Capacitor Replacement on a Casio PG-380 MIDI Guitar

[@vampiremaffia]

Very sympathetic tutorial of sorts, I'm trying to muster up the courage to fix a Casio MG-510 MIDI Guitar; great to find resources even for this job in your video description and the comment section

[@TomboLP]

Thank you! I am really pleased that some people more knowledgable that I have added information in the comments. Honestly, that's something I hoped for when making this video. Also - the MG-510 is a great instrument. My favourite of the Casio guitars!

[@henningwestius6366]

What a great video! My PG-380 has had this work done with 32 new capacitors on the circuit board. Now I know how it was done. I’m confident that mine is the best one on Reverb right now ;)

[@TomboLP]

I'm sure it is!!!

[@fkchang2000]

Who did this work for you?

[@henningwestius6366]

@@fkchang2000 a Guy in Stockholm, Sweden. He doesn’t have a shop. He only repairs stuff for himself.

[@henningwestius6366]

@@maurom1028 in was already done when I bought it.

[@fkchang2000]

@@henningwestius6366 thanks, I guess a little out of the way from Southern California for me to get him to do mine

[@charisjapan]

Very comprehensive tutorial, my friend. Hope I can try yours out someday.

[@TomboLP]

Once I get the collection set up, I'd love you to try them all!

[@robertstables6451]

Thank you. Excellent informative job well done. I am waiting for a working Casio MG-510 (320 Euros) from Italy and I'm sure I'll be doing this in the future.

[@TomboLP]

Congratulations - the MG-510 is amazing, and you got it for a fair price, I think.

[@robertstables6451]

@@TomboLP It was the cheapest in my world search from Japan to Brazil, Germany, UK, and finally Italy. Even with a 100 Euro EMS postal charge on top it was the cheapest. The man sent me a video of him playing horns and guitar proving it was fully working.

[@TomboLP]

@@robertstables6451 I hope you post a video of it once you get it. Any ideas for the MIDI box you want to use?

[@robertstables6451]

@@TomboLP Sure thing. I'm still researching but it's so confusing with so much to choose from. What was the box you held up in your video that you got with your MG? Make and model number please.

[@TomboLP]

@@robertstables6451 The box was a Kawai K1M, but I wouldn't recommend it for these, as you can't change the MIDI voicing with the onboard electronics of the Casio. I'd go for the MidiPlus S-Engine instead. They're sometimes sold as the "Pianobox." Here's a video featuring one: kzbin.info/www/bejne/m3WVdmeeermXi7s

[@QuietNightRiot]

Hello! First of all thank you for posting this! I own a Casio Pg310 which is very similar to the 380 but without Floyd Rose basically… My guitar/synth turns on and seems that the synth partnworks, but the midi tracking is poor (just picks a few notes on most strings) plus the volume of the synth presets is very much lower than the actual guitar… Inguess I should service it all as you did to get the best out of it, probably as I’m doing it would be good also to change the synth capacitors.. also, did you have the volume issue with the esaphonic pup too? I mean the presets also on your are much lower in volume compared to the guitar, of course keeping both at max volume? Thanks!

[@TomboLP]

Hi - the PG310 is a rare one! As far as I can work out, they were made for the international market, as I've never seen one for sale here in Japan. I think I got mine from Portugal or somewhere to round out my collection. Anyway, yes, what you are describing is exactly the issue I have experienced with several of these. Changing out the capacitors would seem to be the way to go. Good luck - and congratulations on owning such an unusual variant!

[@BisoKuna]

Bravo en tout cas c'etait super je vous encourage a continuer ce bon travail

[@TomboLP]

Merci beaucoup!

[@rancidstain]

Very interesting. I own a yamaha ezag midi guitar, 2 strings dont work. Maybe its needing new capacitors.

[@TomboLP]

It could well be.

[@johnbyrne9900]

A good way to unsolder components is to us a copper solder wick. It will remove almost all the solder from the pads. Then lay the solder tio across both pads at the same time and gently pull the component off the pads. You're right by saying damaging the pads is bad!

[@TomboLP]

That's a great tip - thanks!

