DIY - how to create own low budget version
First question - why not to buy ? Answer is simple - cost ! 70 % cheaper then store price !
but of course exist other, more important reason - satisfaction ! ;)
If you play at home and as amateur - both of above reasons should be enough to do it !
- full-size 32-key keyboard
- cheap materials but working properly without any further issues
- smart dimensions but comfortable to use – legs should have range for full keys and when pressing one key should not touch the adjacent keys.
The basic material is wood - so I bought pine or fir wood - slats 6 cm high and 2 cm thick for the keys, which gave the key sufficient stiffness. I assumed the length of about 60 cm, so this 2m long slat is enough for 3 keys.
The black keys are the same length and thickness, but the slats are lower 3.5 cm high plus black inserts.
Then visual and useful rounding of the keys
I used a manual milling machine and a rounded cutter
Now looks better ;)
Next step is to create special undercuts at both ends which visually looks better but also required – what will be seen later.
Now keys are ready for assembly
The element that will connect the keys to the frame are steel flat bars, 15 cm long and 2 mm thick fixed with screws. This element works also as a hinge for the keys and as a preliminary spring element
The black key – wood glue plus 2 long screws
Varnishing: transparent wood varnish and black stain
Frame
MIDI Signal - How to make a signal from keys
- first way – by using mechanical contactor where key pushing the contactor lever
- second way (my) – contactless by reed switch – I used cylindrical shape cause of simple installation – only require drilling tight hole or use glue.
The switching part with wires is in the frame while magnet part in key.
Pushing the key down – we will have connection – what could be verify by simple LED circuit
For stable work of keys - aluminium tubes plus felt strips
The last raw of holes were for springs but it was too hard to push the key therefore I put the springs in the middle of the keys.
Springs which I used it was compression spring.
To remove knocking of the keys when pushing and returning – I used felt strips
View from the bottom
– how its possible that wood make a sound ;)
Here is a heart of the circuit – which convert signal from the connectors to MIDI
You could buy it in Poland - karolrogala@o2.pl
https://allegro.pl/oferta/midi-do-klawiatura-nozna-pedal-pedalowa-organy-12063082354
There is instruction how to connect this – it is not an easy and you need to be patient and motivated to finish this – like brazing more then 80 wires but I confirm that works! ;)
To connect our keyboard to computer we need MIDI-USB wire/converter like on the picture and use program like free GrandOrgue or buy Hauptwerk.
I recommend this wire and not recommend the cheaper converter which lost the signal
I recommend installing the MIDI socket on the housing and socket for the 12V DC plus LED which blinking when pushing the key what informing about proper work of the keyboard
Everything is connected via USB to the computer where is installed free VPO GrandOrgue
short intro
the best selected parts
favourite part
I found in the Internet 2 manuals from historical 1979 organ Domus 8 and also few organ pipes.
It was in a bad condition however still working - so I repair this and refresh paint and view
And now looks amazing ! ;)
If you are interesting in my next project which is: how to create bread/pizza oven