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I seem to be having issues with the breath pipe again, it is taking a lot of air to start any notes, and if I hold down a key in say Clarinet mode, then the note continues for a second or two after I stop blowing - the air pressure slowly drops and the note fades. As far as I can tell the breath pipe itself (ie the detachable part) is clear. Is there anything I can do to correct this, besides blowing hard through the pipe in the hopes of clearing it out? Or is it the pressure sensing mechanism that is not working correctly?

As an aside, my WX5 controller benefits from an occasional clean-out, which requires partial disassembly. Is this something that will have to be done back at base for the Alpha in the future?

I've had to clean out spit from the breath pipe of the Pico once in a while, haven't used the Alpha's breath pipe much yet so I can't tell if the same happens. Maybe some of the instructions for the Pico are applicable for the Alpha?
http://www.eigenlabs.com/faq/pico/im-having-breath-pipe-problems/

Hmmm, I've tried the instructions relating to the pico breath pipe, and if I cover the main exit I am unable to blow air through it at all (i.e. no air comes out of the side holes at all). Does this suggest that there is something stuck in the breathpipe itself?

Clearing the main pipe of the Alpha ought to work as you describe, but if the blockage is in the side channel leading to the pressure sensor then I imagine you'd need to take the alpha apart to correct it?

Hi Robin

It really sounds like you have a problem with your breath pipe. There have been a few issues with corrosion on the insides of the pipe and spigot in earlier Alpha's (we now coat the pipe with the same heat cured epoxy used in aluminium drinks cans and make the spigots of brass to prevent this). Aaron will be in touch with you to arrange to collect your breath pipe and bring it back to Eigenlabs for service. We'll try and get it back to you as soon as possible.

Please accept our apologies for any inconvenience this will cause...

John

I remember early on after getting my Alpha trying the clearing procedure, and air did come out of the sides - along with some fine dust of some sort, maybe this is the corrosion you mention? I think my Alpha was late on in an early batch (ordered November 2009).

Thanks once again for your exemplary customer service.

Oooh that's excellent! Is this anything us Alpha owners should watch out for with regards to the breath pipe?

Ah cool, no worries! I thought your "news of an eventual design change" was referring to something that was yet to occur :)

Glad yours got sorted out!