Korg Electribe EMX-1 (1)
This time I tackled a really special and time-consuming project: a full refresh of a Korg Electribe EMX-1.
What made it tricky? Original parts for these classics are almost impossible to find — especially the silicone buttons on the front panel (the same conductive rubber solution used in remote controls). Most of them had stopped responding, and my earlier experiments with conductive glue and stickers were only temporary fixes.
After a long search I finally sourced brand-new keypads from Syntaur (who, according to them, even convinced Korg to do another production run!). Very expensive, but worth it.
Here’s what got replaced & serviced:
- 3 control potentiometers (two types, including one stereo),
- Main encoder,
- Power socket,
- Most of the silicone buttons
- Full internal & external cleaning
The result? A refreshed, reliable EMX-1 ready for many more years of music making.
Repairs like this aren’t cheap — parts alone were about 70% of the cost of repair — but saving a classic synth from the scrap heap is always worth it. I just love bringing these old machines back to life. I hope the owner will be thrilled with their “new” Electribe.
