Syntaur’s New Roland Key Hammers: A Game-Changer

Cracking the Old Code

If you’re rolling with a Roland digital piano from the ’90s or early 2000s, chances are your keyboard’s action relies on those key hammers for that authentic feel. Problem is, these old-school hammers aren’t exactly built for eternity; they’re prone to breaking in the most inconvenient ways. When those hammers snap, your keys won’t bounce back to their proper resting spot. Nothing more frustrating than hitting a key and having it stay down.

Sam from Syntaur kicks off the video by talking about how common these issues are, especially if your model’s from that retro era. We’re talking digital home pianos, portable stage pianos, and even some synthesizers like the XV-88. They all share the same weak link in the form of vulnerable hammer weights. With Roland’s original manufacturing line kaput, it’s been a barren wasteland for spare parts for a while now.

Before you go tossing your trusty old keyboard, Syntaur’s stepping in with a solution that promises to bring your gear back to its glory days. They’ve got replacements ready that are not just stand-ins but improvements on those frail originals.

The Next-Gen Hammers in the House

Let’s get real: a broken piano key is about as useful as a broken mixtape. But here’s where Syntaur flexes their muscles. They’ve gone back to the blueprint to redesign those key hammers. The goal? Make them tougher than before and fit like a glove without the clunk or scraping that could ruin your jam session.

According to Sam, Syntaur took a full year to get these things just right. They’re built with tolerances tighter than a drummer’s snare, because the last thing you want is a hammer scraping up against the innards of your instrument. And the material? Forget the old lead weights – these new hammers are sporting something that looks like solid gold. It’s a minimalist’s bling, and the perfect marriage of form and function.

You got options, too. Whether you want to replace just a tricky set of hammers, snag an octave’s worth, or go all out with a full 88-key upgrade, Syntaur’s got your back. Mix and match to your chords’ content, because once everything’s installed, your fingers won’t know the difference between old and new.

DIY Shred: Swapping the Hammers

So you’ve got your snazzy new hammers – what’s next? Time to dive under the hood and give that keyboard the TLC it deserves. Sam keeps it real by acknowledging that each Roland model might need its own set of magic tricks to open up. While the KR370 is his demo keyboard, you’ll probably need to hunt down a service manual or the good old Google to figure out your own model.

Once you get in, it’s actually smoother than you’d think. You don’t need to yank the whole keybed out unless your model’s got a weird setup. Generally, it’s about removing a few screws, popping off the board, and—voila—you’re in. It’s plug-and-play from there, reverse the removal, feed the shiny new hammer weights through, and snap the keys back in place.

The fear factor here is basically nil. With a little patience and Sam’s step-by-step, you’ll have your Roland feeling primo in no time. Give each key a test run, and pretty soon you’ll have a deck that’s naughtiness-free and ready to groove.

In the Afterglow – Your Revamped Keys

Alright, so you’ve swapped out the old hammers for the shiny new Syntaur versions. The keyboard is bundled back up, and it’s time to fire it up. Sam assures us that even though these hammers might look different, their performance is smoother than a street sax at midnight. Your fingers will glide effortlessly, oblivious to the transformation beneath.

Replacing all 88 hammers is like giving your keyboard a complete overhaul, turning it into a lean, mean, music-making machine. This isn’t just maintenance – it’s an upgrade, a transformation. And let’s not forget the touch of street-cred bling that comes with these fresh hammers. Once everything is back in place, your keys will feel like new, and your tunes will be tighter than ever.

So, why is this a big deal? Because not only are you extending the life of your hardware, you’re breathing new life into it. Go from wonky to wonderful, set to impress your audience, no matter if they’re in a cozy living room or at a bustling street gig. As Sam likes to point out, it’s all about elevating your sound and staying true to the groove.

"once everything is closed up, your fingers won’t know the difference."

Final Jam: Keep The Beat Alive

"get ready for some new feedback like, 'Damn, Playboy, that sh*t is tight!'"

As Sam wraps things up, he reminds us of the good stuff these new hammers bring to the table. If your keyboard’s been acting up, it’s high time to swap out those malfunctioning parts for something that’ll keep pace with your musical ambitions. He’s leaving us with the promise that a little elbow grease and a slick new set of hammers can turn a tired old keyboard into a powerhouse of potential.

With these upgrades, your keyboard isn’t just surviving—it’s thriving. Your days of hearing, “Whoa, those keys are a bit saucy,” are over. Instead, folks will be saying, “Man, that rig’s got some serious kick!” It’s all music to your ears, literally. And isn’t that the whole point of this journey?

At the end of the day, it’s about keeping your tools fresh and functioning. Props to Syntaur for making it possible to extend the life of vintage gear. So, if you’re still playing those classic beats or crafting new ones, don’t skimp on the essentials. Keep the keys alive, keep the rhythm tight, and keep your audience coming back for more.