Why does the "G'" key volume increase periodically on my CVP 307?

[kartking]

Hi,
The volume on one of the "G" keys on my Clavinova sometimes gets extrememly loud when I play. It doesn't happen every time I play the key, it just happens spordically. Sometimes I suspect that the adjacent "A" key does it too. Is there something I can do to correct it, maybe some kind of an adjustment, or do I have to call a Yamaha Clavinova repairman? Thanks. Kartking

[Nikki]

It definitely sounds like an intermittent fault. There is nothing you can do to correct this fault short of dissecting the CVP. Sounds like dirt is interfering with a sensor or has degraded. I'd call the repairman.

[dbjorck]

Hi!

I've had that problem for years now. It started with just the A key but it has spread to D, and sometimes Eb and F.

Some days the problem is worse than others. I'm starting to think it is related to the weather - either temperature or humidity. I have also noticed that pressing the keys repeatedly for a long while, will make it go away. So the silver lining is that I've gotten much better at rapid repeats!

You need to talk to your dealer for a repair. I did, but they weren't interested as I was out of warranty when the issue started. They said it was better to buy a new piano, which I can't afford. The trade in they suggested was laughable.

But every dealer is different, so please try, and post back here what they say. The problem is driving me nuts.

Brgds

Danny

[kartking]

It definitely sounds like an intermittent fault. There is nothing you can do to correct this fault short of dissecting the CVP. Sounds like dirt is interfering with a sensor or has degraded. I'd call the repairman.

Thank you Nikki. I also contacted Yamaha, and they said the same thing. Parts are warranted for 5 years, so I'm covered for parts, but the warranty for labor is only 1 year. Thanks again for answering. Katrtking

[kartking]

Thanks for answering Danny. Fortunately, I'm covered on the warranty for parts, but unfortunately, labor is only covered for 1 year. (Probably the expensive part of the repair.) Kartking

[dbjorck]

Hi!

Parts are warranted for 5 years, so I'm covered for parts, but the warranty for labor is only 1 year.
Oh goodness, here it is only 2 years both for parts and labor. That is the legal minimum, it is illegal to do less. But most companies offer more - even 10 years and above. I complained to Yamaha about having such short warranties when it's supposed to be a quality product. No reply of course.

No goodwill either. I was just 1 month out of warranty. Most companies would have accepted that out of goodwill and customer care. I complained about that too..... Reply "We can't do anything for you, we are just following the law"

Brgds

Danny

[ericho]

Hi,

The velocity problem on key-beds is classic, easy fix and common on all brands in the whole wide world.

If a technician makes a big deal out of it he is to be considered very incompetent.


How does it work.

Under any given key there are 2 contacts (switches), 1 is higher up than the other.
a key traveling down closes the first contact and shortly after the second one.
The time between the 2 closures determens the speed the key is traveling down and the loudness of the note to be played

The problem.

If the first contact is dirty and stays closed the time between the first and second contact will be zero and the note will be triggered at max

The solution

Clean the contact in 99% of the cases or replace the contact-rubbers in 0.5 % of the cases
Al you need is some pure alcohol and and a few cotton-sticks

NO CONTACT CLEANER SPREYCANS, they are evil and destroy electronics in the long run, trow them away as far as you can.

Here is a youtube video to give you an idea what i'm talking about.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j8HzWe0p2Tg

At the end of the video youll see the contact rubbers i'm talking about.
I use more care than this guy with electronics but to show how an average yamaha keyboard is build this video is good.

There are many more to find on youtube.

even if you are no DIY person, do not let a lousy repair guy fool you ;)

It is a very easy fix for a technician.

The video also shows how to replace keys,,, If you think this is rocket science, let me know :D


Kind regards

Eric

[dbjorck]

Hi!

I'm tempted to try, as I have no alternatives. But how do I get beneath the keys on the GP model? I have no service manual.

Brgds

Danny

[ericho]

No danny sorry don't know how to dissasemble a gp model

Basically it comes down to take the whole key-bed out,
On the bottom side you'll find the PCB's
Take them out, clean the contact surfaces on the pcb and the carbon contact points inside the rubber,

Service manuals are usually not about basic stuff like internal batteries, key contacts etc, they are more about the electronics and the hard stuff.

It may tell you where the screws are thou and maybe how to dissasemble

That shop you go must be so kind to let you peak in theres for a few minutes surely (bet you they do not have one :rolleyes: )

Use good tools, take pictures of connections etc before you disconnect then, take your time, use no unnecessary force
You'll be OK ;)

Make a cvpug tutorial on key contacts
I'm a bit short of time (work) or I would make one of a cvp 208, may do so after the summer ;)

[dbjorck]

Hi!

No danny sorry don't know how to dissasemble a gp model

The bottom plate is whole, and the legs attached to it. Loads of screws, but also what appears to be rivets - which scares me out of trying to take it apart. It is a heavy monster after all. Too big and heavy to flip over, and too frightening that the body would fall and crush me if I attempted it from below.

That shop you go must be so kind to let you peak in theres for a few minutes surely (bet you they do not have one :rolleyes: )
Indeed - in fact they never had one. They only ordered it, and I got it delivered directly from the factory. That is also the problem with the repair - they couldn't do it themselves. I would have to send it to the nearest Yamaha service center, which is on the other side of the country. That would cost a lot by itself. Then they also said the repair would take at least a month, and they couldn't guarantee it could actually be fixed, in which case, they actually said this - I wouldn't get it back at all.

Mafia tactics, right?

Brgds

Danny

[ericho]

Indeed Danny.

Be patient, first try to get hold of a service manual.

They may give you a hard time here in Europe to buy one.
In the USA this is illegal, (some freedom of information law) they have to sell one, so with some help from a forum member you should be able to get one.

I hear clavinova service manuals are +- $50 or 25 for the CD version

Good luck