Vintage Synth Explorer Forums

Hi,

Just picked up a Hohner Pianet T recently and it needs some minor servicing.

There are two main things I'm hoping for some tips on:

1. Squeaky Keys

There's some resistance (rubbery friction feeling) and a squeaky sound coming from the key levers (not from the sticky pads / tines).
Can I use something to lubricate this? I have electronics contact cleaner, isopropyl alcohol and WD40.

2. Quiet sound

My Pianet is significantly quieter than others I've tried in the past. Any tips on troubleshooting this?
I've read that some people have bent the tines towards the sticky pads to increase the volume, is this recommended?

Appreciate any help!

I've never worked on a Pianet, but I have a passing familiarity with electromechanical pianos.

I would avoid bending tines. Tine manipulation may result in tuning issues. If you can identify the pick-up and adjust its position you'd be better off. Again, I am not familiar with this exact construction, but I have it sort of beat into me that touching the tine for anything other than tuning is last resort.

With respect to the resistance/interference fit going on with the keys. Iso & contact cleaner are not lubricants. They may assist in flushing out some decades old spilled beer (if that's the problem) but once they've taken the ride they will evaporate.

This can make squeaks worse, depending on a bunch of unknowns.

WD40 is a light lubricant, but mind your delivery vehicle. Spray cans are unruly. I would also recommend identifying the source of the squeak before doing anything else. It could be that lubrication is not the best solution.

Maybe the two issues are related to the tine assembly/keyboard being out of alignment? Would be neat if the two issues are related.

Anyway, good luck!