Midi Controller Chop. From 49key to 29key

[kerikino]

Is there a way to easily disengage and deactivate one half of a midi controllers keys?
If the board is deactivated, can I then--quite literally--hack away the right half of the controller, circuit board included?

I am new to the forums and new to circuitry.
For the most part I try to avoid midi, but as of late I have been finding the midi controller and some good soft synths are easier to quickly experiment with than my "real" gear. I have a cheapo M-Audio 49key controller, that I harvested from the electronics recycling center (town dump). It is what it is and it suffices, but--in my opinion--it takes up way too much desk/studio space for a controller.

I wish to cut the thing in half, but I know next to nothing about circuitry. Admittedly, I am a newb. I searched the forums but everything seems significantly more complex than what I wish to do. If I somehow missed the thread, I beg of you... spare me and everyone else and I will remove the post ASAP. (if that's possible on the diyaudio forums).



Here is a photo of the controller opened up. Didn't want to remove the board until I got some advice. Any help would be appreciated. Thank you.

[groovebot]

I know this is probably not the answer that you sought when posting, but if all you want to do is downgrade, and you live in new york, just post a trade on Craigslist and someone will probably show up at your apartment tonight with a smaller keyboard. the latter will also hold it's resale value more than half of your current board.

[impsick]

dont cut that in half.
first reason is you'll regret not having the keys down the road.
personally more keys the better. i went from that same M-Audio basic 49key to the better 25key Axiom Controller with pads, control knobs, banks, and transport but honestly i can now say i'd rather have the octaves.

second reason your keyboard wont work anymore