[@MrCarolei]

Congratulations. Very good video!

[@Harbaksh1234]

Thoroughly enjoyed this! Thank you, sir :-)

[@TomboLP]

Cheers - hope it's of use to people out there.

[@johnmorgan6751]

Hi, very helpful. Mine has had some changed and needs 2 doing but it is working. I have a question - how could the volume of the synth be adjusted, or maybe effected? Mine seems quiet compared to the magnetic pickups

[@TomboLP]

Hi! Good question. There are two ways. The first is to raise the MIDI pickup, which can be done with screws on each side. The second way is to adjust sensitivity with the board-mounted trim pots on the rear. Have a look at Page 10 in the manual for how to do this. Here's a link to someone who has kindly put it online: www.warningwillrobinson.com.au/manuals/Casio%20PG380%20user%20manual.pdf Good luck!

[@TomboLP]

Oh - it might also have something to do with the MIDI output, which has a volume control. Maybe check the pot and the switch for that too.

[@suspectdown5133]

Modern surface mount caps can be found. They will not dry up or leak. Just have to research it. The ones used here work fine but not as professional looking.These guitars have stereo output jacks. Using a stereo cord out the guitar jack splits the Synth/Guitar outputs.Each string can be used to control other MIDI devices. Using a wireless MIDI and Wireless Guitar transmitter makes it wireless. Casio also made VZ 8 and VZ 10 rack mount synth units for these. Can make your own sounds on the VZ 10 and VZ 1 keyboard for the "cards" that go into the guitar. With a little work these are a high end Strat. Controlling patches,drums and anything MIDI to computer is 80's fun. I control two old MIDI Yamaha 8 channel mixers and a MIDI Digitech GNX 4 along with the VZ units.

[@TomboLP]

Thank you! I have several other of these guitars to repair and, after what I have learned from this one, am planning to use modern surface mount capacitors the next time. I think you are right that they look more professional, which is not an issue for my own instrument, but is if I sell it or repair these for other people. I have been looking for a VZ synth for a while for a reasonable price, as well as an RA-500 card. The first come up for sale from time to time, but the latter seems to be like hen's teeth. I have a couple of the ROM cards, but would love an RA-500. If you ever see one for sale, please let me know!

[@suspectdown5133]

@@TomboLP The RA-500 needs a VZ 10 or VZ - 1 keyboard to make and put sounds onto the card. The card also takes a battery (watch type). I was able to find one on ebay still in the box with sleeve and paperwork. Expensive little item. You need to set a ebay notification in case one shows up. I bought my black PG new in 1989 and replaced the caps and plastic fingerboard dots with MOP recently. I have bought 4 others off ebay over the years for parts and repair. One is being rebuilt and customized right now, been a few years working on it. Wireless MIDI and guitar transmitter built in, double 9 volt rechargeable battery box that will recharge when put on the guitar stand. Stripped the black paint off to the bare wood and True oiled the wood and neck. Covered the pick guard with real rattlesnake skin and made a custom diamond MOP inlay marker ebony fret board etc... Had to replace the Floyd with a Kahler ( not impressed with the Kahler ) so I could use the Trem spring area for the wireless electronics. Fixed the Truss rod and put a carbon fiber filler in and ready to put the fretboard back on. I use my guitar to control a VZ 8 and VZ 10 two old MIDI yamaha 8 channel mixers along with a Digitech GNX 4 out to two 15" stand speakers. You will have to look all that up if you do not know what they are. These guitars can do things that I never could figure out. You can program the MIDI to do whatever you want. I have yet to see anyone demonstrate their true potential as a controller. With computers now a lot of the old equipment in not needed. You can download the VZ sounds now and just use the computer. Fun hobby..as you must know. I wish I had the money to get a PG 300 in other colors.

[@suspectdown5133]

@@TomboLP Forgot to mention that the pick guard can be notched and a shortened hex wrench can be used for the truss rod adjustment. No need to remove the guard to get to it.....

[@TomboLP]

@@suspectdown5133 Thank you - a ton of stuff to consider.

