Quick fix for those broken MPK49 keys

It seems Akai should have shipped a roll of electrical tape with the MPK49 because you can not only use it to improve the responsiveness of the pads but you can also use it to fix those broken lifted keys.

Vid is from a guy who was selling his MPK on Ebay and used tape to hold down three keys.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3xRI8DKNlWI

I tried it and it works quite nicely. I don't know why it didn't occur to me sooner to try this. Make sure to cut another short strip to cover up the back of the tape that is exposed so it doesn't stick when you push the key down.

a quick fix is called an "m audio axiom".

jk

Aside from the cheap a$$ build quality, i still think the mpk49 is a dope ass controller for software cats.......

DJ Supreme wrote:Aside from the cheap a$$ build quality, i still think the mpk49 is a dope ass controller for software cats.......

+1

I took apart mine to figure out if there is a another cheap way of fixing the broken key.
One way is to just remove the spring all together from the rear of the key. The key will sit a little lower than the other keys and rest on the rubber part of the pressure switch but it won't be sticking up a whole 2 inches anymore.

Another option is to insert a small screw right where the plastic piece broke off that held the key in place and cut off the head of the it. Wrap some rubber bands around the end shaft of the screw (this will soften the impact of hitting the plastic keys and the metal screw), slide the key back into place and reattach the spring.

I'll post some pictures when I get the time to do this.

A while back I took mine apart to do the tape mod on the pads so I took these pics. I did try removing the spring but found the key would send pressure data from it sitting on that strip with the square zig zag.

Then I got to thinking if the spring makes it stick up and removing it makes it sit low...how about stretching it out so it's not as tight? I just didn't want to ruin the spring just in case there was some other fix.

I don't know but the tape, while it doesn't look all that great, is pretty simple.


I also thought about about heating up with a torch, or stove burner, a small nail then sticking it in that spot where the clip broke off. What you're saying might just work. Just predrill so you don't crack anything.


Here you guys can see the "clip" with the rubber bushing as it works on C#.

does anybody have any more pics on how to fix a lifted key? I don't understand the fixes above very well..and also I have tried every kind of tape and it still ends up sticking up. Pics and process in detail would be appreciated!

Thanks!

ive had my mpk49 for 2+ years now with no broken key issues.

but ive read that holding the broken piece together with superglue, letting it set.

then reinforcing it with epoxy and then letting it cure. it will be brand new.

this way you can keep it looking the same, and the key is strong and will never break again.

matter of fact I read this on THESE forums:

"Broken MPK49 key? If you didn't manage to lose the plastic hook with the rubber dampener, here's the easiest and most cost efficient way to fix it.

What you'll need:

Phillips screwdriver
Tweezers
Quick set epoxy
Super glue
Small applicator for epoxy (QTip with cotton pulled off, kebob stick, whatever)

- Remove all of the slider and rotation knobs by simply pulling them off. Toss them in a cup or somewhere you won't lose any.

- Flip the unit over and emove all of the large screws on the bottom. These are the screws that have an indentation in the metal bottom of the unit.

- Turn the unit back over (keys facing you) and slowly remove the plastic cover. It won't come off entirely so simply lift it up and fold it over. There will be 2 ribbons connected to the main board.

- There's a small spring that keeps the key connected on it's rear. Simply pull that off and put the spring in a safe place.

- We are now ready to fix the broken plastic piece. Simple super glue won't work because of the pressure the key exerts on the piece, however super glue is still needed. Make sure you have enough light to see and use a tweezers if you can't get your fingers into the area.

- Place a small amount of super blue on the plastic piece AND on the broken end on the keyboard.

- Using the tweezers, take the plastic piece and glue it back into place. Hold it there until it sets.

- After the super glue sets, mix your epoxy and use an applicator to coat the broken section of the plastic. Get a good coat around it so it sets it well.

- WAIT. Make sure it sets to the recommended time of the epoxy. Quick set epoxy is recommended.

- When it's completely dry, put all the parts you took off back on and wait a few months til another key breaks.

WALA "

WTF???

Heres a quick fix...put in two weeks at the job and buy the MPK61 or MPK88...

***THREAD JACK***

Ok... I'm late...

When the Fk did Nukai put out an Special Edition MPK49??? Did it come with non-destructable keys? An external power supply? WTF???

http://lasvegas.craigslist.org/msg/2332521637.html

I think the MPK49 SE had flashing lights on the keys.

JUKE 179r wrote:WTF???

Parcel force decided they wanted to play a game of football with my shiney new (ish) mpk.

I'd not of had much luck fixing it either. I'd would have to of matched up 42 of the 49 little plastic bits to the same keys they broke off of as they'd not sit right otherwise where all the breaks are diferant.

Got a refund anyway