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I have a serious technical problem with my 6-months old Kawai CN35 digital piano. A strong cracking/popping noise is randomly produced by the piano speakers. Please listen sound sample at the address below (strong noise at 19s and 23s marks!), and check the sound image attached (for a description of sound events).

https://soundcloud.com/user-944689288/noise

http://simutrans-germany.com/files/upload/noise.png

More details below:

• when headphones are plugged the noise moves to the headphones only
• the noise is not related with pressing a key (it sometimes starts right after power up)
• the noise is volume sensitive (it disappears completely when the volume is set to minimum)
• the noise also happens when "Local Control" is set to off (that is, piano sound engine off)
• the piano was OK in the beginning, the problem started 2-3 weeks ago, without doing anything unusual

In order to isolate the problem I did the following:

• all cables disconnected from the piano (except the power cord), the noise is still there...
• I handshake the power cord along its length, but the noise does not seem to be related with this...
• I changed the wall outlet, the noise is still there...
• I turned off all home devices to reduce interference, the noise is still there...

I can't use the piano anymore since I'm afraid the speakers might become damaged by the intensity of the noise.

May I ask here for some advice to isolate the problem further? I didn't call the service yet.

I had a similar situation many years ago with a Kawai CN270. A loose connection internally, or a badly soldered item might produce this. Mine was a defective motherboard.

I got it replaced after a year`s argie bargie. THEY woudn`t accept responsibility until the piano tech had heard it first hand. Eventually, this happened and it got fixed.

Gave me no trouble since.

You need to go back to the dealers. Don`t delve into this yourself. Kawai service has, I believe, improved since my happening all those yearts ago. I wish you well.

Hello uci,

I believe there is a technical fault with your CN35.



I would recommend contacting the dealer from whom the instrument was purchased and/or the Kawai distributor in your country for assistance.

Kind regards,
James
x

FWIW, when I had an issue 2 years ago with my new Kawai, they sent a service rep to my house within a couple of days and took care of the issue. I don't know how different it is in other countries, but my experience was not like Peter's. I did go through my dealer, as service is part of the package when buying from a local shop.

Give the dealer or Kawai a call.

Stop eating Rice Krispies over the piano.

I forgot to mention I`d fitted carrying handles to the outside and inside of the main case for carrying to gigs. The lid went on after the "unit" was assembled in situ.
Somebody mentioned warranty infringement . . . but I had a sympathetic dealer and it got sorted!

Thanks everyone!

I will indeed embark in the long journey of servicing (the piano was brought online from abroad, that is Thomann). I will report here the interesting bits along the way. Wish me luck.