Roland D-50 Failing Buttons

[Italo_DX]

Just bought a D-50 today to replace my SQ-80. I love the distinctive sounds and textures. It's in great shape except for some of the buttons require a pretty firm press to register. The "Internal" button is by far the worst. Can these be cleaned or replaced easily? I've read this is a fairly common issue with these synths.

[Yekuku]

Hi buddy,
yes indeed it is a very common issue , you have to replace the tactile switches underneath the buttons.
Cleaning them with deoxit or any contact cleaning spray wont do much because they have probably passed their life cycle.
Since you are planning on taking it apart you better replace all tactile switches.
The procedure is not difficult, that is if you have similar experience.
The tacts that you need are like this :

You can buy them from most electronic stores, it is not a hard find.
I have many spare tacts for D-50 because I own 2 D50's and I am planning on keeping them for all my life, if you are having trouble finding them let me know.
I hope this helps.

[Italo_DX]

I've seen that type of pushbutton all over the place. What a relief that it's a standard part! Any sites with info on opening the D-50 and getting to these buttons?

[Yekuku]

Not really a tactile switch replacement guide but very helpful:
http://www.bustedgear.com/repair_Roland ... cts_2.html

[Italo_DX]

Thanks for the help. I'm having another issue, the volume slider is cutting out the left channel until it's at 80% or more. Is this also a standard part?

[Yekuku]

Hmm, I dont think that this is a common part... maybe some experienced technicians in VSE can answer this.
Try opening up the slider and cleaning it with deoxit or sth similar. Becareful because you can make more damage.
Also check if the contacts within the slider are slightly bent or if the carbon rails are worn out. Dust/dirt could also be the problem , so a contact spray cleaner can do the work without having to take the slider apart.
If I remember correcly the aftertouch slider is the same part as with the volume slider, so if everything else fails you can switch the sliders and get it working. The d-50 aftertouch is not so sensitive so If you are planning on using it, you have to set the slider to 100%.
I hope this helps.

[radek tymecki]

What are dimensions of those?

[Yekuku]

Hi radek, you are lucky , I have them next to me.
they have 4 legs, the base is 6mm X 6mm X 3mm ( W/L/H ) and the plastic top height is 1.5mm above the base.
I hope this helps