SUZUKI KEYBOARD REPAIR

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SUZUKI KEYBOARD REPAIR

by WILMA BRIGHT MORRISON
(HOUSTON, TX)

I HAVE AN OLDER SUZUKI KEYBOARD (12 YEARS?) PIANO SIZED KEYS AND THE MIDDLE C NO LONGER WORKS. WHERE CAN I GET IT REPAIRED IN THE HOUSTON, TX AREA? THANKS

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SUZUKI KEYBOARD REPAIR

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Feb 13, 2009
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dead keys
by: mike malzahn

i have a suzuki ss-90D and the keys do not bcome back up after you strike them. i have taken it apart and it looks like there are little springs that are worn out. where can i get those springs.

Mar 05, 2009
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springs
by: Anonymous

I would take a key from the upper or lower octave that is never used take the springs off it and repair the piano in that manner.

chuck

Jun 08, 2009
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Sticky keys
by: Jim

I took my Suzuki SS-100 completely apart, trying to fix sticky keys. The problem is, they're sticking where they're supposed to move freely around an axle. However, The axel is pretty well sealed. I ended up gluing pennies to the two worst culprits, and stretching the springs. The keys are a little harder to press, but they come back up.
FYI: Before I gave up on lubeing the axle, I was free with the WD-40. It ended getting under the pressure-sensitive rubber octopus-sucker-looking things that the "hammers" strike. It changes something chemically, and a few keys no longer play. I have to change out the rubber, or get a new circuit board that they're mounted on. I'm frantically searching for these parts now. Don't be as stupid as me!

Jul 09, 2009
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Wow I wish I read your post before I used wd-40 LOL
by: Anonymous

I too had a problen with the sticky keys for my suzuki ss-100 before I took the whole thing apart I tried just stretching the little springs and putting them back that worked for some of the keys but the others weren;t coming back up. Just like Jim said there was a problem by the axle. I thought that spraying it with wd-40 was a smart idea and did it before taking off the key levers protecting the circuit board from getting soaked... dumb move cause the keys started moving better and I put the whole darn thing back just to plug it in and realize I lost a whole octave of keys that wouldn;t work anymore. Sufficed to say I took everything apart and cleaned the circuit board and the rubber thingys. So far now only four notes aren;t working that was three days ago. I have been letting the rubber thingy sit and dry after resoaking it in water and dish soap. I am too scared to see if it will work cuz I have a feeling finding parts for this thing is going to be a nightmare.

Sep 24, 2009
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For all of You ,I have a solution
by: www.milltonesmusictechs.com

If You're still looking for a business repair shop who can work & repair Your digital Pianos just give me a call I'm in houston 10 min west galleria (713)510-8393
or visit my website www.milltonesmusictechs.com

Sep 25, 2009
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Sticky keys Susuki ss-100
by: Craig

I have the keyboard apart. Springs look OK. It appears to be a problem at the axle. I have tried lubricant (sparingly and carefully) and heating with hair dryer. No better. It appears that silicon grease is what they used. Impossible to clean. My next thought are to remove the axle and try to clean. Any one tried this? Other thoughts are to re drill the holes the axle slides in just a fraction bigger or reduce the diameter of the axle just a fraction. Does this sound crazy. Any other ideas, success.

Craig

Nov 13, 2009
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Mill Tones Music Techs LLc
by: 713-510-8393

Wew can repair Your keyboard kawai casio Technics suzuki etcs all kinds of digital piano esemlbes console keyboard

Jan 28, 2010
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Repair sticky keys!!
by: John

I have a Suzuki SS-100 that had several keys that woould not come back up. I completely dis-assembled the unit. I think the problem is caused by swelling of the nylon casting at the swival points. I ran a .3125 reamer thru each nylon bushing and the problem was solved. The springs are all ok. I greased the unit with a synthetic grease from Super Lube. It is clear, waterproof, and has PTFE. (TEFLON).

I have 5 keys that do not play, anyone with any suggestions??

