Not every important synthesiser component is electronic. Beneath the panel of many classic Roland synths is a foam gasket. It sits around the controls, helping to limit the dust, dirt and debris that can enter through the openings in the panel.
After several decades, the original foam may be compressed, brittle or beginning to crumble. In some instruments, very little of it remains. Unfortunately, replacement gaskets can be difficult to obtain in the UK. Ordering one from overseas can mean paying more for shipping than for the part itself. It seemed like something Junoparts could solve.
Creating the replacements began with the originals: studying their shapes, openings and how they sit within each instrument. From there came material tests and trial pieces. The foam needed the right thickness and density—soft enough to compress correctly, but firm enough to remain in place and do its job.
Small dimensional changes could also affect how a gasket fitted around the sliders and switches. Each design therefore had to be cut, positioned and checked before the final version could be approved. The result is a range of newly manufactured gasket sets for the Roland Juno-106, Juno-6 and SH-101.
They may not be the most glamorous parts of these instruments, and once fitted they will rarely be seen. But that is rather the point. A good gasket sits quietly beneath the surface, helping to protect the electronics while the synth gets on with making music.
Sometimes the least visible parts are among the most worthwhile to replace.
An advert for a Juno 6 for sale on Gumtree referred to a working, recently serviced unit that was, to quote "fair, fully working, and gig-ready condition... " I was going to find out more.
For now, Junoparts is shipping within the UK only. We’d like to change that, but international shipping needs to be practical, reliable and reasonably priced. If you’re outside the UK and interested in our parts, let us know. Your interest will help us decide where we ship next.