Roland SP 303 Technical Issue (Pad Lights)

Hey guys. I picked up a 303 that came with no power supply on CL. RISKY, RIGHT? I got it for $60. At that price, why not take a risk? Anyway, I picked up a power supply on amazon that has the same specifications as the original DC adapter (the one I got has the brand name HQRP).

So... It works. BUT not well. The crystalline display works perfectly, all the pads work just fine. However, the lights under the pads hardly work. The light isn't very steady (flutters? I think that's the right word).

I also went to Radioshack and tried one of their universal adapters, but the pad lights stayed dim, as before.

Has ANYONE experienced this problem? I've called Roland and a few service centers, to no avail. Should I spend another 30 bucks (for the 3rd time) on an actual, official Roland adapter, or would it even matter?

I absolutely adore this little sampler, but all the actions are guided by those pad lights! It makes beat making a strain on the eye balls.

Same here bud. I bought them when they first came out brand new. I busted it out the other week and the first thing I noticed was that the lights were getting dim. I felt a bit hurt when I saw that. I think it aged on me. All lights work, its just dimmer now. You might have to open it up and check the LEDs. Wished a service manual was available.

As long the pads respond, I guess your good. But I love the lights because I play with this guy in pitch black darkness

Interesting that the improper lights don't cause you usage problems since the lights have several functions that they carry out.