Repairing a Digital Piano

[the romantic]

Hello All,

I had been having some problems with my CLP-990, and needed to get it fixed.  I've had the piano for about 10 years, but I'm reluctant to replace it as it is still superior to all the new Clavinova models out there.  To improve upon it, I would have to shell out for an AvantGrand.  Instead of this, I wanted to see if I could get it repaired.  As you know, digital pianos don't usually need servicing or repairs, so it can be difficult to find someone who specialises in this area.

After much searching, I'm pleased to say that I found an excellent technician!!  His name is Mike Richardson, and he has long experience working for Yamaha.  He is easily approachable, friendly, and extremely knowledgeable when it comes to any type of digital piano - not just Yamahas.  Most importantly, for me, was the fact that he was able to source parts that nobody else could supply.

I wanted to make this post in case there are other people out there who might be forced into buying a new piano, when there may well be a relatively cheap repair option available to them.  If you are looking for a reliable and experienced technician, I highly recommend this gentleman.

Mike is based in the UK, and can be contacted on 07815 739 278, or by E-mail - micksbiz@gmail.com


Martin

[micksbiz]

Martin many thanks again for that nice message in fact I need to tell the readers that you single handed have repaired the keybed in what is one of Yamaha's most complicated frames also you truly got the better of it through persistence and I think it certainly pays off when you stick at something. Afterwards you retain the knowledge and also get the satisfaction of knowing you repaired it.

I guess it must be a very nice machine to play with a frame the same as the CLP 265 baby grand frame I think in fact. Even the synthetic ivory frames in the CVP409, 409GP and 509's are pretty simple by comparison.

From my perspective I am 10 years on all the keyboards mainly the top end one's it's true but as the volume of keyboards dwindled with the recession I decided I would do Clavinova's. I term it like that because I certainly was not asked to do them. In fact it wasn't exactly a choice as a subject for me but I have also enjoyed repairing them even from the non musicians perspective. I'm not sure there is any future in it but as I have now carried out the second largest amount of warranty repairs for Yamaha in the UK this year 2012 so far and the most outside of Greater London I may as well at least try to keep up the good work.

Thanks very much for the article as you well know very few big companies seem grateful of the work carried out by individuals but I'm happy with my work and we will see in the future if Yamaha are the kind of company that need people like me or not.

In the tradition of good service I'd like to think they will use the people that have helped so much to give support to the customer be it warranty work or older models. I know if you thought they were making a product as good as the one you own at the right price you would buy it.

take care for now Mike Richardson