MPC5000 build quality vs. MPC1000

Hi. I currently have an MPC1000 with JJ OS which I use alot. I really like what it does and how it works in my setup. However, the only thing I don't really like about it is how flimsy and cheap it feels. I'm always careful with my gear. However, the MPC1000's buttons feel so cheap (loose & flimsy, not solid and firm) that you really have to be "EXTRA" careful when pressing them. With each press, you just hope they don't give out on you, especially the critical function buttons under the LCD as well as the window and most importantly, the shift key, datawheel, and transport controls. With the JJ OS, I use the note repeat function alot (shift+tap tempo). I also use shift+datawheel alot too when scrolling through samples or setting values. My shift key works fine as of right now. I just hope my shift key or the datawheel or both don't give out on me in the future!!!!!!!!! My "MAIN" button is already giving me problems (it doesn't want to respond unless I press real hard on it!!!!!) so I have to go to another screen and exit to get back to the main screen as a workaround to keep from using the "MAIN" key. I hope the transport buttons don't give out either (especially Rec, Overdub, Play, & Stop) although they also work fine as of right now. That's crucial!!!!! Anyway, this is ridiculous that Akai slacked off on the build quality and for those of you who use the 1000 with JJ, I suppose you've been there or at least know where I'm coming from. This thing really does feel like a toy compared to the older white better built MPCs of yesterAkai such as the 2000xl, 3000, and 4000 (except for the cursor keys on the 4k which also feel cheap). I understand they had to keep the price down but I wouldn've mind paying more for better build quality and solid construction concerning the controls.

With that said, I have a question concerning the new "flagship" MPC, the 5k for anyone with experience with both the MPC5000 and the older MPC models (4000 and prior). How do the function buttons, datawheel, and cursor keys on the MPC5000 feel compared to the older MPCs? Are they solid (firm) or loose (flimsy)? Does the MPC5000 feel like a solid piece or does it feel like it was cheaply built (like a toy)? Are the buttons flimsy and do you fear the buttons and controls will quickly wear after extensive usage over just a few years?

My next question while I'm at it: Are there any serious hardware issues with the MPC5000? I've been reading around on these forums and it seems many users are complaining about the machine crashing. It seems as though there was a bad batch of MPC5000s and a few lemons out there. Is this true? I'd rather buy used and get a good deal (I know these things depreciate just like everything else) but would probably have to buy one new and under warranty or not buy it at all if there are many problematic units out there and only a lucky few actually get the good ones. If the crashing is only software related, an OS update should fix that. I've read OS 2.0 fixed alot of bugs.

I'm interested in eventually buying a MPC5000 someday (quantizable track mute groups = killer sequencer!!!!!!!) but I would definitely like for it to last over time. I currently have a 4k as well and it feels rock solid overall compared to my 1k.

Thanks.

Ok, never mind. After searching the forum, it seems as thought the overall construction of the 5k IS rock solid. However, there are no real comments on how sturdy the "jog wheel" and "buttons" are. Anyhow, I feel pretty confident they're probably much better than the ones on the MPC1000.

I also found out about the hardware defects on the MPC5k.

viewtopic.php?f=29&t=113542&start=15&hilit=mpc5000+lemon

There's another user on these forums too, "daveyP" who made several posts about his lemon MPC5000s. Did you ever get one that actually work for you?

Now THIS really DOES concern me!!! Looks like I'll have to AVOID ebay on this one and forget about the "good deal" idea altogether and either buy new with extended warranty or pass altogether. I really do hate the sound of that.

Are there really that many defective units out there? Darn!!!!

If so, I might just wait for now or either buy new. I'd hate to get a lemon and not be covered under warranty given the defect rate of the MPC5000s. Buying used would be risky. It might work today when you get it but quit tomorrow with no warranty. Then what can you do? Nothing!!!!! Fix it out of your own pocket!!!!

