PIANO PLAY and SOUND buttons, and then press the F2 key. • To simulate a normal piano touch (Standard touch), press and hold down the PIANO PLAY and SOUND buttons, and then press the E2 key. The default setting (when you turn on the unit) is Standard touch. Hope this helps!

[@caduhouse]

@@Kraakmusic1 Thank you very much for your kindness in such a complete answer. I wish all the best for you!

[@pacuthophilip8450]

​@@Kraakmusic1 hi .... how can i get a set of these rubbers !? for replacement on my KORG ?

[@Kraakmusic1]

@@pacuthophilip8450 Hello. I've put a link in the description to Korg's worldwide list of distributors. Just look your country & send them an email or give them a call, they can help you further.

[@rebeccam9762]

is it possible to replace the speaker fabric cover on a korg b2? mine has a few bobbles on it that bother me.

[@Kraakmusic1]

I have no personal experience with the B2, but I think the smartest thing to do here is to contact your local Korg distributeur (there is a link in the description). If the fabric is available as a spare-part, then it should be possible replace it.

[@jessyromano4504]

Hi, Thanks for your video! I replaces all of the rubbers but one key is still loud. Do you have any ideas on how I can do to fix it? Thanks!

[@Kraakmusic1]

Have you tried cleaning the contacts of that specific key on the circuitboard (where the "rubber" makes the contact). Most likely one of the contacts is dirty.

[@jessyromano4504]

@@Kraakmusic1 Thank you for your prompt response! I did clean them.

[@Kraakmusic1]

@@jessyromano4504 A way to fix board contact issues, is to place a new (thin) layer of solder on the boards contacts (of that specific key). But it is wise to first check if there is anything damaged, or interrupted (like a circuit board copper track) or blown up (like a capacitor). What you can also try, is to switch the newly placed rubbers with the rubbers of a different octave that works fine at this moment; this way you make absolutely sure that there is not a problem with the new rubbers and the problem is definitely with the circuitboard. Hope this helps!!

[@jessyromano4504]

@@Kraakmusic1 Great idea! Will try changing the rubber. Thanks so much!

[@czeital]

HI - I was going to follow this for Korg B2 - but despite removing every screw I can find still can't get into the unit so if you have any info / link on how to do that it would very much appreciated thank you

[@Kraakmusic1]

Hello Craig, Unfortunately I don't have any experience with repairing a B2. I did some searching on the web, but could not find anything about opening the unit. Have you tried removing the volume knob? could be the nut that holds the potentiometer, is preventing the dismantling. Maybe it is an idea to contact Korg directly for some advice. Hope this helps.

[@czeital]

@@Kraakmusic1 - thank you. I'll try Korg although my sense is that they won't be supportive of DIY attempts

[@bizjakboris]

Hi. I replaced the rubbers and the black keys sound way louder than white. Any suggestions? Thanks

[@Kraakmusic1]

The first thing that comes to my mind, is a poorly connected plug on the circuitboard. You can try detaching them and then plug them back in.

[@Kraakmusic1]

It is also possible there is a short circuit somewhere. Because the time-difference between the two contacts underneath each key-rubber, is being translated in touch sensitivity. So if any key (or range of keys) only play max volume, this could indicate a short (because there is no time difference between the contacts). You can check if some grease (from the key-mechanism) was spilled on the contact-points of the circuitboard or in the contactrubbers. This sometimes happens.

[@czeital]

is this the same fix if a key is just stuck and won't go down please ? Thank you

[@Kraakmusic1]

If a key is stuck and wont go down, that is a mechanical problem. You can follow the same procedure as shown in the video to open it up and then remove the octave key-bed with the malfunctioning key. You should check if anything in blocking the key when it's pressed or if anything is wrong with the spring-mechanism (where the key hits). Hope this helps.

[@rinsariate9755]

What if the board is the problem?like if the board erase the contact from the rubber..some technicians use an pencil..it is advisable?

