LearnJazzPiano.com archives: Sticking Keys on clavinova.

Mikeondarkstar -- 03/07/2005, 17:17:46 -- #11737

So I have two keys that are sticking on my Yamaha Clavinova electric piano - a most disturbing development.  Its a CLP920 if that means anyhting to anyone.  I have checked, there appears to be nothing jammed between any of the keys, and the friction on the downstroke does not seem different on the sticky keys.  I fear that the problem has something to do with the fact that the action on all of the keys appears to be deteriorating.   Now, I really want to take it apart and fix it.  I was wondering if anyone had any advise or horor stories to share before I commence disecting her.    Thank's

Scot -- 03/07/2005, 19:49:17 -- #11745

Most of the time you can "open up" a keyboard like a washing machine.  Find the screws under the keyboard "lid" and see if you can get it to open up.  Most of them even have hinges to make it easier. Word of caution: Don't just pull out every screw you see, pull out the ones on the bottom that are under the ends of the keys (if there are any), maybe ones that are on the side.  You'll see which ones to pull- they will be in a line. Don't take out any screws that are in the "middle" of the bottom of the keyboard unless there's nothing else to try and it still won't open. You might want to talk or call up the yamaha people. If your keyboard is out of warranty, the techs usually are friendly enough to tell you how to get started. Once you've opened it up, one of the likely problems is the felt that dampens how hard you hit the keys.  Sometimes that felt gets eaten through and then it can cause all sorts of problems. Sticky  keys, keys that make clicking sounds, that sort of thing. If that's the case, the only recourse is to replace the felt or foam rubber (sometimes they use that) with a higher quality material, such as red or green piano felt which seems to last a long long time. In the end, you'll have to use your best judgement of course. I've never opened up one of those keyboards before, or any clavinola for that matter, so I'm just shooting from the hip from my experience with Rolands  and other Yamaha style keyboards.

Mikeondarkstar -- 03/08/2005, 17:45:05 -- #11784

Thank you, Scott.  The job was easier than I thought.  On that model, only three machine screws at the back of the unit need to be removed.  The top panel pops right off ( the piece that the music stand plugs into)and gives you access to the backside of the keyboard.  I saw the felt that you mentioned and cleaned it up a bit.  I gave the entire inside a good blowing out with compressed air and wiggled some things around.  It seems to have rectified the immediate problem so I have gone no further for the time being.  Thank's again for the advice and I hope this additional information can help the next guy.

Mikeondarkstar -- 03/14/2005, 18:58:28 -- #11933

So i have hd my piano apart for some time, trying to get to the bottom of things.  After numerous phone calls, e-mails to tech support, etc, I have found out that my model (clp920) has a faulty keyboard that tends to warp.  Yamaha will send you a new keyboard if you hound them a bit about it.  If you look at the front of the keys they are bent left and right as though the whole thing needs braces.

Copyright © 2005 by Scot Ranney. All rights reserved.

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