Eletronic keyboard problem.

[vivandorron]

I have had for very many years a 'Technics' Synthesizer, touch sensitive keyboard ( AX7.) which hasn't been played for quite some months.

It is now the case that, whilst all functions appear to be operating, it is only possible to hear the very faintest of sounds with an ear is pressed tightly against a speaker or with the use of headphones; even then the sound is virtually inaudible.

Consequently I am wondering if possible a power surge during a thunderstorm could have caused internal damage to the instrument and that it would be uneconomical to have it repaired; because Technics are no longer in business and it is therefore doubtful that manufacturers parts could be obtained.

Ron

[ChuckFickens]

Well not wishing to be too obvious here, but you have checked the volume?

If it is turned up and still nothing it's possible the amp has blown in it, in which case probably not economical to repair, but as that keyboard has a line output on the back which wouldn't use the amp you could plug a £15 set of amplified computer speakers into it and carry on playing.

[squarebear]

I don't see how a thunderstorm would damage it, unless you left it outside.

[vivandorron]

Hi Chuck.....It's nice to meet-up again with you.

I've wondered if it might be the amp and your suggestion of amplified speakers is certainly worth a try. Cheaper than paying £45, which is the price I've been given just to look at the keyboard and then no doubt be told by the Musical Instrument shop that it's beyond repair and then they sell me a replacement item.

I'm going to go 'on-line' and get a pair of speakers and,if they don't work on the keyboard, I can use them on my Desktop Comp; which is 'wired' for sound but, at present, hasn't any speakers attached.

Now to answer squarebear........Last year my house was struck by lighting and there was a surge of electrical energy; right throughout the building. I had electrical items which were internally damaged beyond repair and they included:- TV set; Video/DVD player; Desktop Computer; plugged in Laptop Comp.and a bedside Radio/Alarm clock. Pehaps my Keyboard was also damaged at that time because I can't remember if I checked it.(Old age can be a problem.)

Thanks both.....Ron

[tamborine]

have you the right amp settings - I have a multi amp adapter & try the different settings; it plays for me eventually.

[vivandorron]

Whatever amplification setting is used on the actual instrument, I still only get a mere whisper of sound. Thanks tamborine for your response on the matter. It does seem that a few computer speakers could be the answer to my problem at this stage.

Ron

[tamborine]

not speakers - amperage....as listed where the electrics are plugged in

[vivandorron]

Sorry tamborine....I am lost by what you are trying to tell me. My keyboard works off a standard 13amp socket on full power without any transformer being involved.( No doubt there is an inbuilt transformer in the actual machine.......but I ain't proposing to open the instrument.)

[vivandorron]

ChuckFickens......Hope you are still threaded to my question and I apologise if I am pushing my luck in the hope that you can give me further advice.

I am serious about getting a couple of amplified speakers and Indemnify you against anything going wrong.

It seems to be that I need to get speakers with 6.5mm jack connectors. Have you any suggestions as regards this factor and can advise me of a manufacturer to go for and a reputable internet supplier.

Ideally, I would wish to have smallish speakers of reasonable power and rear slotted for wall mounting......The reason for such, is that my keyboard is housed in what at first sight would appear to be a side table in my dining room;but the top splits and folds back as a music stand and a make-believe drawer is lifted out then slotted under the table.( Wish there were facilities on AB to show you a few photographs) It is often used as a side table with a heated food tray placed on top. In fact I am very proud of the piece of furniture which I made as a DIY item.....I've digressed somewhat..sorry.! What I intended to say was that wall mountable speakers could be fixed underneath the 'table' which has a back crosspiece for stability. (Sounds ridiculous,doesn't it.!!??)

Ron

[wildwood]

A small chance that it could be dampness?

I had an electric organ some years back and after three months overseas it did the same as yours; very soft sound. Was advised by techie to put it against a wall that did not back to the outside wall.

Shifted it and after two days with a dehumidifier it suddenly went again and never had any problems again.

[vivandorron]

Thanks wildwood for the thought but I feel sure it's not dampness. It's situated on an inside wall which separates the lounge from the dining room.

[romko]

You can ask on your local freecycle group for amplfied PC speakers - on ours they come up quite often.
Most come with a lead terminating in a 3.5mm jack plug. if the jacks on the keyboard are 6.35mm (quarter inch) then you need an adaptor like this:
http://image.shutters...ckground-20617879.jpg

maplin and the like sell them, and you find them included with headphones from the pound shops and market stalls.

On the subject of the amp, it is probably fixable with off the shelf parts - in my experience, at most you 'll need to replace a couple of capacitors and possibly an I.C. or output transistor. Any decent tech should be able to sort it out, try looking for an old school TV repair shop in your area.

Try also plugging in and disconnecting the heaphones a few times - in mnay cases, 'phones mute the internal speakers - the switch contacts may be dirty and doing this might clear it....

[ChuckFickens]

Hi Ron,

I think romko covered the need for a small to large headphone adaptor to connect a normal set of PC speakers to the keyboard.

If I were you I'd take a trip into your local PC world as they will have a large range of speakers on display that you can look at to see if they would meet your requirements with size and mountings.

http://www.pcworld.co...x_xx/xx-criteria.html

[vivandorron]

Thanks romko for your response. I clicked your link and then the thought occurred to me that I could well have, amongst my bits and pieces of audio items, a suitable adaptor/plug; which I have now found. Plugging in and out headphones has no effect and I can appreciate your suggestion about an old school T.V. repairer. in fact I know of one in the next village to where I live. In the meanwhile I am going along with Chuck's idea of amplified speakers. So I'll now have a quick word with him.

Hi Chuck.....Clicked your link for PCworld and have put in an 'on-line' order for a pair of Advent speakers.(A20BC SB09.) They appear to be good value at £14.99 (delivery free).....10 watts output( 5 each speaker.) and, if they don't work, I'll find a use for them on the computer.

Thanks again both for your help. Keep threaded and I'll let you know how I get on with things; as soon as possible after I get delivery of the speakers, which is unlikely before Fri/Sat of this week.

Best wishes.....Ron.

[vivandorron]

Speakers arrived this morning and are o.k. for the price paid. They work quite good on all audio items; except my keyboard on which they produce no better than the almost inaudible sound which I get from the instruments in-built speakers. Consequently, as I now am hearing a pizzicato sound in the background of each note played, I am seriously thinking of just putting the instrument into the rubbish bin.

No doubt I'll be posting a separate question in AB and will list my requirements and invite suggestions for a new keyboard to purchase.

In the meantime, I wish to thank all of you who responded and gave me 'sound' advice. I really did appreciate it.

Ron.