[@Kraakmusic1]

If the contacts on the board are the problem because they are worn down, treating them with a (soft) pencil sometimes works for a little while. I used to repair remotes this way, but the new layer of graphite wears out very quickly. I tried this by the way on this piano (on the rubbers and on the board), just to check if it was working and if the contacts were the only problem i had to fix. It didn't do anything in this case, because the rubbers were too worn down. A better way to fix board contact issues, is to place a new (thin) layer of solder on the boards contacts!

[@teacherdany1916]

Hi, my name is Daniela I have um piano korg sp170s It's was keep per 2 years in the box. I open the box and put on to work, but it not work. Every keys not have sound. It's turns on no sound anymore. Maybe you can help me with what to do. Thanks..

[@Kraakmusic1]

Hello Daniela There could be a problem with the power supply unit, is the red led light burning when you turn it on? If not, check if the plugs of the power cable are clean and not corroded and if the socket on the piano does not feel loose when you put the plug in. Also check with a Voltage meter if the power supply works properly. If the power supply is working fine, then turn the power off and turn the volume knob wide open and down again a couple of times, could be there is some dust build-up in the potentiometer. Turn the piano back on again and listen carefully if you hear any (amplifier-noise) sound, always start with a LOW volume! You can also try if you have any sound on headphones, again; protect your ears and start out with a low volume! If this still does not fix the problem, then it is possible that one of the internal connectors - as shown in the video - has become a bit loose, or that one of the internal power supply socket connectors has a bad connection. Hope this helps, good luck!

[@tubularap]

@@Kraakmusic1 - Lots of good tips. Thanks !!

[@Kraakmusic1]

@@tubularap You're welcome!

[@birendraekka4812]

Hello sir.. in my Kronos 2 .... key C4 is having some issue... I have to apply more force than other key key to play the key C4... What would be the problem??? It's only happening only with SGX2 engine with other engine is fine..

[@Kraakmusic1]

Hello Birendra. This is very strange, because if it only happens with the SGX2 engine and with the other engines it works fine, I would say that it's not a bad contact that causes this problem. Furthermore, if it is only the C4 key and all the other keys work fine, it probably is not caused by velocity settings (unless there is a possibility to change that setting for a single key, but that would not make any sense in my opinion. Check your manual, just to make sure!. Have you tried upgrading your operating system? this sometimes helps. Don,t forget to back-up your presets.

[@birendraekka4812]

@@Kraakmusic1 thank you very much...

[@Kraakmusic1]

@@birendraekka4812 No problem, hope this helps.

[@zippelzappel8973]

hey! would you repair my old Korg SP 100? mainly electronic problem though...

[@Kraakmusic1]

Hello Zippelzappel, Unfortunately I''m too busy reorganizing my studio at the moment. Considering the price-level of this (older) model, it is probably cheaper/wiser to buy a good working used one or invest in a newer model.

[@zippelzappel8973]

@@Kraakmusic1 I know it was cheap but awesome quality

[@Kraakmusic1]

@@zippelzappel8973 Yeah, I am a big Korg fan myself. My SP250 wasn't that expensive too despite the fact that I also have a Grandstage (and a couple of hardware synths), I repaired it anyway, because it's great value for the money. I use it as a study-piano in my living-room.

[@user-fq4ge6xh8q]

修理動画は参考になりました。でもなにより最後の演奏が素敵すぎます！！ 私は日本に住んでいますが、説明欄にあるコルグの連絡先リストに残念ながら日本は載っていませんでした。でも代理店は日本にも多数あるので問い合わせてみようと思います。 ただ、自分で修理したいからパーツを購入したいと言うと代理店に嫌な顔されませんか？ 自分で修理するのではなく、ピアノ本体を預けて修理に出すことを勧められるのではないかと不安です。

[@Kraakmusic1]

Thank you!! About your question; If it is not possible to buy the spare-parts from a distributor in Japan (because they want to do the repairs themselves), you can always buy them on Amazon. Just search for "Digital Piano Conductive Key contact Rubber Strip For Korg SP170 SP170S SP180 SP280 B1 B2". Costs about 40 USD (and some shipment costs). Hope this helps, greetings from the Netherlands!

[@user-fq4ge6xh8q]

アメリカAmazonから買うというやり方があるんですね！ 早速やってみます。 ありがとう！！

[@Kraakmusic1]

@@user-fq4ge6xh8q Good luck, hope your repair will be successful!

