Nord User Forum

Hi,
I'm currently using my D50 as the second manual on my 3 tiers set up on top of the stage 2 (On top of the D50, it's the NL2X).
It continues to serve me well, no issues with any contact or keys but I was wondering if I'm not going to make it getting older faster if I use it for all the gigs....Should I buy another keyboard to save its lifetime? Have you had regularly problems with your "vintage" keys? Or am I the only one who has no issue with it after 30 years?
Just a little question
Sincerely

Hi,
I'm still playing with my Korg M1, some sounds really are fantastic.
As well now 30 years old and I got no single issue.

Roland makes a D50 module now, so if yours comes to an end you can replace it easily and add a better controller.

I'm playing my Dx7 mk1, 35 years old and counting!

The D50is very robust and has excellent midi implementation, works great as a controller. The key contacts are relatively easy to clean. I used to own two. It wouldn’t hurt to keep your eyes open for a second D50 at a good price. IMHO.

Ledbetter wrote:The D50is very robust and has excellent midi implementation, works great as a controller. The key contacts are relatively easy to clean. I used to own two. It wouldn’t hurt to keep your eyes open for a second D50 at a good price. IMHO.

You mean, in case I cannot find parts if some of them break?

I think if you love the D50 then it would make sense to have a backup. There are a couple of things that could happen with your original - keys will wear out or break after heavy use and you can have replacement keys available, but it takes time to take it apart and fix (or may have to go to a repair shop). Also, not sure about the D50 but most synths have some kind of battery that stores the presets and it will ultimately need to be replaced. Some synths have the battery soldered in and you may want a pro doing this type of work for you. You could also run across other random issues due to age. Having a backup would give you continuity if one unit needs to be in the shop.

I've had my Roland JX8P since 1985 and it is still working just fine. I do not use it for gigs. The only things I've done over the years is replacing a few black keys that have broken (I have a box full of spares acquired from Roland many years ago). I had a technician replace the battery as well, after about 20 years. I also had the aftertouch updated at that same time - it previously worked, but just barely. Now it is great.

Another thing to consider if you just want the D50 sounds would be the Roland Boutique D05 module.

The D50 has a battery holder. Easy to change but back up everything first. Easy if you have a memory card.

Hi,
Yes, thanks for the more detailed answer and yes, I have already odne the change of the battery twice...The D50 stayed for quite a long time unused and I had to change it, it was done by a super tech here in Winnipeg...
Ok, thansk a lot.
Sincerely

PS: I found one in Zagheb, Croatia, for 300$....But I don't htink I will take the risk with this country...
https://www.ebay.com/itm/ROLAND-D50-wit ... 3383206024

If I were using that setup for live performances, I would have alternate patches on one of the Nord instruments planned as a backup for each song should the D50 fail. By the same token I would have D50 patches in mind if either Nord failed.

You may want to have the D50 professionally serviced— key contacts cleaned, keyboard action cleaned, electronics checked for weak solder joints, any discrete components not performing to spec replaced etc. A failure in electronics could send a nasty spike to your sound system and blow a tweeter or damage some other component.

Maybe these types of service were done when the battery was changed?