KORG ESX-1 - Loose Master Volume Knob - any solution ?

[Hemorrhage]

Hello everyone !

Couple days ago i bought used Korg Electribe SX. Everything is in perfect order, except "Master Volume" knob. It's loose, and even if it's turn on maximum - Korg is playing very quiet, but when I "bend" it a little on right - it's start playing as supposed to. Every other knob are still and "solid" except this one. Is there any solution ? Or do I have to replace it ? If so - where can I find replacement parts ? Thank You very much !

[elsquirrel]

I have this exact same problem. It starts to cut out the left channel when I turn it now as well.

It looks tricky to open the esx-1 up. Any tips?

[Yekuku]

well count me in , i have this problem for 5 years and I have been too lazy to fix it.
If I remember correct the volume pot is a dual 10KB pot , so the part number should be
KORG pn :362X120002 VR R1111RGOA-V1B103FH00 10KBX2
If it is a dual 50kb ( use a multimeter to find out) then the part number should be
KORG pn :362X120003 VR R1111GOA-V1B503FH00 50KBX2
Opening the unit is very straightforward, only the display is a bit tricky.
watch out , lead free solder there, be careful when desoldering the pot or you can ruin the pcb.
If you happen to order spares, I would be delighted if you could sent me one
I hope this helps

[elsquirrel]

Opening the unit is very straightforward, only the display is a bit tricky.
watch out , lead free solder there, be careful when desoldering the pot or you can ruin the pcb.
If you happen to order spares, I would be delighted if you could sent me one
I hope this helps

Can you elaborate a bit on this. How do you get the second metal plate (after you've taken the red on off) over the screen? Seems like you can almost maneuver it, but I can't get it off. What are you referring to when you mention lead-free solder? If I get spares I'll let you know, no idea where to get them though. I was hoping it was a re-solder or clean scenario.

[Rezisehtnys]

Lead free solder takes higher temps to melt. If the potentiometer's contacts have broken free you can just re-solder it and be good to go.

[Yekuku]

Assuming that you have removed all necessary screws, the plastic display cover should be the only thing holding the inner faceplate from the potentiometer pcb.
If I remember correctly 2 sided adhesive tape is used to hold the plastic cover in place but there is no need to remove it, just wiggle it a bit and you will be able to release the pcb from the faceplate. Sorry I dont have no special instructions, just wiggle and have patience.
Check for broken solder joints, if there are not any , then the pot could be broken internally.
About the the lead free solder I have mentioned previously, it is a bit hard to remove this type of solder. Watch out , if you heat it up too many times ,it will get stuck like cement. Heat it more and you will be lifting tracks off the pcb.
The volume pot has 7 legs, it is a bit tricky to desolder, I recommend cutting the legs of the pot and then try to remove it / replace it.


just call korg for for replacement part :
KORG pn :362X120002 VR R1111RGOA-V1B103FH00 10KBX2

[elsquirrel]

Thanks, makes sense. I would never have thought to pull the plastic off. It's stuck down really well!

[elsquirrel]

Well it seems soldered in place fine; there's no movement in the legs. It's the middle shaft part that's wobbly.

I can see why you've put this off for 5 years.

If I do get replacements I'll get a few and send one your way.

[Yekuku]

hey thanks for your offer buddy
it seems that we both have a wobbly shaft that prevents the wiper from making full contact with the carbon rails.
I have removed it / disassembled it and tried to repair it but i got no joy.
You 'd better replace it , good luck.

[Rezisehtnys]

People tweaking away on the volume knob, I'm telling you what.

[elsquirrel]

[gigidamico]

I just opened my ESX1 and the volume master pot has 6 pins NOT 7

[gigidamico]

I opened my esx1 and the volume master pot has 6 pins not 7

Assuming that you have removed all necessary screws, the plastic display cover should be the only thing holding the inner faceplate from the potentiometer pcb.
If I remember correctly 2 sided adhesive tape is used to hold the plastic cover in place but there is no need to remove it, just wiggle it a bit and you will be able to release the pcb from the faceplate. Sorry I dont have no special instructions, just wiggle and have patience.
Check for broken solder joints, if there are not any , then the pot could be broken internally.
About the the lead free solder I have mentioned previously, it is a bit hard to remove this type of solder. Watch out , if you heat it up too many times ,it will get stuck like cement. Heat it more and you will be lifting tracks off the pcb.
The volume pot has 7 legs, it is a bit tricky to desolder, I recommend cutting the legs of the pot and then try to remove it / replace it.


just call korg for for replacement part :
KORG pn :362X120002 VR R1111RGOA-V1B103FH00 10KBX2

[Yekuku]

I opened my esx1 and the volume master pot has 6 pins not 7

You are probably correct about the pins.
The picture was taken from part is parts website, so I guess they had it wrong.
Part number is 362X120002, good luck finding one.

[obsolete]

Heya guys, I bought a used esx1 and it looks like ive got the exact same problem as you guys. Loose shaft, soldered firmly and can't find a replacement Pot.

***Did you guys ever find a solution to your master volume knob?

All the websites have the potentiometer listed as out of production and cant find it anywhere at all.

waiting to hear back from korg and parts is parts.

Thanks!