Topic: Replacing Yamaha action with Fatar, is it doable?

Does anyone know if the connectors are similar for all midi keyboards. I'm considering replacing my Yamaha P85's keyboard action with that of my Fatar VMK188plus.  Reason: the Yamaha electronics are more reliable, but the Fatar keyboard action is better.

Does anyone know if the connectors are similar for all midi keyboards? I know that ribbon cables have been used by Fatar in the past, and a small older Yamaha I have uses something similar. Aside from the physical dimensions etc, that would be my main concern.

Last edited by Michael H (11-02-2011 18:39)

Re: Replacing Yamaha action with Fatar, is it doable?

Probably not possible.

Hard work and guts!

Re: Replacing Yamaha action with Fatar, is it doable?

EvilDragon wrote:

Probably not possible.

Why not?

Re: Replacing Yamaha action with Fatar, is it doable?

Hi Michael,

Getting the values of key-presses is normally done by matrix-scan. This should be independent of the brand but actually there can be a difference how the matrix is split and hence the need of distinct (proprietary) electronics. So it is hard to predict if it works. I know for example that the key-beds of Fatar can be interchanged. But even then, please note that there can be key-bed specific functionality (like after touch) that isn't supported by the electronic that belongs to the interchanged key-bed and vice versa.

But.....I've owned a P85 and had a Fatar DIY keybed from Doepfer. I think they can be interchanged because they use the same key-switches (maybe some soldering and please check differences in voltages / resistances) but, like you already said, things really to consider are:
- different positions of screw-holes
- different dimensions, especially height and depth
- different electronics size

But it depends on what you are going to interchange ;-)

Cheers,
Herman

Last edited by HermanVanAartsen (15-02-2011 09:09)

Re: Replacing Yamaha action with Fatar, is it doable?

Herman,

Thanks for the information. There's a LOT more to consider than I realized. Oh well, back to the drawing board

By the way, welcome to the forum!

Regards,
Michael

Re: Replacing Yamaha action with Fatar, is it doable?

Michael,

Thank you for your kind word of welcome. If you have questions about (re)building a piano you're more than welcome. I've actually tried to build one myself from scratch using a Fatar key-bed and later on a Yamaha P-85 key-bed. Unfortunately this costly mission failed (for both key-beds) but I'm on a Kawai now, which I'm more than happy with.

Regards,
Herman

Last edited by HermanVanAartsen (16-02-2011 07:22)

Re: Replacing Yamaha action with Fatar, is it doable?

Be careful before trying to do that , better get service manuals & study schematic diagrams .

Re: Replacing Yamaha action with Fatar, is it doable?

Shumas wrote:

Be careful before trying to do that , better get service manuals & study schematic diagrams .

Thanks, I've decided to forego the pleasure