X8 Key-bed problems

Hi jd.

Welcome to the Roland Clan.

It sounds like either something is lodged in the key bed, behind the keys, or there's some damage to the key mechanisms. Either way, you're going to have to take apart your X8 or have a Roland repair tech do it. I've taken my X8 apart before (as well as an X6 and an XP-80) and can confirm that the weighted X8 key bed is significantly more complex than the synth-action keys of the X6 and XP-80. Unless you're mechanically inclined, I'd suggest having a tech look at it. I'm not particularly mechanically inclined, but have been able to clean the less complex X6 and XP-80 key beds from soda and dust. Luckily the X8 disassembly I did was limited (to reconnect a pitch bend lever lead that had not been attached by a tech correctly), so I haven't had the need to clean the X8 key bed yet.

Kind regards,
Nathan

Hi jd,

I would definitely have a Roland authorised tech look at this problem. Personally, I have had no issues whatsoever with the X8 in any way. But if I DID, I would certainly not try to service it myself. I sunk a chunk of change into this baby and would not risk my lack of mechanical ability in such a case.

Please keep us posted?

Welcome to the Clan

Best,
Vlad

Thanks guys for the advice.

I've contacted a local repair shop, and found that they currently have a 2-3 week backlog of work. With a gig coming up in less than two weeks, I'll need to look for a good chunk of free, no-gig time to be without the X8..

Thanks again,
JD

FYI
A local Roland authorized tech has diagnosed the problem with my X8. He said that the key-bed's 'sub frame' was broken in two places, which was allowing the keys to sag in the middle of the board. The sagging is causing mis-alignment of the keys/hammer action in that area of the board.

The tech has never seen anything like it, and decided to contact Roland about the problem. Since my X8 is more than 2 years old, Roland told the tech they couldn't 'help me out' (i.e. new free replacement parts or entirely new keyboard).

In order to fix the X8, the tech has ordered a brand new key-bed to install into my X8, which will cost me $700 parts and labor (yikes)!

The alternative to replacing the entire key-bed was to only order those parts that are broken. Then the tech would have the tedious process of disassembling most of the X8 to the tune of $600. I guess I'd rather have all new underpinnings vs. only repairing the broken pieces, and for a 'scant' $100 more.

The tech did provide one tidbit from Roland, and that is they've strengthened the 'sub-frame' of the newer model X8s. This to me means Roland has seen this issue before.

Sorry for the long post.
JD

My X8 has been repaired and is good-as-new. It only took the repair technician a few hours to tear things down and replace the key-bed.

Got the X in time for a gig this Saturday.. it's good to have her back!

-JD

Hi JD.

Great to hear all finally worked out, despite the high $700 price tag. I once had my old Roland XP-80 repaired (main board replacement) back around 1997 and it was out for over a month! I know how hard it is being without your keys for so long. Glad to hear you got it back in excellent working condition.

Regards,
Nathan