Problem with Univox CP110 (compac-piano)

[jpnoll]

Hi folks,
Thanks for allowing me to get involved here. My name is James and I just bought a Univox CP110 Compac-Piano for $50.00 from a pawn shop. It powers up, has no power supply noise (caps are still good) but on of the black keys is stick. i opened up the chassis and flipped the keyboard up and noticed that the key moves ok but something is impeding the key from returning to its home position. The contact spring makes no contact when it should be fully up, which it isn't. I have to pull it up to get it to be in the correct position. Does anyone have any suggestions? i tried using contact cleaner and then realized it might "burn" the plastic. (triclorethane?) unknown chemical but smells like tri clor. the contact springs are pretty weary too and several are about to break.

James

[EdisonRex]

Hi and jpnoll!

I'd be more worried about foreign matter having gotten into the key movement somewhere. Air (either blowing or sucking with a strong vacuum) might dislodge it, although it might be something sticky like beer or soda. 1,1,1 tri probably won't hurt the keys, although any oil or other lubricant might be a goner if you use it. I'd use it on a cotton bud/Q-tip to clean oxidation off of any springs (gently).

But if the key is binding, it's more likely something sticky is in the hinge/rotator.

[EdisonRex]

Have you seen this site? might help a bit, at least with some pictures in various states of disassembly. Especially the part where there's a keyboard taken apart.

I haven't seen one of these in many years.