Stage 3 Compact 73 dead key

[BaBaBoowee]

Hey there, I was prepping for a gig and noticed that my F# key just above middle C is dead with playing the piano and synth engine. Works fine with the Organ engine. Had the board for about 3 years now and it’s in a case when not played. About to send it in to Sweetwater but wanted to see if you all have any thoughts?

Thanks,

Wayne

[FZiegler]

This really sounds like an issue with the key sensor contacts. The NS3 has 2 sensors per key, one upper and one lower. For piano and synth, both sensors need to be closed by the key moving downwards - and the time between those two signals will be translated into a velocity value (the faster travelled means the more energy is put into the hammer). If one of those contacts will fail (due to debris, dust etc. under the silicone hood), there will be no value for the key's velocity (and 0 usually means: not played). The organ has a fixed velocity, so that only one contact is enough for playing the note - depending on your settings, it's the lower or the upper (the latter is more organ-like).

So, there is a good chance that opening the unit up, cleaning that contact and putting all together will solve the issue. When doing so, there may be some points to be careful with: the access to those contact strips doesn't seem to be so evident, and you shouldn't destroy the aftertouch strip when setting the mechanics apart. I haven't done it yet, so can't really tell if you should try yourself in the first place. But considering that parcel service is a risk in itself...

[BaBaBoowee]

Thank you. I did see some you tube videos on this. Looks like that may be the smarter solution. Someone who has done this please let me know if I am thinking straight. I am a musician not an electronics guy. But I can follow directions.

[be lee vit]

A good idea is to make photos of important steps: which cables went where etc...

[be lee vit]

I’ve done it and I don’t think much electronics expertise is needed. FZiegler’s advice above is always a good idea with this kind of endeavor. There are some detailed posts on this forum with pictures. With patience you can use the search function to find them. I found the most difficult part to be the reassembly of the rubber thingies to the board. I found this post in case it helps:
viewtopic.php?p=155802#p155802