Keyboard Problems with 2XX series

[cspern]

I am about to purchase a new CVP-208 from my local dealer but am getting a little concerned when viewing the threads about defective keyboards in the 2XX series. I see the problems are with the 2XX odd series. No one has reported problems with the 'even' series. Was the problem corrected with the 'even' series, or are they just not old enough yet? Should I cancel the purchase of the 208?
I also have a CVP-96 but have never had any problems with it. Thanks for any replies.

[dancaputi]

The 208 is certainly old enough to be having the problem *if* it was going to be a problem.

I'm pretty sure the keyboard with the problem has a part number v7803300 (this was my original keyboard on the 207). The service manual on the 208 shows a very different number (vz705401) as its original p/n. I need to verify this at home, but I believe that's the p/n of the keyboard they sent me to repair my 207.

Bottom line is you should be fine.

- Dan C.

[cspern]

Thanks for going to the trouble of researching the keyboard part numbers. That gives me peace of mind that I am not intentionally buying a defective product. It is good that Yamaha is making it right for the 207 owners, though.

I am going to order a service manual for the 208 as soon as I get it. The dealer will sell it (a new 208) to me for $4700 on Dec. 31 if it doesn't sell before that for a higher price (they are asking $6000 for it). They would like to sell the unit before the year end. I am still not sure the $4700 is even a good price for a 2003 unit.

I sure am glad I found the CVPUG, because it gives me confidence when I am bargaining for a new Clavinova.

Thanks, again, Dan.

Chuck S.

[Scubacpa]

Maybe I'm missing something? Why not just go for a 300 series model. Why buy older technology? Or am I being "thick" again?

[cspern]

I did it for three reasons. This is my logic (or illogic):

1. I thought I could get a much better price for the older technology.

2. I didn't know if I like the new design where the controls/display are in the keyboard cover. It just seem to me there will be cables that are bent repeatedly as the cover is opened and closed. I would worry about future connection problems way down the road. Maybe I am wrong and being over-cautious.

3. The main new features of USB and Optical are not ones I would deem as essential for me.

Chuck S.

[Scubacpa]

OK. I can see what you are thinking.

Here are some counter points.

1) Your price point makes good sense if you get a "really good" deal.

2) I don't see the cover as any different from a laptop. Actually a laptop is much thinner and probably gets opened and closed a whole lot more. How often have you heard someone say their laptop wiring to the screen broke. I never have. My wife even had one that she dropped and broke the hinges. It still worked for weeks being held togther by duct tape waiting for the new computer to arrive. I think it's great. Sometimes sunlight will be glaring on the LCD screen and I just wad up a small roll of paper towels and use it to prop the cover controls as an angle that gets rid of the glare on the screen. As the sun moves I can move the angle by adjusting my "wad" of paper. And it looks real nice closed up.

3) The USB is very versitile. If the floppy that came with the unit goes bad just run down to radio shack and buy another USB floppy drive and plug it in. It also gives you a very wide variety of media to transfer from the unit to computer, or to store song library's on.

Not trying to change your mind, or confuse you.... Just giving you food for thought by playing devil's advocate.

[dancaputi]

I just verified my new keyboard assembly is a vz705401.

Just to be certain, I would double check what's in the 208 with Yamaha tech support.

IMO, if your looking at saving $1000+ with the 208, compared to the 307, you're fine. The only other thing you should check out would be iAFC. That's the one thing I wish I had on the 207.

BTW, both myself and a friend at work have had laptops that have had problems with hinges and video signal problems (although mine was a cheap CTX and his was abused on a daily basis). And yes, unlike Gary, I am trying to confuse you :D

- Dan C.

[sablair]

You can compare various CVP's at Yamaha's site. Just check the boxes for the 208 vs 307 and you'll see a nice table.

http://music.yamaha.com/products/categoryCompareProducts.html?groupId=17&pageSize=999

Interesting that the Dealer has you on "hold" to see if they can get a better price before 12/31. I wouldn't let them play me like that. Make your offer and move on.

If you buy the 208 on 12/31, the very next day, it becomes a 3-year old model. That's why the Dealer is ready to move it. $4700 is not such a great deal for a 3-year old model. I got my 307m from an authorized US Dealer for $5200 plus tax, and that was 1 year ago... a few months after they came out.

