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The Fender Rhodes Electric Piano / Re: How to save a bad tine?
« on: March 16, 2019, 05:09:21 PM »
That sounds right...
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The Wurlitzer Electric Piano / Re: Is leaving 200a plugged into mains a fire risk?
« on: March 15, 2019, 06:32:47 PM »
The only concern I have with leaving vintage keys plugged in all the time, (and modern digital too) are power surges. Especially during storms.
I always unplug my keyboards when not in use. My sister lost her digital piano to a power surge last year and has to buy a new one.
I always unplug my keyboards when not in use. My sister lost her digital piano to a power surge last year and has to buy a new one.
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The Wurlitzer Electric Piano / Re: 206A general rebuild questions and advice
« on: March 15, 2019, 06:29:34 PM »
I agree 1000%
Don't replace parts that are working fine. Replacing jack springs ( a whole set) would be a royal pain in the arse!
Don't replace parts that are working fine. Replacing jack springs ( a whole set) would be a royal pain in the arse!
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The Wurlitzer Electric Piano / Re: 140 keytop replacement
« on: March 10, 2019, 08:35:29 AM »
Yes, you are better off sending them to someone with experience. You can buy new sets to put on yourself, but they are generic, and are usually wider and slightly longer than you need. Sanding them down to fit properly can be difficult to do, (to look professional) if you don't own the proper equipment. The amount of money you would need to spend on tools may be close to or more than what you would pay someone who does it all the time.
On the other hand, if you are becoming a professional technician, and you want to do this for other people in the future, you can try to DIY, but the first time I did it did not come out great.(I was only about 19 or 20 back then)
On the other hand, if you are becoming a professional technician, and you want to do this for other people in the future, you can try to DIY, but the first time I did it did not come out great.(I was only about 19 or 20 back then)
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The Fender Rhodes Electric Piano / Re: How to save a bad tine?
« on: March 10, 2019, 08:14:25 AM »
Assuming that the tine to the left of this one works fine,have you tried moving the bad sounding tine to the note next to it to determine for sure if the problem has to do with the hammer or the tine? This will instantly tell you if the problem is the tine itself. If the tine sounds fine when swapping, then it is either an escapement issue, or a mounting issue like mentioned above. It still could be the grommets, so don't just instantly buy a new tine if the problem still seems to be coming from the tine itself.
When troubleshooting, eliminate all of the possibilities, starting with the free solutions.
When troubleshooting, eliminate all of the possibilities, starting with the free solutions.
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The Fender Rhodes Electric Piano / Re: How to save a bad tine?
« on: February 26, 2019, 06:35:01 PM »
This topic is blank...
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The Wurlitzer Electric Piano / Re: Harp ringing in 200As
« on: February 23, 2019, 07:08:11 PM »
It could be bad caps, a bad ground connection, or a cold solder joint
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The Wurlitzer Electric Piano / Re: Harp ringing in 200As
« on: February 21, 2019, 04:18:08 PM »
One other quick test- turn down the trim pit on the pcb and see if that changes anything. I've heard some pianos get feedback if this is turned up all the way- happened more in the treble than the bass
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The Wurlitzer Electric Piano / Re: Damper setup on a 200.
« on: February 14, 2019, 06:35:48 AM »
Ok, I thought maybe those springs broke off or were removed for some reason.
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The Wurlitzer Electric Piano / Re: Wurlitzer 200A volume issue
« on: February 14, 2019, 06:32:02 AM »
Hahah, I learned the hard way, when I was a teen. I got this shock many times. It hurts, but it's different from an AC 120v shock.
It was over 40 years ago since this last happened, so I can't give more detail than that...
It was over 40 years ago since this last happened, so I can't give more detail than that...
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Gigs, Events, Music Releases and off topic stuff etc. / Re: On a serious note: A plea for help for a fellow musician January 2019 update
« on: February 10, 2019, 08:17:10 PM »
Scratch that about the car. She took it to get repaired and inspected and it was too far rusted to repair. (23 years old) Body is separating from the chassis. She had to sell it for scrap.
That forced her to buy a newer car, with no money. She just can't catch a break. I don't know how she is going to make the payments.
Once again, if anyone could at least look at the GoFundMe and share it on Facebook, that would help.
Thanks
That forced her to buy a newer car, with no money. She just can't catch a break. I don't know how she is going to make the payments.
Once again, if anyone could at least look at the GoFundMe and share it on Facebook, that would help.
Thanks
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The Wurlitzer Electric Piano / Re: Damper setup on a 200.
« on: February 10, 2019, 10:25:11 AM »
Sorry, just saw this today...
If you remove a damper arm and flip it over, are there any springs there?
This is definitely a poorly done mod. I'm surprised they didn't break any of the wooden stickers while doing this. They are fragile.
If you remove a damper arm and flip it over, are there any springs there?
This is definitely a poorly done mod. I'm surprised they didn't break any of the wooden stickers while doing this. They are fragile.
