Alternatives to the Minimoog Model D Opto-Key upgrade?

[synthatron]

I have a Minimoog Model D from '74 with keys that are clanky and hard to play and struggles to keep to the right pitch. Half the keyboard makes these sweeping siren sounds rather than stable notes.

I was hoping to get the Opto-Key w MIDI retro fit from This Old Synth:

http://www.thisoldsynth.com/Optokey.html

However since Covid they've been unable to make any more of them and there is no sign of things changing any time soon.

I liked the Opto-Key because it seemed like it makes playing the Minimoog an absolute dream while also adding a MIDI input. Currently the keyboard is pretty much unable. I have had some success using the Kenton Pro-2000 to send it external gate and CV but this is also quite clunky and requires a lot of constant fine tuning because of how the Minimoog works. From my understanding they weren't really designed to be cleanly sequenced, rather the pitch CV input is more for something like a foot pedal or additional vibrato.

I know there are other MIDI retrofits I could easily install like the Kenton that would solve the problem of clean sequencing but I'm still wondering what alternatives there are to the Opto-Key as far as making the keyboard playable again? I've cleaned the J-wire as best as I can many times but I think between that and all the contact springs that each key has it is just too corroded to make playable as is.

Any ideas?

[analogsound]

Any luck with your hunt mate? I'm also looking into this but can't see where this can be obtained as the website is gone

[synthatron]

I received an email from Chris at This Old Fool back in October 2023 that contained the following:

"I do not have any Opto-key kits available at present. Parts cost and availability are a nightmare post-Covid. I would like to believe that I will be able to make kits again in the future. A number of kit/module suppliers have had to give up as their products have become nonviable economically. Opto-key won't be available anytime soon."

He also mentioned he's retired from doing any repairs.

Considering The Old Fool website is no longer up, I don't imagine he or the opto-keys will ever be coming back. Such a shame but I get it. Hopefully there will be viable alternatives available for the Model D.

[kamigami]

It is such a shame these aren’t available any longer. I’ve got a 73 that I restored and the keyboard is just in horrendous shape and the parts are tough to locate.

[kendallhalbert]

Jeff is a master at rebuilding keybeds:

https://www.theanaloglab.com/