MPC buttons really hard to press (all of them!)

Ive had an MPC 1000 for about 5 years and have used it a lot. In the last 2 years the buttons have become SUPER hard to press. Ive replaced the Mode, Window and the arrow buttons literally 2 times each, and even changed the Mode button's sensor itself. But theyre STILL really hard to press and so eventually the plastic button thing always breaks from pushing it too hard to get it to work. Im wondering if its a software setting???
Also the pad sensitivity is just awful even though I've messed with settings. They're the standard buttons but I basically always use them on Full Volume. Its such a bummer - I borrow my friend's whenever I can for playing live because its such a stiff, hard to use instrument.

Any ideas?
I have JJos 1.
I want to take it into a shop but have a feeling they wont know what im talking about..

Thanks

Well you said you already replaced one tact switch if I read that right. Usually it's the tact switch itself that is the issue not the plastic button. But yes you will more prone to bend/snap the buttons when the tact is dying or inconsistent on pushes.

They aren't the best tact switches and only have a lifespan of "x" amount of presses. I've never needed to replace one yet, but search "Tact Switch" here on the forum and you'll find part numbers/manufacturers for ones that are better than the stock ones, rated for many more presses over the switches lifespan.

These are toggle switches there is no setting in the software to change anything regarding pressing them. It's on/off that's it, unlike the pads that respond to different velocities over MIDI, so that you can adjust.

If you have the newer MPC pads in the 1000 (one single sheet vs. the old 16 separate pad sensors) there is still a gap between the pad underside and the sensor sheet. Search here for "Nym Silicone Pad Fix" which can be $5-10, just check on the recommended silicone product. (you would carefully apply to underside of the sheet and close the gap that way).

Or bite the bullet and pay $40 for a set of 1000 Fat Pads from MPCStuff.com. I have them and they are fantastic. It was like getting a new 1000, and it's now as responsive as any other MPC I have, no more forced to use Full Level nonsense.

http://www.mpcstuff.com/pads.html

One last thing on JJOS2XL you can use an external MIDI controller to send MIDI CC's into the MPC and have the MIDI CC's control MPC functions. A big plus with this is to save having to press the MPC's buttons themselves. Maybe not the main reason to upgrade to XL but it is a cool bonus.

Thanks for your reply.
From what you said it seems I'll have to replace a whole bunch of the tact switches. I cant remember properly which one I replaced but I am pretty sure that it too is already on its way to failing. Its strange because other people I know have the same model, around the same production year, and no problems. Mine might be a lemon.. Its frustrating.
Ill look for the better model of tact switches for sure. The one i bought was from MPC stuff but maybe its not the best..
Definitely gotta buy the fat pads too. These repairs are getting expensive i wish they could have fixed some obvious issues in this popular model.. when u see the broken button you can tell how flimsy it is. Why make them that way when its a button youre pressing over and over? strange.

anyways its worth it - my favorite instrument!

Thanks again Ill try what you said.

Have you tried cleaning up the switches with some deoxit? First step probably, worth a try before replacing all the tacts.

i hear you !
just got back my mpc1000 from the shop. i had one tact switch dead (down cursor) ie not responding anymore. and so decided to have that one and ten more among the ones i use most, replaced at the same time.
amazing to think that this machine seemingly built like a tank is only 2 yrs old and even though i use it regularly, it was by no means under "heavy" usage.

btw, that repair done by a professional shop in paris, france cost me about $ 120 to have 11 switches replaced. i don't know how this compares withe the US.