Roland Authorized repair centers

[dead2006]

When i search the Roland site for authorized repair centers, I get a couple of places (an hour away) that specialize in repairing organs. They sound like they can fix my fantom but I get the feeling they have never seen on of these before. On the other hand there is a shop that is closer to where I live that work on synths all the time (not necesarrily fantoms per se) . They are not technially (roland authorized) should that worry me.

Questions are:
1)What does it take to be an "authorized" repair center? is there any protection afforded by going to one of these places.?


2)To those who have been in my shoes, do i go with the "authorized" repair center that has never seen a fantom x or with the non authorized shop that at least works on modern synths on a regular basis.

The latter makes more sense but then again, i am the guy that bougth a bogus fantom in the first place. hahah.

[dbijoux]

A few things, Roland Authorized Service Centers are required for under-warranty repairs. Since you are probably out of warranty, this isn't a concern. However, I would suggest atleast calling them - maybe both shops and getting an idea of what it will cost to get it on the bench.

Also, don't underestimate the organ people, electric and even pipe organs are extremely technical. According to Roland's site, service centers are continuously updated on the product line. Maybe they haven't seen one? Hard to speculate, so I would call and talk to them

Good luck.

[dead2006]

Oh. I did call them. And they indicated they hadn't worked on one but they said they had access to all of the serivce manuals on the roland website. I don't doubt that they are skilled...i was just nervous about their experience or lack thereof with this particular unit. I think all in all we are talking about soldering a few pots which i could do if i had any confidence..so i am sure they are fine...i guess i didn't know what it took to be on the list of authorized centers.

This morning I printed a list of all music dealers in a 45 mile radius...and so far the ogran guys are a little higher. They charge between $50 to $60 per hour plus parts. One non authorized gear shop said there was a flat charge of between $39 and $59 depending on the difficulty of the job..but independent of time. So if it turns out to be tricky and he needs 3 hours to fix it, i will still only pay say $59 for labor and then add in the cost of parts. That seems pretty fair to me..And he was the guy that works on rolands, korgs, yahamas, etc all the time. Only down side is he is backed up and it will take a week to even look at it. doh!

but i digress...

d

[Keyborg_]

I had scratched couple of keys and one rotating knob. I ordered them ftom Roland and got them in one week.
I also fixed brocken solder joint of one pot. It was pretty simple process. it took an hours. Later I opened my X8 agayn and fixed aftertouch problem. Thanks to roland klan people.
If you can manage screw driver and solder iron you can do it yourself or find a hady man wich can help you.
Try to open your baby first. Maybe your pots have just brocken solder joints.

[chubbylove]

how did you open the x8 from the bottom or the top or combo of both? Man that is great that you fixed your aftertouch, how did you do that ?

[Keyborg_]

It was posted by daddio57 ( very smart guy).
You can find it here:

Aftertouch inprovement


I will post few pictures of X8's opening process later.