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OK, this is obviously a very subjective question, but what in your opinion is the best Rhodes year for tone, playability etc., for Stage 73s? Wooden/plastic hammers? I would really appreciate anyone's input (especially if you've had experience with pianos from different years). Thanks!

Sorry, one more question: the particular Stage '74 i'm looking at is in really good shape, all keys/tines work and are in tune, but some keys produce noticeably less sustain (the notes sound kind of "dead"). This seems to be a common problem with many of the Rhodes i've played. Is this a complicated fix? What might be involved? Adjustment/new hammer tips/new tines? Thanks a million.

Just wondering if anyone has an explicit preference of the tonality of wood-plastic hammers (those used on '74 and early '75 models). I'm currently looking at acquiring a '74 with these strange "hybrid" hammers. It sounds really good and the action is not stiff at all (the owner did a mod to loosen it), but I don't like the bounce-back on the action due to the wooden keys with lack of backchecks. The action feels kind of "sloppy" and it's difficult to play notes in rapid succession because of the hammers bouncing. Also, the keys have significant side-to-side play. Basically, I'm wondering if anyone has had good/bad experiences with cleaning up an action with backchecks. I like this piano and it sounds good, but am I going to be stuck with bouncy, uncontrollable action?
Thanks.

I read that "during the late '70s, then-owner CBS substituted some of the original construction materials, resulting in an instrument with a tone that Harold Rhodes considered inferior to earlier and later models". (http://emusician.com/elecinstruments/emusic_fender_rhodes_stage/)

Can anyone comment on this? Is it true? To which years/models does it apply? Thanks very much.