Leaving MIDI keyboards and synths near a window is an enticing prospect, giving you a view to be inspired by as you play or compose. What tends to happen in this case is, over time, the keys will slowly turn yellow due to UV rays. This video shows how to turn them white again, using a process any vintage gaming fans will know as 'Retro-brighting'.
The process is explained by Ruben Chng, who takes apart his Novation MIDI keyboard to perform the transformation. He uses a hydrogen peroxide cream having dismantled the unit, then leaves it out in the sun to absorb the rays and return the keys to their original colour. Ruben has a number of audio related videos on his youtube channel and runs an online production course from his home in Malaysia.
It goes without saying that you should take care in dismantling any gear you have, and if you're not 100% confident that you can do that AND put it back together - best to find someone who can.
Note: it appears he has re-shot a voiceover at the beginning of the video, so don't expect the visuals to match his explanation. However, everything he's saying makes sense!
About the author [midierror]: midierror makes nifty Max For Live devices, innovative music hardware, award winning sample packs and hosts a podcast speaking to people in the music world.
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