I have a Fantom X8, approx 2 years old. It is great, but there is a funny noise from the keyboard action for all the keys in a couple of mid-range octaves played by the right hand (i.e. for the two octaves starting about 1 octave above middle C). Specifically, when the keys are released after being depressed, there is a noise from deep inside the Fantom, like a muffled rattle or vibration, very short lived. The keys function perfectly normally in terms of generating sound, and they feel the same as all the other keys when playing (i.e. no vibrations or clicks, or anything like that). It is only really noticeable if playing the keyboard with the volume right down, or with headphones plugged in but not wearing the headphones. It gives the impression as if some sort of foam or other cushioning for when the key is released has become loose, so that when the key is released, the back end of it within the machine is hitting something slightly hard as it falls down rather than being cushioned by something soft. Is this something to worry about? As said, the Fantom plays perfectly well in all other respects, and all the other keys on the keyboard have a normal silent action when released after being depressed. Should I worry? Is it repairable? If so, what it the likely cost? Would welcome a response from Roland...! Thanks
The best thing for you to do would be to call customer services on 01792 702701 and they'll discuss the problem with you and decide the best course of action.
Thanks for this - I really appreciate the reply from Roland.
I have been listening to the vibrating/rattling noise more closely, and it seems to come from the area directly under the 'sampling' button. I pressed downwards a little on the metal upper part of the x8 in this region (right next to the 'G' key that is nearest the sampling button), and the noise disappeared! When I released the (gentle) pressure on the metal casing, the noise came back again. I can also feel vibration through the metal casing from the keys in this region when they are released.
I think something may be slightly loose just under the metal casing that is rattling/vibrating when the keys are released in this region.
From your description it does sound like something is loose inside. If that's the case then it will probably need to be repaired. If you phone customer services they should be able to establish if it does need a repair and, if so, they'll tell you what to do next...they're very nice and will be very happy to speak to you!!
Well, just in case anyone was wondering what had happened with this.... I took my X8 to a great Roland engineer in Guildford, UK. He let me stay in his workshop with him while he opened it up to take a look inside (in other words, he was not one of those engineers who would make me leave it with him while he 'got round to it' a few days later! It was also highly interesting to take a good look inside).
Actually, his first response when I showed up with my X8 was "Do you really want me to look inside because if it is working fine, the keys are working fine, and the sound being generated is fine, then what's the problem?". He didn't think it was enough of a rattling noise to worry about (and indeed, the noise is only noticeable when playing the keyboard with the volume set to 0).... I explained I was worried in case there was a problem with the keyboard action, so he opened it up.
Much to my relief, the keyboard action was fine - no problems, cushions all looking fine, no cracks or any problems in the plastic. Nothing was loose. All screws, printed circuit boards, everything was fine. No problem could be identified. It all looked, in his words, brand new inside. The most likely diagnosis of the rattle was one of two things: either a very slightly loose 'sampling' button rattling slightly in its housing, or those flat ribbon cables rattling slightly against the underside of the metal casing.
In either case, there were no actual problems with the machine, and no indication to start taking things apart to try and eradicate a very insignificant noise. After all "if it ain't broken, don't fix it".
So, now I have a very different perspective. The slight rattle is still there, but it doesn't bother me. I know there is no problem inside the machine, so I don't worry about it. It is not getting any worse. I didn't think it was worth mounting a mammoth effort to take off all the circuit boards to get to that button, and I didn't want to create problems that don't exist, so I am now carrying on as normal without worrying. Amazing how your perspective on something changes after you have been reassured that there is no problem after all!
If you phone customer services they should be able to establish if it does need a repair and, if so, they'll tell you what to do next...they're very nice and will be very happy to speak to you!!
Gareth
Actually, a very officious and curt woman will farm you off to a web site form to collect data.
The number is of absolutely no use for repairs (unless the receptionist has a very perverse sense of humour).
Love my X8, but I need it for a recording session, my keys remain loose, and Roland remain frustratingly annoying.
The reply you quoted was writted in 2008 before the introduction of the MyRoland system (the website you refer to). Since it was introduced the prodcedure has changed so we ask you to enter the details into the system which generates a case in our CRM system for the appropriate party to deal with.
The data collected is needed to answer your query - we don't use the data for marketing unless you check the boxes telling us you want us to and we never share it with anyone else.