Feb 22, 2010
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SS-100 sticky keys
by: EMR

I've had a few of these through my shop, all experiencing this same "key sag" issue. Once a couple keys start sagging, lots of them seem to follow. A guy at Suzuki told me that the problem was the grease viscosity and the keyboards needed to be warm. If that didn't fix the problem, they had a few keybeds to sell. I did end up disassembling one whole keybed, reaming the holes with the metal pins and re-lubing with Yamaha's key grease. Worked fine and got that one out.

Now I have another SS-100 on my bench with the same issue. I'm looking for a quicker way to resolve the problem. If you watch the pin at one end of the keybed, you will notice that sometimes it will move with a key weight as it moves. The bushing is sticking to the pin and sometimes takes another weight with it. Like I said, once it starts, other keys are quick to follow (lubricant with a 20-year time release sticking agent?)

I'm trying a couple things to make it quicker than a complete rebuild. Has anyone found a good fix yet?

Feb 23, 2010
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ideas on sagging keys
by: Craig

The grease that Suzuki uses appears to be silicon based (doesn't dissolve in mineral spirits) and it is sure gooey. I was told they changed the rods from steel to aluminum. I turned and polished my steel rods and used a lithium based grease to reinstall. About 99% effective, still get a sagging key every once in a while. If I did it again, I would purchase a full length rod with a slightly smaller diameter. The best I can tell the only reason there are multiple rods is so Suzuki could sell an octave at a time. By the way they won't sell just the rods.
Unfortunately Suzuki has bad reviews because of issues like this and I'm having a hard time selling mine.

Mar 08, 2010
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Sticky Key Repair on Suzuki SS-100
by: Anonymous

After reading above comments we found the white plastic grommets attached to the hammers were too small of a diameter for the axles. Our repair was to ream the grommets with a drill.

The tricky part (thanks to the WD40 users) was to remove the circuit boards under the hammers prior to the removal of the axle and hammers. This was done to avoid shorting out circuit boards with oil.

Further repair was to slightly stretch the springs that return the keys to normal position as we read from a prior post.

Also, we did not use WD40. We used a synthetic oil sparingly.

All the keys and sounds work beautifully.

Thanks to all the prior comments!

Jun 15, 2010
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sticky keys
by: Anonymous

Is it necessary to remove the circuit board below to access the bushings or is this just precautionary?

Feb 10, 2011
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fix sticky keys on suzuki gp3
by: Suzuki gp3 sticky keys fix.

took it all apart, took the aluminum rod out and 'sanded' it down using 600 grit emery cloth and a drill to turn the rod. worked beautifully without getting sloppy, however still had some sticking. noticed that they would stick even without axle rod in place! then figured out these had swelled on the white plastic piece that overlaps the counterweight lever. the solution was to remove the levers clean/ream out the inside of the holes and lightly sand the sides of the white plastic levers that make contact with the other black plastic 'sleeve' that holds all the levers. only a little as it doesn't take much to remove too much plastic, making the action sloppy. this fixed the issue completely. Review: cleans the sides of the keytops and blacks, stretch the springs a little, disassemble the underlever assembly numbering the levers with a sharpie, clean out the holes and lightly sand the sides, and turn the axle with emery cloth. Clean all parts, reassemble using lithium grease on counterlever contacts to keytops and an appropriate lubricant on the axle (NOT WD40 !!)
WARNING: take extra care not to get anything on the pcb's or you will have another issue to contend with!

Feb 10, 2011
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Suzuki sells a replacement shaft
by: Frustrated Suzuki User

I contacted Suzuki for my SS-100 keys sticking (once it starts,it only gets worse, by the way...). They said there was a replacement shaft kit you could buy that will resolve the issue. Personally, I think there should be a recall and free fix, as it appears to be a VERY common problem for this model.

Mar 03, 2011
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Suzuki SS100 sticky keys
by: Anonymous

Same problem as above. I fixed it the same way as John (entry Jan 28 2010): I drilled the nylon bushings. I used a drill with the same diameter as the bushing hole and it worked OK. The minimal movement while drilling was enough to free the keys. I also had to stretched the springs. It is a minute work, so relax, take your time, listen to Enya or Loreena McKennitt, and your piano will work again.

