Minimoog Keybed Problem – Sticky and Unresponsive Keys

[bertilsylvander]

Lately I’ve been running into an issue with my Minimoog where some keys feel sticky and a few just don’t respond properly. It’s starting to get in the way when I play, and I’m not sure if it’s from dust build-up, humidity, or something else.

Has anyone here dealt with this before? I’d really appreciate any advice on how to fix it without risking more damage.

[till]

What Minimoog version? Vintage Minimoog, Minimoog Voyager or one of the Reissue Minimoogs?

[bertilsylvander]

Thank you, On Vintage Minimoog

[till]

If the mechanical feeling is wrong, the old bushings need to be swapped for new ones. I did this on my 1979 Minimoog about 20 years ago.

If there are contact problems, use pure technical alcohol to clean the contact springs with a Q-Tip gently (don't brake the springs!) and the two bus boards. If there are stimm contact problems, try to turn the bus bar a tiny bit. So you will get a fresh unused contact surface at least on the bus side.

[Elazmo Hiftenfifter]

About new bushings: they can run a little wide, which makes them stick to the key channel. You can widen the channel a little, but it might still bind at the bottom of the key travel. I've taken a little off each bushing with a belt sander to make them fit.
The original bushings were coated with a slick surface, then lubed with silicon grease. It helps immensely to coat each side of the new bushings with a thin layer of super glue, let dry, then apply a fast-action silicon grease. I like the Yamaha grease but it's expensive.