> From: Bob Grieb
>
> The Polaris looks like a great analog synth with lots of
> sound flexibility, two
> oscillators per voice, and good MIDI control.
>
> I am considering trying to buy one, but some of the ones
> on offer have already
>
> started to lose membrane switches, so I am wondering if
> replacing the membrane is still an
>
> option, and if so, what is the cost. Also, does the membrane
> only fail where the
>
> "tails" bend and plug into the connectors? Or do the
> switches themselves sometimes
> fail? In other words, if I reinforce the tails and replace
> them 30-gauge wire soldered
>
> to the conductors, would I be good for a while, or would
> other parts of the membrane
> start to fail later.
>
> I think I can handle other needed repairs to a Polaris
> but the membrane is a little
> scary, so any insight would be much appreciated.

They're $180 a set, plus shipping. I ship insured Express Mail, and accept
PayPal payment. If you give me your address, I can give you an exact quote.

Replacing the membrane panels isn't very hard, if you're careful. Lots of
people have managed it. Full instructions are here:

http://www.rhodeschroma.com/?id=polarismembranepanelreplacement

It's pretty rare for the switches themselves to fail. But you can't solder
to silver ink on Mylar (or whatever crappy plastic Fender of Japan chose to
use). People have managed to coax a little more life out of their tails
through various means, but then one day they fail again. Whether avoiding
that is worth a couple hundred bucks is your choice.

--

Ciao, Paul D. DeRocco
Paul mailto:pderocco@...