We recently had a query about servicing intermittent Orchestron keys, and Robert typed up this guide, which I thought would be helpful to add to the blog:
The Model A is basically a modified Optigan® chassis in a different box. Usually these don't have key contact problems. The other models (Model B, Model C, Model D and their variants) have "J-wires", which are gold plated wire contacts that are pushed against a common bus rod by the keys. These models have key contact problems. There are two things that should be done to eliminate flakey keys: 1. Replace all the capacitors on the keyboard PCB 2. Replace all the J-wires The capacitors get leaky over time, causing a small DC current to flow when you press a key, creating an audio thump. Even if yours doesn't thump on every note, you'll be doing yourself a favor to replace them (you'll have to remove the PCB anyway to remove the J-wires--next step). I recommend using quality film capacitors, which will last forever. Make sure the voltage rating is at least 25V (the bigger the voltage rating, the larger the cap so don't go for too high of rating or you'll have a problem fitting them on the PCB.) The J-wires must be replaced. Don't try to clean-sand-polish them. It will only be temporary and will give you grief later. I buy J-wires from Carla Batman at Organ Service Corp: P.O. Box 372 Marengo IN 47140 Email: carla@organservice.com www.organservice.com The J-wire part number is 999-036-00 (CONTACT, KEYBD LOOPED J-WIRE). Email her to ask for current pricing (used to be around $1.50 per wire). This is not a fulltime job for Carla, so it may take her a few days to get back to you. The J-wires from Organ Service Corp are not exactly the same as the original Orchestron J-wires, but they are easily modified to work by making two cuts: 1. The original wires are "J"-shaped; the new wires have a coiled-spring bend. If you cut halfway up the first coil, you can get the wire into a j-shape. 2. The new wires are too long, so the lengths need to be trimmed. I do this as a last step after soldering them into the board so I can ensure they are all trimmed to the same length (using the original wire lengths as a guide).
Comment 1
January 24, 2017 at 11:41 pm
For those of us that have an Optigan® we know the pain in the ass feeling of pushing a button down and it not working right like our Orchestron brothers.
Luckily, there’s a guy that does Optigan® button repairs and cleanings in NJ he’s pretty good, quick turn around, reasonable on price. I tried Guitar Center and Sam Ash no one knows what an Optigan® is or how to fix the button issue, this guy knows his stuff. You have to drop it off and pick it up, i managed to fit the Optigan® in my Honda Hatchback.