FIXED - Broken Key - Fatar Key Pivot/Tab Fix
Posted: 08 Nov 2023, 21:12
Hey all - I have a Piano 4 and recently had an issue with one of my keys continuing to come loose. After opening up the chasis, I noticed that the pivot tab that "snaps" the key in place was deformed and would no longer snap the key in. After trying to gently wedge some business card paper under the tab to reorient it, the tab snapped off ... #%$#!! I tried epoxying it back on, but that did not hold.
I did quite a bit of research and only found a few posts, mainly recommending removing the rod from the pivot and replacing the whole pivot, but the only pivot I could find were used (unless I went to an authorized service center and paid a few hundred $$ minimum). So I started making some calls ... after a handful of calls, I got ahold of a local tech who has worked on a bunch of the Fatar keybeds, and he gave me such an easy fix I was mad at myself for not thinking of it ... he said to just drill a pilot hole in the top of the key and into the pivot and then screw in a self-tapping screw (he said this is his go-to fix ... don't want to mess with removing the metal rod holding all of the pivots in).
Be careful and go slow so you don't split the key, and the screw doesn't need to be big - I used a #4 at 3/4" length. I just did it last night, and played for a couple hours afterward focusing on using that key as much as I could and it is holding up and seems super solid. We'll see how it goes for the long term.
I wanted to post in case others are have a similar issue ... also included a couple of pics of the process - it is really simple and easy (just go slow with the drilling).
I did quite a bit of research and only found a few posts, mainly recommending removing the rod from the pivot and replacing the whole pivot, but the only pivot I could find were used (unless I went to an authorized service center and paid a few hundred $$ minimum). So I started making some calls ... after a handful of calls, I got ahold of a local tech who has worked on a bunch of the Fatar keybeds, and he gave me such an easy fix I was mad at myself for not thinking of it ... he said to just drill a pilot hole in the top of the key and into the pivot and then screw in a self-tapping screw (he said this is his go-to fix ... don't want to mess with removing the metal rod holding all of the pivots in).
Be careful and go slow so you don't split the key, and the screw doesn't need to be big - I used a #4 at 3/4" length. I just did it last night, and played for a couple hours afterward focusing on using that key as much as I could and it is holding up and seems super solid. We'll see how it goes for the long term.
I wanted to post in case others are have a similar issue ... also included a couple of pics of the process - it is really simple and easy (just go slow with the drilling).