As with any electronic device, sometimes things go wrong with a keyboard. It may show funny symbols in its display, lock up or freeze, or simply not make sound. Perhaps you’re just not sure how to do something or whether your keyboard can even do what you’re thinking of. Here are a few tips to help you figure out what’s wrong and what to do:
If you hear anything funny or the unit freezes, the first action you take should be to turn it off, wait a few moments, and then turn it back on again. (Don’t forget to turn the volume down on all your speakers and such). Sometimes the device just needs a fresh reboot.
If restarting doesn’t resolve the issue, look to your manual. Most owner’s manuals include a basic troubleshooting section toward the back that goes over the most common scenarios users face. It may show you how to reinitialize the instrument, which resets it to factory status.
If you’ve spilled any liquid in your keyboard or think something has gotten inside the case, never try to open the unit yourself to look inside. Even with the unit off and the power cable removed from the wall, the insides of any electronic device aren’t a safe place. You can get your warranty coverage. Leave this type of work to the professionals!
Go online to the manufacturer’s website and look in the support section for any frequently asked questions (FAQs) related to your product. As the name implies, these queries come up all the time, so the company writes good explanations to keep from answering the same questions over and over.
Search the web for your problem using your favorite search engine. Make sure the most pertinent keywords are in your search text, including the brand name, model name and number, and main issue terms.
Many brands have growing online communities, often not run by or directly affiliated with the company itself. These outlets can be great places to not only find answers to your problems but also meet other owners and share the fun of your product and music in general.
Be sure to search these sites for answers before asking a question; often, the issue has come up before and has already been addressed. You may also want to try searching the web for general keywords such as “digital piano,” “synthesizer,” or “arrangers.”
If you still can’t find your answer, try contacting the manufacturer’s product support or customer service department. These departments often post their hours of operation and methods of contact on the company website. You may be able to e-mail the company or fill out an online form, which can save you a lot of hold time waiting on the phone.
Know that these replies can often come hours, if not days, after you submit them, so if you absolutely need to get help right away, call and stay on the line. Be patient; expect that it’s going to take some time to reach someone, so don’t get frustrated right away.