Mar 19, 2011
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Sound cuts out
by: Anonymous

What can I do about keys that do not play properly? The keys move fine, but the sound is cut off immediately after the initial strike of the key. Have tried to contact the service person that I was referred through e-mail with no success. Anyone know of a repair location near Edmonton, Alberta, Canada??

Apr 05, 2011
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STICKY KEYS
by: RON

JUST ABOUT ALL OF MY KEYS ARE STICKING ON MY SUZUKI HP275-E.
SEEMS TO ME THIS COMPANY SHOULD HAVE OR TAKE SOME RESPONSIBILIY FOR THIS COMMON PROBLEM.
I LIVE IN LYNCHBURG, VIRGINIA WHERE THERE ISN'T ANY ONE TO WORK ON THIS DIGITAL PIANO.
I'M LOOKING TO SUE

Apr 10, 2011
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hp-97 sticking keys
by: Anonymous

I am so frustrated that I spent so much money on what I thought was a beautiful piano, only to have keys start sticking a few years later. Now, just about all the keys stick. I kept the keys covered when not in use and central heat and air keeps the humidity low. I couldn't imagine what I had done to cause this problem. Now reading comments from other frustrated digital piano owners makes me realize that it is a design problem that the company should "man-up" and take care of. There is no one in my area that repairs digital pianos. Why should we have to go through the hassle of repairing or paying for repairs of an instrument that wasn't properly manufactured?

Apr 15, 2011
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Suzuki company should pay us for the problem
by: Anonymous

Yes, it is a problem of design. The problem is so common. I contacted the service person and was told that they can fix it, but not free -- $200 to 300!
We have to pay Suzuki's mistake!!!

May 09, 2011
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I got their repair kit
by: Anonymous

I finally broke down and spent the $50 or so for the repair kit. The instructions are simple. It is easier to take apart than I thought. Once you take out all of the screws on the bottom of the piano, the whole top unit (electronics and all) detatches from the key deck with a single ribbon cable. (DO NOT unplug the cables holding the side unit to the top/back unit - you don't need to, and they are a bit delicate.)

The kit consists of two replacement guide-rods (these are not "hinges", rather they keep the key and the hammer action aligned. Some kind of swelling of the old rods is what keeps the action from rebounding freely); two shorter metal rods to knock out most of the old ones; and a plastic rod. The plastic rod is primarily to lubricate the passage after you get all of the rods out, but it is also (theoretically) used to push out the last old rods and the other push rods. For me, that last part didn't work, and I had to improvise another way to get the final rods out of the piano.

If you don't bother with the plastic rod, and have an alternative handy (run to the hobby store and just get a wooden dowel or metal rod of the same diameter), you can do the whole repair in less than an hour. And it works.

May 30, 2011
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Can't afford repairs
by: Anonymous

I have a Suzuki SS-100 digital piano that I purchased new in 2004. It has worked good for several years but now the keys are sticking and not just a few. I called about repair and it would cost over $350.00. I can't even play it. From reading the other comments I think Suzuki should recall because their are many of us having to foot the bill for a factory problem.

No Music in Ozark, Al

Jul 06, 2011
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Suzuki SS-100 sticky keys
by: Jamie

I also have a Suzuki SS-100 that is experiencing the sagging key issue. I purchased mine in 2005, and had to get it repaired a little over a year after purchasing it. Within 2 years, I experienced the same problem. I have gotten to the point that I simply refuse to keep putting hundreds of dollars into a repair that will keep continue to reoccur. I really wish suzuki would own up to this and put a recall on the item.

