How to Diagnose Problems With an Electronic Keyboard

Electronic keyboards have been around for years now, since at least the 1950’s when home electronics were still in their infancy. Whether you own an older keyboard or a newer keyboard, you might be wondering how you can diagnose problems with it. While you can take it to an expensive repair shop and have an expert look it over, you can also diagnose the problems yourself just by using your own ears. Turn on the board and get ready to listen.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Plug your keyboard into a working outlet and flip the power switch to the on setting to see if your keyboard will turn on. You may have a problem with your power switch so keep an eye on the keyboard to see if it turns on when it’s plugged into a working outlet.

2. Listen for anything that sounds like a loud humming noise. In some older models you may hear a light humming noise, while in more modern keyboards it sounds like a low pitched hum similar to a swarm of bees. That humming sound indicates a problem in the capacitor of the keyboard.

3. Turn on the keyboard and move the power cable and other cables back and forth several times to see if you hear a popping sound coming from the speakers. If you hear the popping sound, you know that you have a problem with the cables, usually a loose connection between the cables and the keyboard.

4. Adjust the buttons and switches on the keyboard, turning it to the right and left and listen for anything that sounds like a swishing sound. This sound usually comes from the keyboard itself and not the speakers. This is actually a fairly common sound to hear in older electrical pieces and simply means that you need to clean out the interior as dirt and dust can accumulate inside.

5. Take your keyboard to a specialist or ask a professional for help if the problem with your keyboard doesn’t fit in any of these categories. You may have a problem with your keyboard that is more serious or requires more work to fix.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure the electrical outlet you use is working by checking it with a voltage meter. In some cases you may think you’re having a problem with your keyboard when you actually have a problem with your outlets.
• Never put any tool inside your keyboard until you make sure it’s unplugged from the wall. You’re risking electrical shock by doing this.