Kontrol S88 MK3 dead/failing keys

rdalcroft

https://community.native-instruments.com/discussion/comment/144410#Comment_144410

You mean this: if so, then in the time I have had the S88mk2 then no, this strip does not wear down or cause and rattling over time. I am sure I have had mine 5 or 6 years now.

But the Dampening strip, for the Hammers, now that's a different story, this does become weaker over time and loses its firmness, Resulting in a loud thud, when the hammers return to rest.

I have had to replace mine with one from Yamaha (closest match I could find). but alas it is not the same density of foam, and is 1mm thicker, resulting in a shorter throw of travel (hammers/key press), affecting velocity, and how hard I can hit the notes. I struggle now to achieve full velocity.

Native Instruments flat out refuses to supply the Foam Dampening strip as an aftermarket part, they state they do not have the means to do so??? Which I think is frankly daylight robbery, and not the correct way to support your customers, when they are out of warranty.

This is the sole reason I am so anti Native Instruments, at the moment, and so against the design of the MK3, and anything they say on these forums. Why would I invest in the S88 MK3, when I know in 2 years, Native Instruments will wash their hands with you, when you request replacement parts. Especially when they are classed as Consumable parts. Meaning items which wear down over time.