One thing I really like on the 300's over the 200's is the "Follow the lights" have 2 colors (white key have red lights and black keys have green lights), while the 200 only has one color. May not sound like a big deal, but it makes it much easier to track keys...otherwise, you have to look very closely to see if that light is behind a white or black key. I learn a lot of songs from midi files off the web, and seeing, is believing, is playing, is learning.

Hold out for what you want. You'll likely have this instrument for many years so only you can decide if you want to start out 3 years behind the current technology.

[Scubacpa]

OK CSPERN ... a few of us have given you our totally unsolicited two cents. I'm going to be very curious what you end up doing. Please let us know what you decide to do.

Seems we are always advising people to spend more $$$ :D Easy to do when it's not your own!

[cowpast]

Dan,
Did you get that number from the keyboard itself or from the paper that came with it, (the paper that showed where to place the new sticker)?
The paper that came with my replacement says VZ705400, I never thought to check the number on the keyboard itself before I installed it.

[dancaputi]

sablair: yes - the red/green leds is another nice feature. I can't believe it took them that long to figure that one out! Actually, since the keys are hollow plastic, the whole key should just light up.

cowpast: I got that number off the box it came in. But I don't think there's a difference between VZ705400 and VZ705401 (other than it being 1 better :D). As I said, I believe the "bad" one is the 200 odd-series original (V7803300).

- Dan C.

[Scubacpa]

Originally posted by dancaputi
Actually, since the keys are hollow plastic, the whole key should just light up.

- Dan C.

That won't work. My 309 has the solid natural wood keys and I'm sure most of the operating guts are shared parts with the rest of the 300 series.

Nice try though!

I wish there was a function (that you could turn off if you wanted) that made the keys move like they do on the disclavier series. I always enjoy the feeling that a ghost is playing {just like at the haunted mansion at Disney!}

Gary (who has not grown up yet)

[cspern]

Dan, Gary, Steve and Phil,

Thanks a bunch for all of your comments to my question. To keep you up to date, I have called the Clavinova dealer in my area and made an offer of $5200 plus tax on a new CVP-308, and the salesman is giving this offer to her owner/manager. You all have convinced me that the newer technology is probably the way to go, and that the controls in the cover is not so strange. I'll let you all know how it all comes out.

Chuck S.

P.S. I am driving my wife crazy trying to keep her appraised on all of this.

[cspern]

Even I'm getting confused. I meant CVP-307. There is no such thing as a 308 (yet).

Chuck S.

[Scubacpa]

Originally posted by cspern
I am driving my wife crazy trying to keep her appraised on all of this.

Don't tell her a thing. Just smile when they knock on the door to deliver it! :rolleyes:

[cowpast]

Chuck S.
I made the same offer here in SW FL and was turned down flat. Good luck, let us know how you make out.

[cowpast]

Dan C,
Thanks. Went out and checked the box and found the little sticker on one end. Sure enough it's VZ705401.
My wife keeps asking when am I'm going to get rid of it, but I keep telling her I'm still attached to it.

[cspern]

Phil,

How long ago did you make the offer for the CVP-307? I haven't been turned down yet, but haven't been accepted yet either. I should hear something on 31st or the 1st.

Chuck S.

[cowpast]

Chuck S,
The last time was a few month's ago.
I'm not sure if you are dealing with the same chain of stores but you could be. The owners are a little more involved with the day to day operations (negotiations) here, you may have better luck over there.

[cspern]

Well, here's what has come from all of the good discussions that started with my concern with the CVP-208 keyboard. I conceded that the display and controls in the keyboard cover in the -307 was not really a bad design and decided from all of the good reviews and the positive comments about the CVP-3Xx series to bypass the -208 and go for a -307. I have ordered it at the going price according to others in this users group ($5000) plus shipping. It should arrive next week and of course I'm really looking forward to it. I've also ordered the 7-CD Instruction set from this site. I've tried to order a service manual for the -307, but I can't find it anywhere on the internet. Yamaha may be the only place to get one. Anyway, I'll be counting the days till it gets here. I will report then. Thanks, again, everyone with your helpful comments.

Chuck S.

[Scubacpa]

Sounds like a good well thought out decision. You are going to love it! And the CD set will help you get to know all the bells and whistles real fast.