Suzuki SS-100 Digital Piano Repair – Sticky Keys

Question:

My Suzuki digital piano model # SS-100 has 8 black and 3 white keys that stick. Where do I find a repair person around Lincoln, Ne? I called Dietz Piano and they do not repair Suzuki Pianos, and inferred it may be a problem to find a repair person. I purchased my piano 10/11/05 from Pallas Music in Kearney, Ne. 2023 Central Avenue 68847 thinking it was a reliable instrument. I haven’t used the Suzuki SS-100 digital piano very much, at the time I didn’t know how to play and was going to take lesson, the best laid plans etc.

I decided this Feb to give it another go and found the keys sticking, every so often I would try to play it, so it hasn’t been used much. To say the least, I am disappointed in this product. Please inform me of a place to call and find a service person for my Suzuki SS-100 Digital Piano. Thanks, Joann Dolezal

PS:
Here’s a video that shows you how to fix your suzuki digital piano…

Answers:

I had Sticky Keys on Suzuki SS-100 Digital Piano
by: Matej (Los Angeles, CA)

Hi sound fans 😉

This is how I fixed a “Suzuki SS-100″ keyboard that had ‘sticky’ keys. I made a video of the entire procedure, so anyone could help themselves, if they run into the same situation with their keyboard.

I looked up online to find a solution. I learned that it is quite common for this Keyboard to have a problem with sticky keys, and that Suzuki company itself prepared a REPAIR KIT to use, and resolve the issue.

Of course, one has to order it and pay for it. It does not come FREE. But I ask you, what is better?

A) Throw such a keyboard in trash,
B) sell it very low,
C) pay small amount of money and fix it yourself, and keep using it?

I chose option C, because I choose to fix things, if possible, and benefit on using them.

This is the link to the video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VB1Fn7KcvU

I wish you all the best. – Matej

Suzuki Digital Piano Keys Hang Low
by: Anonymous

I had an issue with my Suzuki GP-3 and I did a research and found a company called VMI Electronics (619)244-0006 they found me a technician in my area also there is a repair kit called Key Mod that fixes issues with the keys hanging low, here is the link to order it on ebay:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Key-Mod-Piano-Rod-Replacement-Kit-/190822310728?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2c6de56348

SS-100 sticky key repair
by: Blair

I watched Suzuki’s repair video and then read the online instruction.

I purchased two 3/8″ rods x 36″ at Ace Hardware. Cut one into 1/3 and 2/3 lengths to drive out the old rods. Be sure to clean the resin from the new rods when you purchase them, this gums up the holes if you don’t. I used a medium steel wool, then polished them with a fine steel wool.

The old pushed out easily with a rubber mallet using the 1/3 new rod. When this was 2/3 in, I pulled it and used the 2/3 length rod. Grease the new rods as you drive out the old ones, keeps the holes lubricated. I could push/pull the new rods by hand when they were 2/3 of the way through the keyboard assembly. Finally, I used the 36″ (permanent) rod to push out the last of the original pins. Keep it greased, this fit perfectly.

As noted, I didn’t clean the resin from the new rods when I started to drive out the old rods. The resin gummed up the two highest keys, so I wrote them off. Suffice, clean the new rods.

I spent $10.00, used in house steel wool and owned my own rubber mallet. Even if you have to buy it all, do it. Works great and if it gums up again, I’ll do it in less than an hour. It takes about 3 great CD’s of time to do the work and you get to enjoy great music. Have fun – Blair, Rutland VT

Fix it on your own
by: Rick

I agree with the person below buying the rods at home depot or lowes!! do not forget the grease!!!

WATCH THE VIDEO!!
It is easy to solve this problem ! ! !
by: Anonymous

Just watch the video suggested on this page.
Don’t buy the repair kit from Suzuki for this Digital Piano fix:

1. It is expensive. Way too much: $12 thing, charges over $100.
2. You can never get hold of them although you called, left messages, or sent emails. They just don’t answer.
3. It is easy to fix it yourself.
4. Don’t remove the keys off. Leave them alone.
5. You can buy 2 round metal rod from Home Depot. The original rod is 8.37 mm in diameter. The one I bought is 8.31 mm. It is $4.99 + tax. The length is 3 feet. You need to ask Home Depot people cut a 1′ and 1/2″ part off from the second rod. Put these 3′ + 1′ and 1/2” into the hole.
6. Before you put them in, trim the end of rods smooth.
7. Put the part back – That is it (a cost of $12 + 2 hours)!

The price for the kit is increasing
by: Anonymous
I found they increased the price of the kit recently. We should never buy a Suzuki piano again.

Fixed the Suzuki Digital Piano after watching the video
by: Rick
On 10-19-2011 after watching the repair video many times, I fixed my Suzuki SS-100! It’s not that hard to do but I suggest watching that Video on YouTube or the link that was posted on this website. I had already had my piano apart before the video was posted and I was waiting on the parts to come in and by luck the video was posted and gave me the courage to go finish this job.

Thank you for the Repair Video
by: Rick

That piano repair video is perfect for my situation! I just have to get my nerve back up to finish. I got the kit in yesterday 10-17-2011 and I have had the piano apart for the past 4 weeks waiting on Suzuki to send me the kit. I still feel that Suzuki should have recalled this model instead of charging $109.00. I will never get anything from Suzuki again. I left e-mails & called support many times and finally after 3 weeks someone called me. There is no Suzuki dealer within 100 miles from my location and if i had all to do again i would have ordered the Yamaha on the same budget! Just my two cents worth! lol
Fix it yourself – it is easy!
by: Matthew

It is not that difficult. Actually, it is quite easy. I did it and made a video of it:

Best, Matthew

Fix sticky keys on Digital Piano in no time
by: Anonymous

Help yourself with this link:

http://www.youtube.com/user/ABCrepairs?feature=mhee

*you do not need bunch of hours or the whole day to do this!

