Nord Lead 1
Another synthesizer from this respectable brand in my workshop. And yet another instrument that was very well designed with potential servicing in mind. This particular unit suffered from the following faults:
- partially non-functional control panel microswitches,
- the instrument occasionally freezing during power-up,
- problems with the velocity response of the D#3 key.
As part of the repair, all of the control panel microswitches were replaced. Interestingly, and as is typical of other instruments from this brand, the manufacturer used rather unusual and very expensive switches here (Marquardt 6450), which, as it turns out, did not prove to be particularly durable. Their only advantage is that they do not require an additional keycap, as it is integrated into their plastic housing. Nevertheless, their price, several dozen times higher than that of a typical switch, does not translate into better component quality.
As for the intermittent freezing issue, I have to admit that, despite my best efforts, I was unable to reproduce the fault. As a preventive measure, and also due to the age of the instrument, I replaced all electrolytic capacitors on the mainboard, control panel, and power supply. Interestingly, the power supply uses rather expensive axial electrolytic capacitors, probably due to the limited vertical space.
As for the problem with the velocity response of the D#3 key, the conductive rubber contact strip under the keyboard for this octave was replaced. The damaged (but not broken) ribbon cable connecting the keyboard to the mainboard was also repaired.
Finally, the inside of the instrument and the control panel were thoroughly cleaned and the damaged power cable was replaced.