I really do want one of these MPC5000s though. It would make a great backup for my MPC4000 (4 MIDI outs/great sequencer/10 outs!!!) or replacement for my JJ MPC1000 (I have 2 separate MPC/MIDI workstation setups).

Since the 4000 isn't made anymore, it would be hard to find parts for pretty soon. I'd definitely like to have the benefit of a MPC5000 as an alternative or backup. MPC2500 cost too much to upgrade, for from what I've read, is also problematic with some units (lemons). May as well get a MPC5k.

You don't know what the defect rate is on the MPC 5000. No one does. We only know that some people have had problems and they have posted on this forum. We don't know how many others are happy and quiet.

My 5000 has many of the same buttons as my 500. Jog wheel is taller but plastic as well. You seem very particular about build quality so I won't try to tell you it seems better built up top. But life's a risk and things wear out. That's why you have mpcparts.com and service from VST.

MeSoHordey wrote:You don't know what the defect rate is on the MPC 5000. No one does. We only know that some people have had problems and they have posted on this forum. We don't know how many others are happy and quiet.

My 5000 has many of the same buttons as my 500. Jog wheel is taller but plastic as well. You seem very particular about build quality so I won't try to tell you it seems better built up top. But life's a risk and things wear out. That's why you have mpcparts.com and service from VST.

Yep. Very true indeed. I guess I'll just wait until I'm ready and when I really decide to take the plundge, I'll just grab one and not worry about it. Maybe I'm just a bit paronoid right now. If I do decide to buy one and I can really afford to buy a new one, I'll probably buy new. With warranty, I won't have to worry anyway. The last two MPCs I bought were used. Maybe that's why I'm so picky about build quality. I bought them off ebay so I really don't know how heavy they were used before I bought them, although they do work great aside from a few little minor (VERY MINOR) button issues which can easily be fixed. My point is, maybe those MINOR button issues wouldn't exist if I just simply bought new, although it would've costed significantly more. I was just trying to save money by buying used and dodge some depreciation.

Anyway, thanks for your feedback on your experience with your MPC5K buttons. They do seem like good units.

kvmoore wrote:

MeSoHordey wrote:You don't know what the defect rate is on the MPC 5000. No one does. We only know that some people have had problems and they have posted on this forum. We don't know how many others are happy and quiet.

My 5000 has many of the same buttons as my 500. Jog wheel is taller but plastic as well. You seem very particular about build quality so I won't try to tell you it seems better built up top. But life's a risk and things wear out. That's why you have mpcparts.com and service from VST.

Yep. Very true indeed. I guess I'll just wait until I'm ready and when I really decide to take the plundge, I'll just grab one and not worry about it. Maybe I'm just a bit paronoid right now. If I do decide to buy one and I can really afford to buy a new one, I'll probably buy new. With warranty, I won't have to worry anyway. The last two MPCs I bought were used. Maybe that's why I'm so picky about build quality. I bought them off ebay so I really don't know how heavy they were used before I bought them, although they do work great aside from a few little minor (VERY MINOR) button issues which can easily be fixed. My point is, maybe those MINOR button issues wouldn't exist if I just simply bought new, although it would've costed significantly more. I was just trying to save money by buying used and dodge some depreciation.

Anyway, thanks for your feedback on your experience with your MPC5K buttons. They do seem like good units.

I'm like you. I like to buy new with a warranty. I, however, couldn't bear to spend $2300 out the door at guitar center, when I was able to find "new" units on craigslist for $1450 (with ram upgrade). I don't have a warranty, but that $900 bucks I saved can repair a lot of broken stuff.

Yeah, I have to admit, $2300 or even $1799 or something (musicansfriend.com price) is a lot of money for a drum machine. Wait!!! These darn things went back up to $1999!!!! Now that's just crazy!!!!! Why the price fluctuations? Before New Year's they were under $1800. Now they're back at $2000. Not that it's a huge savings or anything, but still $200 I mean------come on. It must've just been a holiday sales special. I think I'll just wait. This is clearly not the time to buy. I'm in absolutely no big rush to buy anyway. Doesn't hurt to shop though.