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The Wurlitzer Electric Piano / Re: Wurlitzer 200A volume issue
« on: February 03, 2019, 12:17:06 PM »
I meant to use the contact cleaner spray to help determine if that is the problem, not a permanent solution. If it does a little bit to help, then you know you are on the right track. Replacing is likely the way to go. Are you experienced at replacing parts/soldering?
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Gigs, Events, Music Releases and off topic stuff etc. / Re: On a serious note: A plea for help for a fellow musician January 2019 update
« on: February 02, 2019, 06:31:59 AM »
Thank you to those who have donated so far! We have raised enough money to get her car repaired and inspected, repair her washing machine, and pay some back taxes. I did do some electrical work on her furnace, replaced the thermostat, and got it running at least, but it is older than she is. She still needs a furnace and money for medical bills. If anyone can donate any amount, even $2-$10, it will help.
This is a desperate situation and is not in any way a scam. This woman is like my sister. Please help in any way that you can. Even just clicking the share on Facebook button at the GoFundMe page.
Thanks!
This is a desperate situation and is not in any way a scam. This woman is like my sister. Please help in any way that you can. Even just clicking the share on Facebook button at the GoFundMe page.
Thanks!
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The Wurlitzer Electric Piano / Re: Wurlitzer 200A volume issue
« on: February 01, 2019, 09:47:28 PM »
It's likely bad, but you can try cleaning with contact spray. Unplug unit and be careful spray doesn't get into your eyes!
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Gigs, Events, Music Releases and off topic stuff etc. / Re: On a serious note: A plea for help for a fellow musician January 2019 update
« on: February 01, 2019, 07:59:13 AM »
Can someone please at least share this on Facebook?
Only 3 people have so far.
Thanks
Only 3 people have so far.
Thanks
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The Wurlitzer Electric Piano / Re: desperately seeking tech to sweeten a 200A
« on: January 30, 2019, 08:59:49 PM »
Does Morelock's still exist?
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Other Keyboards & Software Synths / Re: Davoli Electric Grand 1970
« on: January 30, 2019, 06:54:40 AM »
I know nothing about them, but would jump on it. Offer low and negotiate. You can always resell it if you can't repair it. It sounds really cool, but how heavy is it?
Sometimes people just want large items out of their house and will take any amount offered.
Sometimes people just want large items out of their house and will take any amount offered.
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Other Keyboards & Software Synths / Re: Sluggish cp-70 action
« on: January 27, 2019, 12:58:29 PM »
Yes, it could be many things, but likely easy to repair. First thing to look for is usually key bushings that need to be eased, or maybe something (like a penny or a guitar pick) is stuck between the key and a neighbor...
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Other Keyboards & Software Synths / Re: Gibson G-201 Contact Cleaning
« on: January 27, 2019, 12:55:39 PM »
Hi, sorry, I just saw this. First, do NOT use spray contact cleaner, it destroys any old plastic that it touches. The old standard way I learned of doing this, is believe it or not, rubbing the contacts with paper money. No joke. It's safer that Emory cloth or chemicals...
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Gigs, Events, Music Releases and off topic stuff etc. / Re: On a serious note: A plea for help for a fellow musician January 2019 update
« on: January 27, 2019, 12:05:01 PM »
Hi guys, I have an update to report, almost 5 years later.
Joe's widow is in serious financial trouble. (Joe was my drummer and songwriting partner from 1975-2014) If you could at least read her story and pass it along through Facebook, I would really appreciate it. ANY small donation, $5, $10, even $2. Any amount will help her out, but passing it along on Facebook may help more than anything. The more people that see this, the better.
Please go to GoFundMe.com, and search for the campaign called "please help my friend's widow replace her furnace"
The fundabilities fundraiser is long gone, this GoFundMe is a recent fundraiser that Candace isn't even aware of yet. She can't collect Joe's social security for another year, and if you read the story, you will see that her employer has cut her hours since minimum wage went up. She is trying to support herself on less than $150/week....
I urge everyone to please, at least look at the story and click the "share on Facebook" button.
Thank you,
Steveo
Joe's widow is in serious financial trouble. (Joe was my drummer and songwriting partner from 1975-2014) If you could at least read her story and pass it along through Facebook, I would really appreciate it. ANY small donation, $5, $10, even $2. Any amount will help her out, but passing it along on Facebook may help more than anything. The more people that see this, the better.
Please go to GoFundMe.com, and search for the campaign called "please help my friend's widow replace her furnace"
The fundabilities fundraiser is long gone, this GoFundMe is a recent fundraiser that Candace isn't even aware of yet. She can't collect Joe's social security for another year, and if you read the story, you will see that her employer has cut her hours since minimum wage went up. She is trying to support herself on less than $150/week....
I urge everyone to please, at least look at the story and click the "share on Facebook" button.
Thank you,
Steveo
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The Wurlitzer Electric Piano / Re: Replace Hammer Tips Wurlitzer 200
« on: January 12, 2019, 01:37:41 PM »
Sean, The whole hammer assembly is different from the hammer tips. Yes I saw those.
