Dear Graham: This unit was released by Yamaha in 1993. (1)If since then, any sugary liguid has spilt between the spaces in the keys it could cause the type of problem you describe. (2) Decaying rubber underlay pads (under the offending keys) could do the same. (3)Dirt/other obstruction is another possibility. Inject compressed air (can type) around all spaces between the keys,and follow with a STRONG vacuuming in the same areas. (1)Requires opening and cleaning of the keyboard by a qualified professional. (2)Requires replacement by a qualified professional. (3) Is a DIY project. Please post a comment in this Forum so we can all learn what you decide. Thank you and good luck.
and replacement of the keyboard by a qualified professional
Oct 18, 2009 Rating
Sticking Keys by: Anonymous
Thank you Alfred for your response. I purchased this keyboard second hand about a year ago. The keys were very sticky at that time. It was consequently unplayable.
Therefore, with nothing to lose, I set about cleaning them myself. Yes it is a job for a professional, which I am not. Dismantling and subsequent reassembly was exceedingly tricky and time consuming. Many of the keys had a white greasy substance on them. I vacuumed and cleaned every single key set assiduously and the keyboard worked satisfactorily for a few months. At the time of cleaning I did suspect the rubber underlay pads. Some looked dull compared to others and some did not compress accurately without care. I think your observation now confirms my suspicions. I think I can replace them if I knew how to purchase a set of rubbers. I just have to find a willing U.K. supplier!
Oct 18, 2009 Rating
Sticking Keys PSR 210 by: Alfred
Dear Graham: Thank you for your timely reply. If you cannot locate a supplier in the UK for the rubber pads, there is a US supplier of a COMPOUND COATING which may be the answer. It is a kit consisting of (I am guessing) a liquid which is mixed with a powder of some sort (still guessing) and costs US 39.00 and change. It is available through oaktreevintagesales.com
I have not tried it, but feel confident it works. Read their promotional description and judge for yourself. I must admire you for having the spunk to open your unit as I'm fully aware of other CIRCUIT pitfalls, and always suggest leaving such cases to professionally qualified personnel. If you buy the product and it works well, please favor this Forum with a follow-up message. Regards.
Oct 21, 2009 Rating
PSR 210 Sticky Keys by: Alfred
Dear Graham: In reviewing your comments, the "white greasy substance" probably was WHITE GREASE applied by the factory. It will have to be re-applied (IN MODERATION) if you open your unit again. Use just enough to coat the movable linkage of the keys. Good luck.
Oct 27, 2009 Rating
Greasing the PSR 210 keys by: Graham Hardy
Looking at the Oaktree details on the compound for rubber contacts it appears to be just for refreshing the actual contacts rather than restoring spring to the rubber itself. I may not be correct in this assumption. I now believe the mistake I made was to wipe off the white compound that was already on the keys! Correcting that is the first road I shall travel.
Is the grease the conventional white lithium grease that seems to be readily available in aerosol form in many DIY shops? Although in aerosol form it apparently does dry to a grease.
Oct 27, 2009 Rating
Sticking Keys PSR 210 by: Alfred
Dear Graham: I read somehwere an insinuation that the white grease used by Yamaha is a "special" one, but I do not believe it. The only white grease I've ever heard of and used is the white Lithium from a tube which surely is available in the UK. The only disadvantage I can see in the use of an aerosol type is the uncontrolled spray which may be harmful to the surrounding rubber parts adjacent to the keys.
As to the Oaktree compound - which I've never had the opportunity to use - it probably could restore spring to the rubber. Anyway, let's take it step by step. Your next action may well obviate the need for it. Please keep the Forum informed. Good luck and regards.
Nov 07, 2009 Rating
Sticky Keys by: Alfred
Dear Graham: Hope you check on postinhgs on this Forum. I've just read somewhere that at one time Yamaha owned up to having a problem with the grease they used on some of their (older?)models. It apparently caused sticky key (surfaces) and sometimes the keys cracked. I must believe they have since corrected the problem. Regards.