[@suspectdown5133]

@@TomboLP I see a RA-500 RAM in the box etc.on ebay for Buy it now $279.00. i would say that is high ? But you may not see one again for some time. Been years since I have seen one, bought mine about 7 years ago. You need the VZ 1 keyboard or VZ 10M to put sounds onto it.

[@segurahh1179]

@TomboLP Ohhh, a very nice video ...!! Now, after many years today I bought a pg-380 ... All strings have low sensitivity (below 60) I adjusted the sensitivity to max value .. Can be the reason of it the capacitors? Any suggestion? Thanks

[@TomboLP]

Thank you! There are two possibilities that occur to me. One is to try raising the MIDI pickup height. It works well for me when it’s as close as possible to the strings. If not, then yes, it could well be a capacitor issue. You could also check the MIDI volume knob and the connections.

[@home-dp6oh]

The link for Grant Muller seems to be dead. Any chance you have an updated link or a link to the documents?

[@TomboLP]

So sorry - I thought I did, but can't find the files on my computer. Maybe someone else in the comments on this video can help - or maybe try the V-Guitar forum. www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php

[@madamaloomfolgasca1064]

Hi TomboLP, my compliment for the great video. I need new capacitors for my Mg510 or better should be a restored complete midi board...do you have such components? I would like to buy them. I live in Italy, unfortunatly so far from you. Do you have a contact ? Regards

[@TomboLP]

Hi there! I am sorry that I don't currently have such components. If you can search on Yahoo! Auctions Japan, however, there are some sellers who occasionally have such things. Just type in the Japanese word カシオ and the code MG-510 or PG-380 to find them. Unfortunately, I am presently out of the country, so can't help too much beyond that. My apologies!

[@jammusicmixibrahim1035]

tanks so much..can you tell us what type of capacitor or any type

[@TomboLP]

Cheers! These are generic electrolytic capacitors from Amazon. I got both bipolar and polarized types as needed.

[@jammusicmixibrahim1035]

@@TomboLP so how many capacitor I need..thanks for your great help..blessings from Egypt

[@HumbleTrader001]

I have a Casio PG-380 that no longer will power up at all. It used to have an issue where the G string wouldn't trigger, but if I kept it powered for 20 minutes it would trigger. I wasn't using it all that much and discovered a couple of years ago that it won't power up. Would the capacitors be the cause of it not being able to power up at all, or something else? There's nothing wrong with my power adapter.

[@TomboLP]

It might be the capacitors, but could also be something else, like corroded power connections, or a bad chip. Replacing the capacitors is a good start and, in the process, you might find something else burned out.

[@tennesseeron1297]

I own a beloved PG-380 with no MIDI sound from high E string. I live in Nashville, TN, USA. Any idea where I might get this repair locally? Thanks, a lot.

[@stewartken372]

Bought a broken Casio midi guitar for spare but the midi output plug has been cut off aswell as the other output bits . Wires just hanging there. Us it worth getting it repaired of have the capacitors gone due to non use

[@MrPapacc]

C78 (service manual) è da 33uF 10V e non 10uF 16V.

[@TomboLP]

Thank you! I will check and replace.

[@TomboLP]

I tried to add an annotation to the video, but can't. I have put a note in the description.

[@kirabarsmith9353]

Very helpful video, thanks for making it. I just purchased an MG-510 in excellent condition, but it needs its capacitors replaced and I noticed it has a different circuit board than the 380. Do the capacitors that come with the guitar have the values written on them, or do I need to find a schematic to figure out the capacitors I need to order? Also, my only electronics experience is building a couple of effects pedals, do you think I'll be able to do this myself with such basic skills? Thanks again.