Just finished fixing my Suzuki SS-100 Digital Piano
by: Joe
Just finished fixing my Suzuki SS-100 Digital Piano…I want to thank everyone on this site. I used your advice and just finished repairing my SS-100 piano with sticking keys. I tore it completely apart and bore out all of the nylon bushings, it works perfect now. For anyone attempting to do this job themselves, it took me around 10-12 hours, and you must be meticulous. There are hundreds of screws, and you must be very careful not to lose the small springs and little pointed rubber caps where the counter weights contact the keys. I used (very sparingly!!!) silicone “bulb” grease from the auto store (on the advice of a local music shop). I would not recommend doing this job yourself unless you are very “mechanical”.

Suzuki SS-100 Digital Piano Repair – Sticky Keys
by: Rick
o.k. i have the same issues and i have taken my Suzuki ss 100 piano apart and i got directions from Suzuki but i am not 100 percent sure the location of the rods. They said the original rods are white and the new rods are clear but all i see is what i think is black rods, if i am looking at the right location of the drawing that was e-mailed to me. Any one please! I am wondering why this keyboard wasn’t recalled? The repair kit is $100.00 plus another $10.00 shipping. I know I will be buying Yamaha from now on for these low budget pianos.

Sticky Keys
by: Paul Cunningham
I recently repaired (2) SS-100s with sticky keys. I took the suggestion of drilling the teflon eyelets on the pivot end of the hammers. I used a 5/16″ drill bit to gently ream the eyelets. I did not grease them since they were made of teflon. They work perfectly again. I would not add grease to anything. The plastic parts had enough grease on each unit for the entire assembly line. The excess grease seemed to make its way to the teflon eyelets. Over a period of time, they developed a sticky coating in between the shafts and the eyelets. As a result the keys start sticking. Anyway, that’s my interpretation.

Get the kit here
by: The Tech
Call Suzuki – that’s where I buy the kits from. Wouldn’t this be the first place you would contact anyway? 1-800-854-1594 -The Tech

Repair Kit for SS-100 (equal to SS-90)
by: Dorus
Without the kit and instructions I unscrewed all bolts on the bottom. removed the cap, disconnected one strap and had to find out how to remove the keys. Once that was done, I turned the rack upside down, unscrewed the printplates in order to free the racks of counterweights (there are 12 and a shorter one). As I did not work with axles with narrower diameter, I choosed to widen all of the 88 holes (fractionally). This will make them move freely on the axle (even without grease) so that they are not longer tightened.

Where can I get the repair kit, please
by: Anonymous
Can you please tell me where I can get that repair kit for the sticky keys issue for ss100? What’s the website/e-mail address to order it from (or phone number)? Thank you in advance.

Actual Solution
by: The Tech
Hello All, This is a common issue with Suzuki keyboards – I have three in my shop right now with this same issue. You need to replace the rod that runs through the pivot point of the keys. You can purchase a kit from Suzuki, they call it an “ACE-KIT A” which includes new rods, grease, and detailed instructions. The kit will set you back about $50 and is NOT a simple installation process. Expect to spend a minimum of 2-3 hours – probably more. This is the only true way to repair sticky keys on these keyboards as the nylon bushings have become swollen with age and will bind with the existing rods unless you replace them with the new kit. Hope this helps.

Suzuki SS-100 piano is garbage
by: Anonymous
I have a Suzuki SS-100 piano. It’s seldom used. But, it has many keys sticky. I contacted Suzuki serviceman and was told that it’s not free !!!!

Suzuki ss100 Digital Piano Sticky Keys
by: Lisa
It still seems to be too technical for a person like me. I also have the same problem on my Suzuki ss-100 Digital Piano but don’t feel competent enough to do the things that are mentioned here. Any idea how much would it cost me if I ask somebody to have a look at my piano and fix it? Thanks – Lisa

Suzuki ss-100 Digital Piano Sticky Keys
by: Anonymous
I had that problem on my Suzuki ss-100 Digital Piano. Once it starts it will only grow worst. I completely disassembled the unit. The problem is caused by swelling of the nylon casting at the swivel points. I drilled the hole of each nylon bushing and now the piano is working again. I used a drill of the same diameter as the hole. The minimal movement while drilling was enough to free the keys. I also had to stretch the springs a little bit. I do not use any grease but if you do, make sure it is suitable for plastics (not lithium, and by no means use WD-40).

Using WD-40 is NOT recommended in this case
by: Terry
Somebody suggested that I use WD-40 (lubricating product that displaces moisture) but it seemed to have an opposite effect on my Suzuki SS-100 Digital Piano. Few more keys have stopped working. Another friend of mine suggested that I take the springs off from the top most and the bottom most keys (which I never use) and use it for the affected keys. I am not convinced about this approach though. Any better solution for this problem?

Suzuki SS-100 Digital Piano Repair – Sticky Keys
by: Jerry
Hi Joann, I think you should contact suzuki piano support and explain your problem. There are a few things you could try out if you are one of those types who can fix things on your own. Otherwise, just try contacting Suzuki pianos support. Besides, sticking keys seems to be a very common problem on the SS-100 Digital Piano. I read somewhere that a replacement shaft kit is available that will resolve the problem. Sad part is that you will have to buy the kit. Should have been a free fix if so many users of Suzuki SS-100 digital pianos are complaining!!!