Stuck key on S-90.....Going crazy!!!

[Billdar]

My Yamaha S-90 has developed a stuck key (D just above middle C), and it is driving me crazy. About 10% of the time the key, after it is depressed will not bounce back, and if it does, about half of the time, it bounces back slowly, and when depressed again, feels stiff.

 

I'm trying to record an arrangement for my band today, and while I can postpone doing this a day or two, I still need to get this fixed as soon as possible. The S-90 is my only weighted keyboard.

 

I'm just about frustrated enough to squirt some WD-40 back in there above the key, but something tells me I ought not do this!

 

Anybody have a suggestion?

 

Cheers????

Bill

 

[burningbusch]

It sounds like the key is broke. That's how it reacted on my S90. You will need to open it up and swap it with another key until you can get a replacement.

 

Busch.

[Billdar]

Got it, thanks Busch. I guess that means unscrewing screws and removing panels. Oh well, could be worse!

 

Cheers!!!

Bill

 

[burningbusch]

Remove the main screws from the underside and the top should lift up. I can't remember all that you need to take off but it's not a lot. Once you get the top up you should have full access to the keys.

 

One thing. If, once you replace it, the key feels a little loose, it's not on properly. Take it off and try again. Seems to me you have to put pressure on the back first and then push down on the front. Or something like that.

 

Busch.

[Markyboard]

Before you unscrew anything order a replacement key. You might as well be ready to fix it once it's opened. I helped a friend with his S90 broken keys and each key is $17 from Yamaha IIRC. You may want spares as well.

[Chris Link]

I had a problem with busted keys on my S90 and found at sninety.com that it was a common problem. Although I was the 2nd owner and it was out of warranty, Yamaha replaced the entire keybed through one of their authorized techs for free. PM me for details if you want.

 

 

[Jazzwee]

pass on information on where to get a replacement key. I've broken a key on my S90ES before just a month before warranty expired. I had a key sticking after that but it is fine again. It felt like felt (no pun intended). So maybe the felt repositioned or something? Never opened my keyboard up but the next time something breaks, I'm not going to rush to bring it to the authorized repair place. I'd rather fix it myself.

 

 

[Chris Link]

From what I understand, it is a problem with the older S90 keybeds (not the S90ES) and they were replacing the whole thing. I emailed ycasupport@yamaha.com and explained my problem and quoted these posts from sninety.com:

 

"I also had a broken key, characterized by the key "leaning to the right" (for lack of a better description). I took the board to a local repair shop which checked the serial number, contacted Yamaha, and Yamaha made good on the repair by providing a complete new keybed. This new keybed has thicker plastic at the bad, pivot point of the keys. No problem since. I was pleased with the customer service provided by Yamaha on this repair - even though it must be a common problem, they've addressed it and seem to making good."

 

"I am pretty easy on my keyboards so I was suspicious when several of my keys began to stick after having my S90 for a little more than a year. I checked with my local Guitar Center and they were going to charge 50 bucks just to look at the keyboard, and I was given an estimate for around $100-$150 on top of that to have the repairs done, not to mention a three week turn around to get it back. By a complete fluke I stumbled upon an authorized Yamaha keyboard technician who works out of his home. He told me this was a VERY common problem with many Yamaha keyboards dating back several years. He said Yamaha is highly aware of this issue and is willing to send a complete set of upgraded replacement keys for Yamaha owners having this problem regardless of whether or not the warrenty has expired. Yamaha will also pay the authorized technician to install the new keyboard at NO cost to the customer. I am having the repairs done right now and will have my S90 back in one week with absolutely no out of pocket expenses. If you are currently having, or ever develop a problem with sticking keys, take the time to find an honest Yamaha authorized repair person. The technician I'm going through said Yamaha is an excellent company that will stand behind its products. Not getting taken for a ride by a middleman is what you have to watch out for."

 

"My G above middle C has been leaning to the left for a few weeks. At last Saturday's gig it started sometimes failing to return to neutral position. I spoke to the tech at my dealer, and they told me this is a known problem and they will fix it at no charge (my S90 is nearly 3 years old). They have ordered the part(s) - a new keybed, I think - and will call me when it's in. Good service..."

 

They sent the keybed (a $700 part) to a local Yamaha service tech and all I had to do was drop off and pick up my board. I can't say enough nice things about how they took care of the problem.

 

 

[Billdar]

Thanks all!

 

I called Yamaha and the service person referred me to a local service center. I don't think that it's unreasonable to pay for a repair, since I've played the heck out of this thing for several years, which includes a ton of gigs, and I have had no problems whatsoever with the S-90 until now.

 

But then I called the service center, and was told that there is a 3 week waiting time before they could even look at it. I said that I can't leave it there for 3 weeks, and they said that for an additional $25, I'd get first place in line and they'd fix it ASAP. Ha! Does money talk, or what?

 

If push comes to shove, I'll pay the $25 plus $65 per hour and parts to get it fixed. But the job seems easy enough for me to do in less than the 4 hours or so that I'd spend driving back and forth to the service center twice to get this job done, and $17 for a key is a relative bargain.

 

I looked at the bottom of the S-90, and there are lots of screws. But it looks like the ones to unscrew are on the front side, opposite the hinges.

 

Might this be true? I'd like to avoid experimenting as much as possible!

 

Cheers!

Bill

 

 

 

[Chris Link]

Bill-

 

Putting a new key in is really not hard at all. Just remember to keep track of all those little screws as you take them out and don't do the job over a dark-patterned carpet because it's really tough to find the screw you dropped. (Voice of experience.)

 

Once you get it opened up, you'll have to figure out how the keys go in. In a pinch, take a same-shaped key from the top or bottom that you never use and swap it for the one you broke. There's a certain bit of maneuvering to get the key to seat that I am unable to describe in words. Just take your time and you'll figure it out.

 

I'm really surprised after my excellent experience getting the whole keybed swapped out that you aren't getting a little more help from Yamaha. I was on my second or third broken key. If it's a design flaw, you're gonna get REAL good at replacing keys and are gonna spend a pretty good sum at $17 a pop.

 

I am going to PM you with the email of the guy I corresponded with.

 

Edit: The folks at sninety.com are very helpful with this stuff on their forums.

 

 

[dperkins]

I'm having exactly the same problem here in the UK with an S90.

Not brave enough to start removing screws until I know exactly which ones! Do the ones on the bottom really lift the top up? Can you be more specific which ones on the outside should be removed?

David

 

[Chris Link]

My gear's out in the car, but IIRC, there are two types of screws on the bottom and they all have to come out. The whole thing then kind of swings open.

 

Don't worry, you can't screw anything up just opening the case up (pun intended).

 

 

[kanker.]

$25 for Rush service is cheap man, very cheap, and if there is the possibility of a fresh new keybed in it, I'd seriously consider the repair shop..