Aug 09, 2011
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Sticky keys
by: Marg

I also own a Suzuki HP-275e with sticky keys, the piano is approx. 4 years old, the problem started about a year ago, just a few keys at first now just about all of them. I am in the Niagara Falls area in Canada. I have a repair person who will fix it for me but he has been trying since March to get me the parts. He has recently given up but tells me that if I can find someone who will ship me the parts he will fix it for me. We cannot find anyone in Canada who has the parts and the fellow that I bought it from has gone out of business. I have a U.S. address and would be willing to pay for the parts and shipping. Is there anyone who can help us? Marg

Aug 09, 2011
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same problem
by: Seb123

I have the same problem, but haven't read any clear solutions. Live in Holland.

Aug 10, 2011
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sticky keys fixed, now I have "dead" keys
by: Tom in Tucson

Before I removed,sanded, and re-lubed the key axles I tried using silicone spray lube to free up the keys. I had little success with that.
After driving out, sanding, and re-lubing the axles the keys work great...but...I now have around ten keys in various places around the keyboard that are "dead." I assume something happened when I was using the silicone spray but what?
Also, the pedals don't work. Are they connected to the keyboard via the same connector as the speakers?

Thanks Y'all

Aug 10, 2011
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Suzuki SS-100
by: Anonymous

My Suzuki SS-100 has sticky keys that don't work too !!!! Where can I get someone to work on it near Barrie Ontario? (or even Toronto, Ontario)??????????? Anyone know? I'm not that good at doing this kind of thing myself. Sandy at artist@sandybrand.com

Sep 20, 2011
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Sticky Keys fix Canada
by: Marg

I'm almost positive that I have solved the "sticky keys" problem on my Suzuki HP-275e digital piano. I have been corresponding with Mr. Nick Smith the Suzuki Service Director for the USA and Canada. He will be sending me the parts tomorrow, I already had a technician who will do the repair but my technician was unable to get the parts. He can be reached at nsmith@suzukicorp.com

Mr. Smith has given me permission to give out his e-mail address, he has answered my messages every time and has done the necessary paperwork himself to get me the parts. If Mr. Smith cannot refer you to technicians who may do repairs in your area I would try an Internet search of MITA International which is the organization that my tech belongs to.

My technician is Mr. Bryant Holinaty who owns Niagara Music Repair Ltd., he specializes in organs and digital pianos, he works only in Canada throughout the Niagara Region, Golden Horseshoe, Greater Toronto Area and northern Ontario. His toll free number is 1-800-465-1853 and his e-mail address is bryant@mergetel.com

Hope this information helps others here and in the USA who have hit a brick wall.

Sep 20, 2011
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Correction
by: Marg

In my previous message I gave my technicians e-mail address as bryant@mergetel.com, this address will go inactive at the end of September. Please use his new address niagaramusic@gmail.com

As a member of MITA International he knows many techs in the U.S. that service Suzuki, http://mitatechs.org which I hope would help any of us in Canada or the U.S. find a tech in our area.

Oct 18, 2011
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Tutorial on fixing sticky keys
by: G88-fine

Hi, I wanted to share this solution with all of you who are experiencing problems with sticky keys on digital keyboards, such as my Suzuki.

This is how I fixed a "Suzuki SS-100" keyboard that had 'sticky' keys. I made a video of the entire procedure, so anyone could help themselves, if they run into the same situation with their keyboard.

I looked up online to find a solution. I learned that it is quite common for this Keyboard to have a problem with sticky keys, and that Suzuki company itself prepared a REPAIR KIT to use, and resolve the issue.

Of course, one has to order it and pay for it. It does not come FREE. But I ask you, what is better?

A) Throw such a keyboard in trash,
B) sell it very low,
C) pay small amount of money and fix it yourself, and keep using it?

I chose option C, because I choose to fix things, if possible, and benefit on using them.

This is the link to the video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VB1Fn_7KcvU

I wish you all the best. M

Oct 22, 2011
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sticky keys
by: Anonymous

The problem with the sticky keys is the return hammer that is mounted on the axle gets hair line cracks that tightens it on the axle. You can remove the plastic hammers and drill the hole larger but it is very time consuming. You should do all if any because this is a common problem.