If I decide to buy, I want to find a GOOD DEAL on a "NEW" unit. H*** I might be able to actually get a good "NEW" unit at a blowout price on ebay with plenty of change to spare (probably without warranty though). If it breaks, the change would cover it, if not, then I would have a great MPC and still be able to reap the benefits of saving money as well. MPCs have always been expensive. But they sound great. Oh yeah, Happy New Year everyone!!!! New year = NAMM, meaning new gear releases. Who knows, maybe Akai will release a new flagship MPC model and the prices of the 5000 would drop down a little.

Anyway, thanks.

Why not go to GC or something and get your hands on one?

Too far away, I live in a small town. Online is pretty much my only option.

The button design on the Mpc1000 is actually fairly solid. The tact switches underneath wear out but are easily replaced if you are handy with a soldering iron (or know somebody who is). I replaced mine with slightly 'softer' tact switches because they have double the life expectancy and am very happy with the overall feel of them (something like 1,000,000 operations vs. 500,000 for the stock ones). Mouser part #688-SKHHAK

The data wheel is something else entirely... Mine was acting dodgy and I was looking for a replacement, and long story short, you can't get them here in the states. Not easily anyway. I ended up just spraying some Deoxit in there and now it works perfectly again. Thank goodness...

patchen wrote:The button design on the Mpc1000 is actually fairly solid. The tact switches underneath wear out but are easily replaced if you are handy with a soldering iron (or know somebody who is). I replaced mine with slightly 'softer' tact switches because they have double the life expectancy and am very happy with the overall feel of them (something like 1,000,000 operations vs. 500,000 for the stock ones). Mouser part #688-SKHHAK

That's what I was afraid of as I haven't picked up a soldering iron in ages.

The data wheel is something else entirely... Mine was acting dodgy and I was looking for a replacement, and long story short, you can't get them here in the states. Not easily anyway. I ended up just spraying some Deoxit in there and now it works perfectly again. Thank goodness..

I'm also afraid of this one. Thank goodness my wheel works fine. But if I keep using it, I feel that it might wear out just like everything else years down the road. I guess this is another reason I should probably buy an MPC new if I do ever decide to buy another one.

I've also just recently read about some MPC5000 owners experiencing premature screen burnouts. It must've been a bad batch of the early units as I don't really hear EVERYONE complainting about that. Anyway, I'm buying NEW if I ever decide to buy at all.

Thanks for the feedback.

Thank goodness my wheel works fine. But if I keep using it, I feel that it might wear out just like everything else years down the road. I guess this is another reason I should probably buy an MPC new if I do ever decide to buy another one.

you'll be spending an extra hundred or two USD for a part that'd cost ya under 2 $$ (data wheel, tact switches)
don't be afraid of picking up the hot iron again. the money you'll save in the long run makes worth knowin

think of it this way - would you expect a guitar's strings to last forever?
nope. you change em when they need it. that same guitar, when the strings break, do you take it to the guitar store to restring?

no, because you're not a chump.

patchen wrote:The button design on the Mpc1000 is actually fairly solid. The tact switches underneath wear out but are easily replaced if you are handy with a soldering iron (or know somebody who is). I replaced mine with slightly 'softer' tact switches because they have double the life expectancy and am very happy with the overall feel of them (something like 1,000,000 operations vs. 500,000 for the stock ones). Mouser part #688-SKHHAK

The data wheel is something else entirely... Mine was acting dodgy and I was looking for a replacement, and long story short, you can't get them here in the states. Not easily anyway. I ended up just spraying some Deoxit in there and now it works perfectly again. Thank goodness...

Works on buttons too...

both are sturdy enough as long as u don't pound them shit 's

5k has slightly better build quality

TreCipher617 wrote:5k has slightly better build quality

care to elaborate how so, they both come from the same company