ASM Hydrasynth Keyboard internals

The most interesting part first: Side view of how polyphonic after touch is implemented on the Hydrasynth! The keys don't feel quite as solid as a Sequential Rev2. But the Rev2 keys are not as solid as my Ensoniq ESQ-1. It seems that adding velocity and aftertouch introduces extra wiggle to keybeds and polyphonic aftertouch like this just makes everything more wiggly. You can see the key bending a little, but that is mostly me trying too hard. Uploaded with sound because it gives you an idea of just how hard I'm hitting the key. The pressure curves on the Hydrasynth don't need NEARLY that much pressure to be expressive and they are no louder than other keybeds.

This one was purchased used and as soon as I got it in the car I was blasted in the nose with the smell of cheap cigarette tar. It was all over the outside and I thought opening it might make it easier to clean... But the small had seeped into the keybed which I was not about to dig into. A few days with the window open behind it and the smell is mostly gone. Ugh.

The rest of these photos were quickly taken so they might not be great. I tried to show chip names as best I could.

More perspective on the aftertouch and key system.

The top of the case is propped up on these plastic support beams. I am not thrilled with the self tapping screws threaded into the plastic, but at least they are separate pieces that might be easy enough to replace assuming they do end up striping out given enough abuse.

I stopped when I saw all these screws. Sorry.

?? No idea why I took this shot. I had a reason?

These jacks up front are asking to be destroyed.