EX5 Parts Resources?

[richhoo007]

Hi folks, glad to be a part of this group and communicate about my EX5. Recently acquired she's in need of some serious TLC. Prior owner told me just a couple of keys did not work but that was a drop in the bucket when she arrived! (see images). It made me sad that he did not disclose all these damages/details prior to shipping, but I'm more determined to try and get her back to former glory as much is possible. So - I've replaced about 6 keys successfully, and I'm working on potentiometers (2 appear to be non functioning). All these things are well within my capability and all other functionality appears to be good (most importantly) - its just bodywork now...
My challenge is sourcing parts. Does anyone have ANY recommendations, or parts themselves that could help me I'd be happy to pay for of course? I need both end caps most of all, and a single control knob. I have a volume slider on order - so got that at least. I'm keeping my eyes glued for a 'parts' unit of an EX5 of EX7 everywhere I can (I think they use same parts correct?), but if anyone has any leads... I'd sure appreciate it. In addition - what would be the best upgrades I could add to this EX5? I see a Flash Rom kit from guys in the UK that seems like a good start... adding SCSI option worth it? Just finding my way right now. This thing sounds so great!
Thanks all!

[Derek]

Hi.

Maybe that damage was sustained during shipping?

I cannot help source the parts you are after, but it would do no harm to try calling you nearest Yamaha country agent and ask for their spares dept. You never know they may still be carrying some parts until stock is exhausted

[parametric]

Probably, Intact Case-Parts will be the hardest to find.

Try to find a "spares or repair" EX5 would not be a bad idea . . . .

Here's a couple of suppliers you probably already know about . . .

Individual parts DO exist, but due to the age of the EX5 - are often out of stock . . .

syntaur.com/yamaha_ex.html (BOTH end caps are OOS - for instance)

synth-parts.com/en/Keyboards/Yamaha/Yamaha-EX-series/Yamaha-EX5/

Hope that helps

parametric

[jima]

You should try Sontec (http://www.sontec.co.uk/parts). I found them very helpful when they sourced an LCD display and some bank switches for one of my EX5's. They apparently have access to Yamaha Europe spares inventory so if they can't get it probably nobody can.

[richhoo007]

Hi.

Maybe that damage was sustained during shipping?

I cannot help source the parts you are after, but it would do no harm to try calling you nearest Yamaha country agent and ask for their spares dept. You never know they may still be carrying some parts until stock is exhausted

Hi Derek, it was actually shipped this way. The packaging was quite good so this was definitely destruction PRIOR to ship. Still hurts though!

[richhoo007]

Probably, Intact Case-Parts will be the hardest to find.

Try to find a "spares or repair" EX5 would not be a bad idea . . . .

Here's a couple of suppliers you probably already know about . . .

Individual parts DO exist, but due to the age of the EX5 - are often out of stock . . .

syntaur.com/yamaha_ex.html (BOTH end caps are OOS - for instance)

synth-parts.com/en/Keyboards/Yamaha/Yamaha-EX-series/Yamaha-EX5/

Hope that helps

parametric

Thanks Parametric! I have looked at both of these. I'll keep checking in with them, but may be a LONG wait. I have seen a parts EX5 on Ebay in Hawaii, but all attempts to get them to send me or send pieces have been in vain so far.

[richhoo007]

You should try Sontec (http://www.sontec.co.uk/parts). I found them very helpful when they sourced an LCD display and some bank switches for one of my EX5's. They apparently have access to Yamaha Europe spares inventory so if they can't get it probably nobody can.

Great thanks Jima! I will definitely give this a go. It makes me sad to see this amazing synth in this shape, and with the end caps and a little additional TLC she'd be back to good health! thanks again, R

[Saul]

Such a shame to see a keyboard like the EX5 in that state. I would have sent it back or at least negotiated a hefty discount!

We have a member on the forum who buys damaged keyboards and repairs the casings using the same techniques as you would for car body repair and when he's finished they look like new. So that is one road to go down, assuming you can't source the end caps.

Yamaha do carry a huge stock of spares going back decades, although of course as time moves on those stocks are dwindling. Also as Jima mentioned, in the UK at least most of the spares have been moved to a third party to deal with and I would imagine it is the same in the states and elsewhere. Always worth a try though.

[DevonB]

Within the last few weeks I also bought a EX5. Sadly, it too was damaged in transit on the back right endcap. I did call Yamaha for the right end cap. Its part # is VY870400. It's not available from Yamaha anymore. I also contacted my local Yamaha authorized repair facility. They too could not source the part from several of their vendors they typically get parts from. Thankfully mine is mostly a small chip the size of your pinky fingernail and a crack that goes up the side about 3 inches or so. The power switch is a bit finicky to get it to latch, but not sure if that was from the drop damage or just age. Otherwise, this unit was in gorgeous shape (outside of a lot of DUST!) I bought this to replace my W5, and oh man, am I glad I did! The sounds in this are FANTASTIC! I haven't touched this board since probably 1999 at Mars Music, and forgot how good it sounded. Significantly better sounding than the W5 more 'gm-flavored' presets.

Good luck on finding the chassis. Thought I'd share my experience at least.

Devon

[Derek]

The EX5 is still awesome in sound and such a shame you have a damaged case. I sold my two EX5 boards in 2017, but had to ensure I had an EX5R first to keep the sound in the studio

[cangus]

hi rich

I have an EX7 whose main board has recently died. l believe the end caps etc and many of the parts are the same

drop me line if you’re still looking for parts and I’ll send u some pics

chris

[cangus]

alternatively- if anyone has an ex7 main board - I’d be super interested

[cangus]

Am in the process of parting out an EX7.

If you have any need for Yamaha EX7 Parts please let me know.

Thanks

Chris

[richhoo007]

As an update to everyone who assisted here... I want to send a huge shout out to Dr Chris Angus! He hooked me up with the end caps and a few other parts I needed and, after a long journey through the UK and over to me in the USA, they are now installed and have given my EX5 a reason to live! I had to do repairs to about 5 keys also, but now everything is looking good and sounding wonderful across the board!
The sounds are terrific on the EX5 and I feel very happy to own one. Now... onto scratch repair and upgrades!

IMG_9845.jpeg

IMG_9848.jpeg

[Saul]

Thanks for the update Rich. Always great to hear about people helping each other out and of course to hear that another EX5 has been brought back to life in the process.

The EX5 was, in my opinion and most others, exactly what MOTIF should have been. In fact you could reasonably jump straight from the EX5 to Montage and forget about MOTIF altogether.

Here's to many more years with your EX5