If your keyboard is starting to get uneven, is this just a matter of getting the bushings replaced or is there something else that needs to be done. I am hesitant to use my micro much because I don’t want to worsen the problem because Im not likely going to be able to get someone to fix it anytime soon.
Eric
Hey Eric,
The Micro has the type Pratt-Read keyboard, that has replaceable rubber bushings. As those bushings wear out, they flatten and sometimes dry out and fall apart. I have done my Minimoog, Odyssey, and a Moog 950 keyboard, the difference was amazing, like a brand new key action.
Here is a link to Highspies, a place that sold all their bushings, but some good info on what is involved in replacing.
Bushing replacment info at Highspies
That page has a link to another bushing vendor, and some turn up on Ebay. So as long as the little rakes the bushings fit onto are level, a bushing replacement should fix it up.
A few pics of my Oddy rebuild.
Here is a new bushing and an old one.
Getting the keybed as level as possible
The keys polished and re-bushed
I really appreciate that. For a noob, how time consuming do you think it would be and is there anything going on that is really easy to mess up electronics wise like the contacts or something? I found some bushings earlier, just need to get a good few sets worth. This is like a totally brand new keybed feel huh? Interesting. So these will prolong the life of the instrument so to speak…cause Im looking at uneven keys now and hesitant to even play it anymore. They keys aren’t all that bad, just a few that are a few mm off.
Eric
Im thinking about buying some bushings…do I need to get them lubricated or not?
What are your reccomendations for someone who might not install them for awhile?
Eric
I would go for the ones with the silicone based lube on them. That is what High Spies offered. I still have a sealed bag. They were selling 250 bushings at $75.00 with the silicone applied.
Time will depend on the shape of the old bushings, and it can really vary. I did a Pro~one keyboard, and the old ones slid right off. Another Minimoog had bushings that were greyish white, and those made a mess as they broke and crumbled as they were removed.
The Micro looks easy as there are only 32 keys. As long as you are carefull with dissassembly, there should not be any problems. When I have the keytops out I usually use a plastic polish and cleaner to really clean up the keys, so that always took longer. Don’t ever remember it taking more than one evening, and the rebuild lasts many years.
The instruction on the High Spies link is quite clear. Follow the Oddy instructions.
Thank you very much. I will be doing this very soon.
Eric