These are all used parts. I think I bought the last of the NOS hammer assemblies many years ago, and if I remember correctly, the hammer heads (tips) were not included.
JtheM, I did not find those, but I see that you did. Note that they don't have any treble hammers. I am 90% sure that these are used, but I'm sure they are in great condition, or else they would not sell them.
To the O.P.,
I would suggest this: If you have to buy other parts from them, buy a handful of the mid section hammers. (Due to their minimum shipping cost, it would be better to combine with other parts)
Heat the base of the old tips with a soldering iron to loosen them. Reglue some of these carefully,making sure alignment is correct top to bottom and side to side. See if that changes the tone. I would leave a few old ones in place next to some new ones to see if they sound different.
In other words, don't spend a ton of money on these tips until you are sure that they will make a difference. Unless you have seriously defective bass hammers, I don't think it would be cost effective to change those. ( IE, motheaten, broken, etc)
These are all used parts. I think I bought the last of the NOS hammer assemblies many years ago, and if I remember correctly, the hammer heads (tips) were not included.
JtheM, I did not find those, but I see that you did. Note that they don't have any treble hammers. I am 90% sure that these are used, but I'm sure they are in great condition, or else they would not sell them.
To the O.P.,
I would suggest this: If you have to buy other parts from them, buy a handful of the mid section hammers. (Due to their minimum shipping cost, it would be better to combine with other parts)
Heat the base of the old tips with a soldering iron to loosen them. Reglue some of these carefully,making sure alignment is correct top to bottom and side to side. See if that changes the tone. I would leave a few old ones in place next to some new ones to see if they sound different.
In other words, don't spend a ton of money on these tips until you are sure that they will make a difference. Unless you have seriously defective bass hammers, I don't think it would be cost effective to change those. ( IE, motheaten, broken, etc)
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The Wurlitzer Electric Piano / Re: Replace Hammer Tips Wurlitzer 200
« on: January 11, 2019, 04:54:31 PM »
I just looked at their website. I saw NO Wurlitzer hammer tips listed anywhere, new or used.
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The Wurlitzer Electric Piano / Re: Replace Hammer Tips Wurlitzer 200
« on: January 11, 2019, 04:49:01 PM »
No, they are used. Where would they get NOS from?
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The Wurlitzer Electric Piano / Re: Replace Hammer Tips Wurlitzer 200
« on: January 10, 2019, 01:47:52 PM »
If it works fine, there is no need to replace them. They are a pain to replace, and it really only needs to be done if they are broken off, or the felt has completely worn away.
It doesn't matter what Wurlitzer hammers look like, it matters what they sound like.
If it ain't broke, don't fix it!
Any replacement tips you find to buy are USED.
It doesn't matter what Wurlitzer hammers look like, it matters what they sound like.
If it ain't broke, don't fix it!
Any replacement tips you find to buy are USED.
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Parts, Service, Maintenance & Repairs / Re: Rhodes strange sound on attack
« on: January 10, 2019, 08:33:59 AM »
It could be weak/almost dead battery in the preamp, it could also have to do with voicing. ( tine to pickup alignment) Are the free ends of those tines above the ends of the pickups, like way above? Are the pickups too close or too far away?
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The Fender Rhodes Electric Piano / Re: Solutions for a squeaky pedal?
« on: January 02, 2019, 07:41:36 PM »
It could be where the rod touches the pedal too....
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The Fender Rhodes Electric Piano / Re: Solutions for a squeaky pedal?
« on: January 01, 2019, 03:08:00 PM »
You have to really search to find the exact point where it is squeaking. Lube like WD-40 will only be a temporary fix. It's usually at a pivot point, which would require a grease more than an oil. Check where the pedal attaches inside its housing, or it could be the long aluminum bar inside the piano (at the ends) that the pedal rod pushes. Sometimes it's where the rod touches the aluminum rail, which would call for a thick piece of felt, but that will eventually wear away. Acoustic pianos use a thick piece of leather in similar spots, but leather too wears eventually.
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The Fender Rhodes Electric Piano / Re: Hammer height
« on: January 01, 2019, 07:21:03 AM »
No, not normal, but they are rarely ever perfect from the factory, then add all the years of who knows what was done to it. You need to check what is going on at the key pedestals. If you can't read the numbers on your keys, number them with a pencil on the wood from left to right and remove them all. There may even be debris lying on the "keybed" (inside on keys) under the keys that have higher hammers, but I don't think so since they look pretty level.
My guess is that they may have poorly done miracle mods, or other incorrect pedestal felts, or something that could cause the erratic hammer line.
My guess is that they may have poorly done miracle mods, or other incorrect pedestal felts, or something that could cause the erratic hammer line.
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The Wurlitzer Electric Piano / Re: Price of 200A When New?
« on: December 19, 2018, 07:47:08 AM »
That sounds right to me. I’m pretty sure just the piano didn’t go above or much above $600.