PPG Wave Keyboard Mod

Z · Post by Z » Fri Feb 22, 2008 2:45 am

I saw a post on a website or blog last year ( I thought it was on Matrixsynth) where someone had removed the original keyboard and replaced it with the kayboard from a new MIDI controller and had hardwired the controller's MIDI OUT into the PPG's MIDI IN.

Does anyone remember seeing that post? If so, please direct me to that site.

My tech called me today and said my 2.3 is almost ready to come home, but some of the keys are sticking badly. I thought the above idea would be a better alternative to having the original keyboard refurbished.

EDIT:
NEvermind, I just found it:
http://www.seib.synth.net/ppg/mods.htm

Thanks,
Z

waveterm · Post by **waveterm** » Fri Feb 22, 2008 9:13 pm

Before doing such a mod, try it out via Midi first. You´ll get a small delay via the Midi input. If you want to use the PPG in a midi-system it doesn´t matter but if you like to play on its own keyboard it can be distracting.

I´m talking about a very small delay but if your name Dve Gamson you´ll feel 1ms delays easily.

It´s all about the feel.

WT

waveterm · Post by **waveterm** » Fri Feb 22, 2008 9:16 pm

Also, have you had the keyboard upgrade done ? Replacing bushings ?

If not, do it before replacing the whole keyboard.

WT

Z · Post by Z » Fri Feb 22, 2008 10:01 pm

I have not had any of the bushings replaced. My original intent was to just get it operational and use it in my MIDI system.

I guess I'll go ahead and pick it up from the tech and bring it home to see how bad the keyboard really is and how it resonds with MIDI. I'll decide then if I want to order the parts from Alex @ Virtual Music or try to put in a modern MIDI controler keyboard.

Thanks for the tip, WT! You da 'blue' man!

Z

waveterm · Post by **waveterm** » Fri Feb 22, 2008 10:09 pm

Thanks !

I`m not the only one though :

This is cool too :

WT

calyx93 · Post by **calyx93** » Fri Feb 22, 2008 11:09 pm

Hey Z - here's the page with the modified Wave.

Just scroll down a bit.

http://www.hermannseib.com/english/synths/ppg/mods.htm

I'd eschew this mod for the hour or so that you might spend on rebushing the keys - not as difficult as it seems, just requires some patience. Personally, I like the one from Virtual Music.

Good luck with your Wave's recovery - keep us posted

Bitexion · Post by **Bitexion** » Sat Feb 23, 2008 2:58 pm

Bluesynths say the wave keyboard is quite awful no matter what, since the entire keyboard bends downwards when you strike multiple keys. I guess that's why they had the PVK addon keyboard aswell.

calyx93 · Post by **calyx93** » Sat Feb 23, 2008 8:32 pm

It is a very strange sensation to activate the aftertouch - the whole thing does move down - somewhat of a sickening "am I going to break it?" sensation. If you've ever seen anyone energetically playing one, you would be convinced that the up and down wobbling would surely (and shortly) be the death of the synth - but it holds up remarkably well.

Upon receiving my first one, the former owner fixed the keyboard assembly to be rigid - not able to activate aftertouch. That was quickly remedied, though

However, the keys are no worse than any Pratt-Read keyboard of the Wave's age - they all go wonky like bad teeth after the bushings fall apart/disintegrate and the "tongues" get bent. I've seen plenty of Polymoogs, Prophet 5's, and Oberheims with the same problems and they feel just as bad - clunky, clicky and sticky.

waveterm · Post by **waveterm** » Sun Feb 24, 2008 1:01 am

Yes, the bending of the whole keyboardframe is not a fault, it´s a feature.

The aftertouch strip is located in the front of the chassis bottom-plate and the keyboardframe is pushed doen onto the strip.

Very simple solution.

WT