The small button that became a big project

One of the first things I noticed when looking at Juno-106s was the buttons. After forty years, many have yellowed or discoloured, while others have been damaged or gone missing completely.

Finding replacements was surprisingly difficult. Original used buttons are increasingly scarce and can be expensive—particularly when their condition is little better than the ones being replaced. 

That set me thinking: how difficult could it be to make new ones? The answer, it turns out, is quite difficult. There are now a few synth techs who have recreated buttons but I'm happy to throw my hat in the ring. I also think I can make them at a far more reasonable cost.

A button may appear simple, but every detail matters. The dimensions need to be accurate, the fit must feel right and the finish needs to sit comfortably alongside the original instrument. Then there is the colour—not merely “white”, but the particular warm tone that looks at home on a Juno-106.

The development process involved measuring, testing and refining. Early samples helped reveal small differences that would barely be noticed on a drawing but became obvious when fitted to the synth. Each round brought adjustments to the dimensions, colour or finish, followed by another round of checking.

Unlike a 3D-printed replacement, the final buttons are injection moulded. This produces a more consistent, durable result, but it also requires specialist tooling and a substantial commitment before the first production button can be made.

It has taken longer than I originally imagined, but getting the details right matters. These instruments deserve parts that feel as though they belong.

The buttons are now approaching production—and I’m looking forward to finally seeing them fitted to Junos that need them.