[@TomboLP]

Congratulations on getting such a great guitar! For the MG-510, have a look at the second link in the video description above. It should take you to something that will give you the values you need. There's also a service manual here: www.synthxl.com/yamaha-mg-510/ The MG series are generally easier to repair than the PG, but it's still a fiddly job. I found the magnifying glass and a lower-powered soldering iron were the key pieces of equipment. If you can build an effects pedal, you have the basic skills needed, but (obviously) go slowly and carefully, and be prepared to clean a lot of contacts. Otherwise, there are probably repairers around you who'll do it for a fee. Here in Tokyo, you'd pay about $250 for a full re-cap, I think. There's a tutorial on replacing surface-mount capacitors that I found after I made this video, although I can't vouch for it's effectiveness, as I haven't tried the technique yet: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jmmxaoJplp6dn68 I intend to give this way of doing things a go next time. If I do, I'll make another video on it. Anyway, I hope all that helps a bit. Don't be afraid to reach out if you run into any issues.

[@kirabarsmith9353]

@@TomboLP Thanks, I was surprised at the quality of the guitar itself, best one I've owned. Would LOVE to find a MG-500, that's so cool you have one. Thanks so much for the links and quick reply, I greatly appreciate it. And I love the technique of twisting the old capacitors off, that would be so much easier. I've never soldered SMD components before, but the video made it look possible even for a novice like me. $15 in parts vs a $250 repair makes me want to give it a shot. Cheers!

[@TomboLP]

@@kirabarsmith9353 You're right! I haven't done so yet. If a VZ-8M comes up for a good price here, I will try to grab it. I only have one RAM card. They're so rare (and expensive) that I actually bought a spare PG-300 because the owner was selling it with the card for less than I'd have paid for one of the cards alone. In fact, I have duplicates of a couple of these Casio guitars. This'll be handy if I ever need spare parts!

[@marceyalice]

DO you know where i can make repair my casio in Parsi thank you

[@alcaphonesound]

Amazing! You gave me enough courage to buy PG-300 with faulty capacitors :-) I got one important question. How did you clean the corroded solder points under the old leaky caps? I saw the same black mess on your PCB before you soldered the new ones. I tried Isopropanol, but the result was poor.

[@TomboLP]

Really happy to hear you're doing this too - good luck! Honestly, I used alcohol and naptha on a cotton bud (not at the same time, of course!) and just kept at it until I got the result I wanted. I've heard of people trying acetone, but I'd be worried about damaging the board and other plastics.

[@alcaphonesound]

@@TomboLP Thanks, a tiny drops of vinegar and mechanical scraping helped in the end. Then, of course, cleaning with distilled water and isopropanol. Do you have a service manual? Unfortunately corrosion of the electrolyte of the C84 caused the C82 capacitor next to it to fall off and I can't find its value.

[@TomboLP]

@@alcaphonesound Hi! Sorry - I am travelling right now, so don't have access to my usual resources. The website from which I gained the information originally seems to be down. Another commentator, MrPapacc, mentions the manual below, however, so might have it. Good luck!

[@Mazeisaspace]

at 10:41 you say 47uf and 4 volts - it is 16 though :) your guide is still amazing - and again just after...?

[@TomboLP]

Thank you! I have added this to the video description. I am grateful for you spotting it.

[@Mazeisaspace]

@@TomboLP no worries

[@davedavidson9996]

Is anyone selling these caps as a kit? How do you know how to orient the electrolytic cap for the correct polarity?

[@milowagon]

Great video Barnaby ! I have gigged and owned seven 510's since 1988. They are beautiful, rugged and reliable instruments, until they start to age. I tried the capacitor replacement myself on one of my favourites but with no success . As a builder in Tokyo, do you know of any supplier of boards for a replacement ? As a guitar alone, I think they are top class player's guitars and the tracking of the midi is the best. I constantly monitor eBay for any parts, with little result.

[@TomboLP]

Thanks! You ask a great question - with the 510s, replacement boards are tricky, I think, because the instruments seem rarer. I don't know actual production numbers, but there seem to be a lot more of the PG models (especially the PG-300) than the MGs in the secondhand market. There is one person on Yahoo! Auctions Japan who does repairs to Casio guitars, called "Itsumi Tech": page.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/jp/auction/m463784988 They may have a line on replacement boards, but I can't say for sure.

[@milowagon]

@@TomboLP Thank you very much, that is the first positive lead I've had. I have emailed the question, looks like they mostly cover pg380's but I think the tracking systems are the same. I am most grateful.