[@Armyburza]

i've replaced all rubbers and cleaned contacts on SP170 and problem is, that black ones work all but white ones work only when i push hard

[@Kraakmusic1]

Strange... If this is not an alignment problem (if you are absolutely sure that the rubbers were placed correctly and you heard the pins pop into the holes on the circuit-board), then this is probably a hardware-problem. Does this problem only occur with one particular octave, or does it occur over the entire range of the keyboard?

[@Kraakmusic1]

@@Armyburza If this was not the case before you replaced the rubbers, maybe one of the connectors isn't plugged in correctly/completely. Otherwise I' think that this is most likely a problem with the circuit-board. You could check if anything looks a bit black or burned, especially on places were components were soldered to the board. might be a bad connection somewhere. Maybe a good idea to check out Korg forums for possible solutions.

[@sonkojunior]

Where can I get the rubbers??

[@Kraakmusic1]

I bought them at Voerman's, that's Korg's distributor for the Netherlands. I'll put a link in the description for a complete list of distributors.

[@tubularap]

@@Kraakmusic1 - Thanks a lot for this video, and link. Soon I will get a second-hand SP-170S with some faulty keys. I will order my rubber strips from Voerman too then, since I'm also from the Netherlands (Haarlem). Bedankt !! Groeten, Ap.

[@Kraakmusic1]

@@tubularap Graag gedaan, succes met de reparatie!

[@Daniel32396]

Ugh I gotta replace them? I can't just clean them?

[@Kraakmusic1]

I've tried cleaning them first too, but the problem persisted. The contacts were just worn down and had to be replaced. Fortunately the rubber contact strips were not that expensive - there is a link in the description were you can get them -, It's been over two years that I replaced them and it still plays perfectly!

[@Daniel32396]

I just repaired the one I got. Almost all of the keys were having issues, and after cleaning them all they still were having problems. But I used the old pencil trick and scribbled some graphite onto all the contacts on the PCB, and now everything's golden! Though I'll have to test it for a while to see if it stays golden.@@Kraakmusic1

[@Daniel32396]

I did mess up the rubber strip that covers the four keys on the low end though, so I might need to order some replacements anyway.

[@Kraakmusic1]

@@Daniel32396 I used to "repair" remotes this way, but in my experience this turned out to be only a temporary fix most of the time.

[@Kraakmusic1]

@@Daniel32396 I think replacing the rubbers is definitely the best solution in the long run. Good luck with the repair!

[@MrMyneworld]

Google's AI is pretty stupid. I ask him for spare parts for my keyboard and he wants to sell me keyboards. Nothing to do with what I ask for. That leads us to waste a lot of time searching. I mention this because the only durable solution is to replace the strips. Fortunately, there are people who make them to order, although I don't know the cost. The PCB is a more delicate topic. Digital piano manufacturers must evolve with new systems for measuring key velocity. The rubber strip system is obsolete. For now we will continue using the pencil.

[@Kraakmusic1]

I don't know where you live, but did you check the link in my description for a local distributor in your country? Most of the time you can order your Korg spare-parts there ( I paid about 75.00 Euro for a complete set in the Nether;lands). If this is not an option, maybe you can buy them on Amazon. Just type the next sentence in their search field; "Digital Piano Conductive Key contact Rubber Strip For Korg SP170 SP170S SP180 SP280 B1 B2". Costs about 40 USD (and some shipment costs). Hope this helps!

[@MrMyneworld]

@@Kraakmusic1 OK, thanks for answering. Mine is a Kurzwail, it's not very worn but I recently cleaned it with compressed air and a dry toothbrush. Where there were particles stuck I wet the brush a little, badly, plus some air blows were strong. A few days later the problem returned in C4, an overused key and I cleaned it even more aggressively. The result is that I had to take the low octave contact strip and place it there. I have learned my lesson, not too much air, do not wet. When I have money I will look at the manufacturer's manual, I think there are authorized services, although I doubt they will sell me replacements. It's a bit of a disappointment to see how vulnerable the contact strips are. It is typical of cheap keyboards.