MicroKorg w/ keys removed

mkq12 · Post by **mkq12** » Sun Dec 23, 2007 10:34 pm

Does anyone remember seeing a website that detailed how to remove the keys from a microkorg, essentially converting it into a sound module? I remember coming across this some time ago, and now that the keys on my korg have failed (due to water damage) I've had no luck searching around for that site. Just wondering if anyone here may have seen it and remembers where it can be found?

Tyler2000 · Post by **Tyler2000** » Sun Dec 23, 2007 11:54 pm

I'm going to take a shot in the dark (I don't have an MK) and assume that the MK's keys are on a silicone contact board connected by a ribbon cable. If this is the case, then you can either unplug or cut the cable. Then all you would need to do is remove the now-useless keyboard board and cut of the extra case. I would also add a nice slab of matching wood to cover the hole you just made.

seamonkey · Post by **seamonkey** » Mon Dec 24, 2007 1:47 pm

The idea of butchering a perfectly working keyboard makes me very sad.

radek tymecki · Post by **radek tymecki** » Mon Dec 24, 2007 1:52 pm

Well it's not hard to make a desktop version of synth

Just remove the keys and cut some things

Yoozer · Post by **Yoozer** » Mon Dec 24, 2007 2:27 pm

precipice wrote:perfectly working keyboard

1) it's ubiquitous, not rare at all
2) it's cheap
3) the tiny keys aren't that perfect
4) most importantly, it stays 100% functional.

JSRockit · Post by **JSRockit** » Mon Dec 24, 2007 2:35 pm

battery powered module... lame. battery powered synth with keys... nice.

Post by **tallowwaters** » Mon Dec 24, 2007 4:17 pm

Yoozer wrote:
precipice wrote:perfectly working keyboard
1) it's ubiquitous, not rare at all
2) it's cheap
3) the tiny keys aren't that perfect
4) most importantly, it stays 100% functional.

and if you read original posters comment, the keyboard isnt working anymore.

seamonkey · Post by **seamonkey** » Mon Dec 24, 2007 4:23 pm

tallowwaters wrote:
Yoozer wrote:
precipice wrote:perfectly working keyboard
1) it's ubiquitous, not rare at all
2) it's cheap
3) the tiny keys aren't that perfect
4) most importantly, it stays 100% functional.
and if you read original posters comment, the keyboard isnt working anymore.

otto · Post by **otto** » Mon Dec 24, 2007 9:03 pm

radek tymecki wrote:

Looks cool too. Get customsynth to print you a custom "panel" and drop the silly genre names and you would really have something unique.

JSRockit · Post by **JSRockit** » Wed Dec 26, 2007 3:01 pm

otto wrote: Looks cool too. Get customsynth to print you a custom "panel" and drop the silly genre names and you would really have something unique.

That's a great idea.

Jexus · Post by **Jexus** » Wed Dec 26, 2007 4:16 pm

radek tymecki wrote:Well it's not hard to make a desktop version of synth

Just remove the keys and cut some things

nice wooden floor you got there Radekk
I thought you had a carpet

alpha5000dk · Post by **alpha5000dk** » Wed Dec 26, 2007 5:58 pm

I like the miniKorg desk top version very much. Very cool! 8)

I really like the Casio CZ-230S very much, and wonder if it will be possible to make the same changes, but I doubt it...

My fingers and mini keys just ain't the right mixture

Tyler2000 · Post by **Tyler2000** » Thu Dec 27, 2007 12:04 am

alpha5000dk wrote:I like the miniKorg desk top version very much. Very cool! 8)

I really like the Casio CZ-230S very much, and wonder if it will be possible to make the same changes, but I doubt it...

My fingers and mini keys just ain't the right mixture

Why not? It would probably require more cutting the case, but it would work fine.

CZ Rider · Post by **CZ Rider** » Thu Dec 27, 2007 12:36 am

alpha5000dk wrote: I really like the Casio CZ-230S very much, and wonder if it will be possible to make the same changes, but I doubt it...

I don't think you could make it any smaller by removing the keys.
The main circuit board is as tall as the outer case. This is '80 technology, not as small as todays electronics. Those 230's and 101's were cramed and made as small as possible. Very well built though.
Here is a 230S with bottom removerd:

The smallest you could make it would be like this 101 where I folded over the circuit boards. Still have to make a case for this one:

CZ lead sound!

alpha5000dk · Post by **alpha5000dk** » Thu Dec 27, 2007 12:48 am

CZ Rider wrote:Here is a 230S with bottom removerd:

Something went wrong with your pic

Looks very interesting with your "folded CZ" 8)