Keyboard (Musical) One key won't play!

Calm_3

Hi, I've searched this up on the internet to no avail;
I have a Yamaha Keyboard that I found up in the loft, probably 15-20 years old. It seems to be in perfect working order, apart from the fact that furthest left key doesn't work, no sound, nothing! Tried it on all options so it's not a case of one sound not working with that key.
I'm pretty stuck for what to do, would like to get it working so I can use it as a fully functioning keyboard, does anyone have any ideas on how to possibly get the key back working or whats wrong with it?
Thanks,

McKneff

I'm resisting, I really am trying hard, I'm still resisting, oh god, I cant resist any longer.........

:rotfl::rotfl::rotfl::rotfl::rotfl:

(sorry, it was the image in my head of Les Dawson that did it.

Nilrem

If it's just one key and nothing at all is happening when it's pressed the chances are it's the contacts on that particular key, in which case if you can open it up (not sure how hard that would be), you should be able to clean the contacts and check for any loose connections at that switch.

If it's just dirty a bit of iso proyl alcohol should clean the contacts nicely.

Calm_3

Nilrem wrote: »

If it's just one key and nothing at all is happening when it's pressed the chances are it's the contacts on that particular key, in which case if you can open it up (not sure how hard that would be), you should be able to clean the contacts and check for any loose connections at that switch.

If it's just dirty a bit of iso proyl alcohol should clean the contacts nicely.

Thanks very much , I will have a go at opening it up tomorrow, it's a pretty large keyboard (70 something keys) Knowing me and gadgets I'll probably manage to break something
Thanks again,

Calm_3

Update;
I've managed to open it up, and now I'm staring at a mass of electrical bits and bobs with no idea what to do
Sorry if I seem silly, could someone offer any more advice on what to look for/ at?
Will upload more pictures soon.

asbokid

is it a 'touch sensitive' keyboard? you could do with a multimeter with a continuity function to test the contact, to determine the point of failure. it's most likely a bit of smegma between the two contacts of the key.

Calm_3

Just checked, and no it isn't a touch sensitive keyboard.
Thanks for the advice, I'll take a few close up pictures around the area of the failed key to see if anyone can spot anything I can't.
If no one else can see anything then would you then suggest purchasing a multimeter?
Would any of them do or would it have to be a certain type, with that function.

asbokid

Calm wrote: »

Just checked, and no it isn't a touch sensitive keyboard.
Thanks for the advice, I'll take a few close up pictures around the area of the failed key to see if anyone can spot anything I can't.
If no one else can see anything then would you then suggest purchasing a multimeter?
Would any of them do or would it have to be a certain type, with that function.

virtually all multimeters have an audible continuity tester... they beep when there is a circuit between the two probes. the meters are very cheap nowadays. £5 would probably buy a reasonable one. examine those ribbon cables, too.. be careful, they are probably quite brittle after 20 years.

Calm_3

A few more pictures, not sure if they help at all, probably not, the white plastic part on the left is what gets pushed up when the key is pressed, but it moves exactly the same as all the other keys so I assume an electrical fault like you were saying asbokid.
I'm just worried about poking around and breaking something, causing more damage than I already have
I'll check again , I just don't really know what to look for, nothing seems to stand out to suggest a faulty key.
The white plastic part in the middle, visible on the second set of keys in one of the pictures is only on every second set of keys.

Edit: just realised those pictures are dreadful, sorry!

AndysDad

Hi Josh,
Can you tell me what model it is.Most of these keyboards have soft conductive rubber keypads that just need cleaning but as you have probably found out getting access to these is a nightmare,especially if the printed circuit boards are hard wired instead of using connectors (Cost issue i suppose).

Calm_3

Hi,
The model is Yamaha PSS-680 Music Station.
And oh dear, this is sounding more and more confusing Still, willing to give anything a go to fix it, do you know whereabouts on the keyboard the rubber keypads would be?
Thanks.