Keyboard, keys...

[Eric Barbour]

A cheap way to make an analog keyboard is to get a
surplus or defunct SoundBlaster-type keyboard.

One kind is available for $24.95 from
Alltronics
2300 Zanker Road
San Jose California 95131 USA
(408) 943-9773
It's a 4-octave keyboard in a gray plastic case--there's
a small electronic PCB inside which is unusable (it has MIDI
out but the computer interface is not available, and
I've tried to make it work--no luck.)

You can cut the encoding diodes off the PCB under the keyboard
and wire the contacts into a buss. I did this with one of these
keyboards for my tube synth, and it works fine. A cheap thing,
the keys are lightweight and it uses elastomer switches.
I don't know a cheaper way to get this done, unless you scrap
out a dead instrument. Paia still sells an AGO-standard 37-key
keyboard with one buss, it's a lot more expensive--$65.

-- 
Eric Barbour
Svetlana Electron Devices
Portola Valley CA USA