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Oh boy,

I've been wandering on this forum to turn my keys white again. The steel wool 0000 & plastic polish seems to work.
I tried tonight and the result is really mixed.

It's a little bit whiter but it's way more scratched and doesn't shine anymore :
https://ibb.co/6rB1B4n
https://ibb.co/pZkc4Qs
https://ibb.co/sKMntrB
https://ibb.co/Fb8RgSL

What have I done wrong?
I've used the steel wool and Owatrol (which is really appreciated for plastic surfaces)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KMRAndekOCY

thanks lads

It looks like the previous owner might have removed it when they took out the electronics.

Oh yes yes yes yes, there's nothing but the speakers by now :
https://ibb.co/6bcKjH4
TBH I was pretty happy to get it cheaper and without the electronics (1900EUR which is a fair price in France I think). The idea was to buy reliable, noiseless hardware for praticable use rather than collection.

Congrats Chris, your Tines and Reeds' preamp looks marvelous!
Well, it's a bit over my budget.. but from what I understand, it has the FX loop and could use another name rail which matches my rhodes perfectly. I may need to review the business plan 
Yet, how can I play on the cabinet of my suitcase???
I'd like to use it completely and get the stereo tremolo 

P.S. : Thanks a lot for your messages, it's nice having so much feedbacks 
Here is a video of the beast, sharing my enthusiasm and the HUM of my amp : https://youtu.be/4TQ2L1wOdkI

happy new year! 

Interesting theory, I heard Rhodes had some expriments at that time it may be one of these?
I'll take more pictures for archive purposes and wait a bit if some contributors have the answer about the NT part (and what to do next on the tips..?).

Concerning the electronic part, I'm a bit lost on the power supply issue.
If we solve this, I consider buying a new name rail on VV (https://www.vintagevibe.com/products/fender-rhodes-mirror-name-rail?_pos=4&_psq=name%20rail&_ss=e&_v=1.0&variant=32267175559255) and install their preamp. It will look really nice and I'll keep the original name rail just in case.

Thanks a lot for your quick answers, it's great!
Alright so there are my further investigations :

With a 1970 Rhodes there is a good chance you have Marcel pedestals on your keys that act like the bump mod already......

yep yep yep, exactly my case. Save me a bit of time and money 
https://ibb.co/28NN1DS

Also, your 1970 would have had all felt cubed hammer tips originally. It looks like someone put the early colored cubed ones on at some point. I would recommend getting a felt cubed set as your Rhodes's strike line is most likely optimized for them.

I didn't even think of that possibility.
In your opinion, will durability or sound would be equivalent to the plastic version?
Don't know if useful, but I'd like to get the rhodes to be belly, barky but not emphase on the mellow part.

Here are the pictures of the harp and numbers :
https://ibb.co/qdBWXJ0
https://ibb.co/wYzhmbH
https://ibb.co/ZdhtVxF
https://ibb.co/vzxrSkp
https://ibb.co/ZRQQg1t
https://ibb.co/y083crL

For the suitcase power supply, I guess the follow will suit? : https://www.vintagevibe.com/products/4-pin-rhodes-suitcase-power-supply-rebuild-kit?variant=37907570229431

https://ep-forum.com/smf/index.php?topic=5721.0

thanks for the link, it's awesome. I'll be more than useful during my first restoration process 

[Fender Rhodes Mark 1 Suitcase from 1970]

Hey guys,

I am the lucky new owner of a Fender Rhodes Mark 1 Suitcase from 1970. I couldn't be more excited since I want to restore it and make it sound incredible (or so I hope!).

I'd like to thank you all because the EP Forum is full of useful information!
Yet, I feel like I could use some of your lights before many buyings my rhodes needs.

Here is the deal :

1/ ACTION PART
Keybed is playable but some keys are sticky, dumpers are not as effective in the bass section as in the high section, keybed could use a bit of alignment...
Yet, I'm hesitating on buying vintage vibes or avion studio refurb kit, any feedback in between these two brands?

If Vintage Vibes : https://www.vintagevibe.com/products/fender-rhodes-73-key-refurb-kit
Should I go for graduated angled hammer tips as adviced by VV or go for a replica of my keyboard (square but the bass section with felt) ?
Should I buy key punchings and shims ?

If avion studio : https://www.avionstudios.com/rhodes/complete-action-restoration-kit?category=Rhodes+Action+Parts
Should I buy new screws or is it worthless ?

Whatever happens, I intend to install the bump mod if it can help with the action.

2/ ELECTRONIC PART
This rhodes doesn't have any electronic parts - no preamp and no amp - but still have all four original speakers.
If possible, I'd like to have :

• noiceless, trustful components
• have a FX loop
• no destructive changes

... but I wouldn't mind compromises if it's too complicated!

Do you guys have any ideas on what to do?

Note :
I see that I can buy preamp on avion studios or VV but can't find any ready-to-go amp for my cabinet.
Also, I feel like getting the FX loop is a bit tricky. Maybe should I buy a new name rail, or have holes underneath the keyboard straight to the cabinet and have the FX option available to the side of the cabinet (next to the amplification)
For what I have seen money shouldn't be a problem since I want that rhodes to shine!! Yet, would 1000 USD be enough?! I live in France and will have plenty of taxes i guess.

Below are the pictures of my rhodes.
https://ibb.co/k0dyYpz
https://ibb.co/PQQTpmR
https://ibb.co/7RD6xNZ
https://ibb.co/gm1rk58
https://ibb.co/gDFvsGq
https://ibb.co/6bcKjH4


Thanks a lot for your help, I'll be craving answers!
Laurent