[@TomboLP]

@@milowagon Good luck! The tracking systems are, indeed, the same idea, but the boards are different. I don't think they'd be interchangeable. However, they may know how to address this - or even have a spare board. Otherwise, if I come across one, I'll let you know.

[@milowagon]

I'll let you know how I get on. The 380 came on the market around the same time, that's why I thought it might be the same. It looked the same but with a vz synth on board. I've tried other systems ( Roland, Shadow, Yamaha) but the Casio is so compact, easy to use live. Fits me like an old pair of shoes. The quest continues !

[@TomboLP]

@@milowagon I agree with you - although right now I am building a pair of guitars from scratch with integrated Roland G3 pickups. It'll be interesting to see which I prefer after using the latter for a while. I think the Casio system remains the best, but it would be too hard to integrate into my modern builds.

[@streetsofsimcity]

@tombloLP i posted on another one of your videos but wanted to post here too in case someone can help. I have a MG-510 i brought in for service and the tech ended up replacing all capacitors with no luck in getting the midi to work. Tech traced down the issue and thinks the problem seems to be gate array IC not functioning, not sending correct midi info (in the lower board). If anyone has any info on that, or any suggestions please let me know. i'd be interested if someone was selling the bottom board i think that would solve my problem ; )

[@TomboLP]

If I come across one, I'll let you know.

[@streetsofsimcity]

@@TomboLP 🙏

[@MrSteviethegreat]

I’ve been looking for help on my mg510 also

[@jasonmcgary]

I have a 510 i need repaired

[@marceyalice]

paris

[@TomboLP]

I'm afraid I don't know anyone in France who repairs these. Perhaps someone will see your comment and be able to help.

[@javierandresfernandez6373]

Congratulations! Great tutorial! I own a PG-300, which actually was my father's guitar. After he passed, I had never had the courage to play it. But a few days ago, I decided to have some fun with it and found that I couldn't turn the guitar on. Do you think that there might be some similar issues with the capacitors on the power PCB? Thanks, again, for this great tutorial!

[@TomboLP]

Hi there - thank you! I am sorry to hear of your father's passing, but it is wonderful that you will play his guitar. Yes, I would imagine that's exactly the problem. The capacitors are probably no longer working. Just note, as per the comment below, that C78 should be 33uf and 10v.

[@Samsam-xl2gw]

Hi schönen guten Tag ich habe das gleiche Problem ich wollte fragen wo kann ich das gleiche machen kann sie vielleicht eine Idee oder eine Info oder kann ich bei euch kommen oder haben sie eine Adresse oder eine Telefonnummer es wäre sehr lieb von dir

[@Samsam-xl2gw]

Hi good afternoon I have the same problem I wanted to ask where can I do the same can you maybe have an idea or info or can I come to you or do you have an address or a phone number it would be very nice of you

[@TomboLP]

I am in Tokyo, so, unless you are here, can't be much help. Also, my workshop is closed at the moment due to the pandemic. I will be reopening in 2023, as I am away next year.

[@neon041]

I replace all the capacitor still string number 5 and 6 are not working does anyone here have same issue. Thanks

[@TomboLP]

The first (easy) thing to check is that the pickup is close enough to the strings and that sensitivity has been adjusted correctly. However, it could be other things, like issues with the coils or the leads - or something else entirely on the board. Have you checked the mini-switches too? I wish I could be more help!

[@neon041]

@@TomboLP I've check the string height, sensitivity switch and nothing happen. Where is the location of the mini switch.?

[@TomboLP]

@@neon041 I mean the miniswitches on the back of the guitar under the rubber cover. I wish I could be more help!

[@neon041]

@@TomboLP the 10 switches sir? Its in ON position already sir. How about the the the 2 parts on the board with VR7 and VR8 marking?

[@TomboLP]

@@neon041 All I can say is give them a try. Also, I suggest you double-check your soldering in the smaller board, as it can be easy to lift/damage the traces or have a bad connection without it being immediately obvious. I'm sure you've done a great job, but it's always worth being sure.