If you have arrived at this page, it is because you own an AKAI MPK61 or MPK88 electronic musical keyboard/controller and are not happy with the drum pad response. Don't give up on it yet. You have a great instrument, so don't let your considerable investment go to waste - I have created a solution that will allow you to enhance the pads so that they will be more sensitive, expressive, and musically intuitive (more MPC like). See video review at bottom of page.
Also, if you are planning to buy one of these instruments as a less-expensive alternative to the MPC, go ahead and get this kit. This kit will also work on the MPC 1000 if you are having similar issues. This kit is not compatible with the second generation MPK's (MPK 225/249/261).
This is a simple solution. If you have 15 minutes and feel comfortable opening your case, place these 16 inserts (shown in orange for clarity) between your existing pad/sensor configuration and bring your MPK pads to life. These inserts have optimal thickness, hardness, and tactile conductivity.
The pad set shown in the picture on this page is not included in the kit- it is intended to give a general idea of where the inserts will be placed in your pad assembly. This kit will not replace any parts of your unit.
Inserts will not harm sensors, requires no modification of existing components, are non destructive (will remain in place without tape, glue, or adhesive), and are easily removable.
GO WITH AN ORIGINAL. Imitation is said to be the best form of flattery, and some other companies and individuals have "borrowed" my original idea using other materials. Some have even gone as far as to try and trick you by mimicking my page, product, and trademarked product name. These copycats will cost you more in the long run. I feel my solution is the best, most cost effective, and will give you consistent performance over the life of your pads and instrument. It is intended to allow you to stop focusing on the interface, and concentrate on making music.
Don't accept using electrical tape: takes a long time to cut, you'll get inconsistent results, and will have to redo it after repeated use.
Don't accept materials like furniture/coaster cork dots: prep time to adhere, and material will not maintain consistent compressive properties over time - there's a reason your original pads are not made from this material.
My solution: easy drop-in installation, will not shift, performs beautifully, will help your unit’s internal sensitivity and velocity controls perform better, will maintain unit’s full 0-127 velocity range, will help extend the life of your sensors (because you won’t have to strike as hard), will outlast your pads. Whether you consider the stock pad response a design error or an intended design choice, this kit can help you achieve better performance.
What my solution won't do:
Won't win a beauty contest (nothing fancy here...the inserts are not very pretty or sexy looking, but they are high quality and are completely undetectable in the finished installation, unless you have translucent pads)
Won't make you a better musician (but the increased sensitivity will give the pads an enhanced dexterity that will allow you to perform things that you couldn't do with the pads previously
Is this solution effective in every application? MPKs and MPDs are precision instruments designed with built-in tolerances to allow for manufacturing variances, not necessarily to accept mods. While I am confident that most will have excellent results, there is the possibility that these will not work for you as intended, and there are many variables that could contribute to this. Errors in installation, previous mods (if second-hand), instrument variations/deviations, intended use, stacked tolerances versus the thickness of the material I use, or a combination of these or other factors can play a part. My MPK success rate is over 99%.
I hate to admit it, but I am not perfect. If I make an error, I believe in customer service, and will try my best to make things right, if given the chance. If they don't work for you, send them back.
Note 1: Installation is fairly simple on newer designs. The newer units (MPKs /MPD32) are constructed similarly and use common components. Most disassembly requires only a Phillips screwdriver. Some of the older designs like the MPD24 will be more complex. If you need additional instruction, it may be helpful to check enthusiast sites, forums, or popular video sites. I will provide (for reference) visual examples from the MPK25 and MPK49 to illustrate the concept.
Note 2: Also, for tracking purposes and to ease delivery, domestic USPS orders will now arrive first class parcel, typicallyin a CD-sized package. Please make sure that your paypal address is complete (missing information like apartment #'s, etc. will cause your item to not arrive). I generally ask for 3 business days to ship to minimize drives to the post office, but most orders are mailed out the next business day after payment. A few will be sent the same day, depending on time of receipt. E-checks can take a week or longer to clear.
In addition to sales from all 50 States and Puerto Rico, I have had sales from influential music hot spots around the world and in the US such as Atlanta, Brooklyn, Chicago, Houston, Jacksonville, Miami, New York, Philadelphia, Long Beach, and Los Angeles. People are putting my kit to use in their studios.
I welcome international orders (anywhere USPS delivers), but tracking is not available at this time. International orders will arrive in a white #10 envelope with the "qb" logo in the return address. I copy-and-paste the addresses directly from Paypal, so your address format is critical to delivery. Make sure your address is properly arranged for international mailers. Delivery times can vary due to flights, strikes, weather, holidays, etc. To date, I have successfully mailed to Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Ecuador, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Guadeloupe, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Latvia, Malaysia, Mexico, Netherlands, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Qatar, Russian Federation, Serbia & Montenegro, Singapore, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, and the United Kingdom.
Please be aware that if your eBay and Paypal shipping addresses do not match, I will ship to the Paypal address, unless you instruct otherwise.
TIP: The key to an easy installation is placing the inserts on the pad sheet while its upside-down in the outer shell (cover). Then you can re-align the sensor plate by the rubber studs on the pad and screw it back into place without the inserts shifting.
I first began with a mod on my own MPK and then people began asking me to make Inserts for the MPD series. I researched and tested different materials and spec'ed the properties that gave the best combination of feel and durability.
To date, over...
$794,000 MPK 25/49's
$223,000 MPK 61/88's
$227,000 MPD's
$23,800 Mini/LPD8's
...have been enhanced using my kits. Thanks for your time and have a blessed day.