Oct 22, 2011
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Sticky Keys fix
by: Marg

I have to disagree with "Anonymous" and the message posted Oct 22/11. My piano is fixed and I have been playing it again for 2 weeks now. I contacted Mr. Nick Smith (nsmith@sonycorp.com)and he sent me new rods for the piano via UPS. The Ace Rod Kit. Once they arrived my tech came to my home, he removed the old rods, which were thicker than the new ones, and greased the new rods and put them into my keyboard. My piano now plays better than it did before the repair. I have since been in touch with Mr. Smith, the Music Director USA and Canada for Suzuki, he and I both agree that the playablilty and sound of the corrected keyboard is excellent, it's just like a regular piano now. My tech was also very surprised by the feel of the keyboard once the repair was done.

Oct 25, 2011
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Broken Knuckles!!! SS-100
by: cachaco

What about the problem with the broken knuckles is it related to de rod?
where can you get those in the houston area?

Nov 03, 2011
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The problem is easy to slove ! ! ! ! ! !
by: Anonymous

Just watch video suggested on this page.

Don't buy the repair kit from Suzuki:

1. It is expensive. Way too much: $10 thing, charges over $100.

2. You can never get hold of them although you called, left messages, or sent emails. They just don't answer.

3. It is easy to fix it.

4. Don't remove the keys off. Leave them alone.

5. You can buy 2 round metal rod from Home Depot. The original rod is 8.37 mm in diameter. The one I bought is 8.31 mm. It is $4.99 + tax. The length is 3 feet. You need to ask Home Depot people cut a 1' and 1/2" part off from the second rod. Put these 3' + 1' and 1/2" into the hole.

6. before you put them in, trim the end of rods smooth.

7. Put the part back - That is it (a cost of $12 + 2 hours) !

Nov 20, 2011
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Wacko!
by: Jiri - harlemswing.com

Friends, love all your helpful comments and started a repair today, of those "stickers" on my HP-275e
This is not the first piano I may destroy but there is always the rubbish tip!
Will attempt the rods, clean things up and lubricate with stuff called INOX - synthetic lube
I will report if I won the battle!

Nov 21, 2011
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425e repair question
by: RwW

Thanks to many contributors, I got the courage to open my 425e to repair the sticky keys. I tried the cheapo suggestion using HomeD rods: Crown Bolt part 16850, 5/16 x 36", but they turned out to be the exact same diameter as my old rod. Is there another rod available? In the meantime I pushed out and cleaned the old rods, and everything is currently working well.

Nov 25, 2011
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Pictures and instructions on fixes
by: 808gman

We have some pictures and text of repairing the Suzuki HG-425e with sticky keys here. The best way would be to find a replacement rod. If you can't get a replacement rod you can bore the bushing a little to free it up.

http://www.mypianofriends.com/i-live-i-norway.-the-sticky-keys-on-the-grand-piano-425-e-ha...-239924.html

Also a video of part of the fix.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J_thp7Fsuio

-g

Nov 25, 2011
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ss-100 fix
by: Anonymous

There is an even cheaper solution for 1.99
use the fiberglass rod from those driveway markers
grease it is plastic on fiber, works just fine, will post pictures and video.

Feb 05, 2012
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Music now in Ozark, Al NEW
by: Anonymous

I wrote may 30, 2011 about my ss-100 suzuki digital piano. The keys were sticking (black & white). I never thought it would play again. I mentioned it to my friend at church and her grandson fixed it. It plays beautifully. I paid $100.00 for the metal dowels and he fixed it in about 30 minutes. The plastic breaks after so many years. If they had used metal to start with our pianos would have lasted much longer. Hope this helps somebody else.

Happy and thankful in Ozark!

2/4/12

Feb 07, 2012
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Smaller axle? NEW
by: jtravis

Hmmm . . . what would happen if I put in a smaller diameter shaft, like 1/4" diameter?

Right now, I have replaced the original axle (5/16"?) with a single 1/4", and the keys' play seems just fine . . .

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