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Hey all,

I just finished up cleaning out the entire piano and have been putting it back together.  I have fit the damper release bar back into the two holes on the aluminum sides (with the screw on the one side as it was when I removed it).  However, it now does not rest on top of the dampers lightly.  Instead, it flops down and hits the aluminum back.  As I said, I left the screw on the one side, however the tension doesn't seem right?  Am I missing something?  I'm sure it will function, but it continues to drop down and make a loud noise as the damper release bar hits the aluminum back frame.

Please help! 

I saw someone linked a Craigslist post to a Mark V complete with stand and pedal for almost 2000 dollars.  I'm just wondering now that the MK 7 keyboards are out, is there still a large desire of the "ultimate" light, perfected Rhodes that the Mark V was supposed to be?  Especially since there rarity seems to coincide with them being as much as a fully restored MK I or II, and in the same ballpark as a brand new Rhodes MK 7 keyboard.

Anyone care to discuss?

Hi,

I am looking for a back up Peterson power amp as well as some of the Fender 12" 32 ohm speakers. 

Let me know if you have them via PM.

Thanks!

So, I've pretty much torn down my entire Rhodes 54 and am awaiting delivery of an old Fender Rhodes Suitcase bottom.  I'm starting to think about exterior options and I honestly love the classic look of the tolex.  However, it made me think about other options that would be more durable and long-lasting.  This may be crazy, but for some reason my mind went right to Rhino Liners.  You know, the spray on truck bed liners.  Is this crazy to consider having this sprayed on the outside in lieu of Tolex, or is there anything that would make it not possible?

Thanks for indulging me.

So I've been lurking quite a bit for the past year or so, the Rhodes work took somewhat of a detour based on other things.  However, after having to sell my pristine Fender Rhodes Stage 73, I have since acquired a Rhodes Stage 54.  So far I've been working on the basic stuff (hammer tips, felts, grommets, cleaning, etc.).  It was in pretty decent shape internally (some dust, but not much serious mold/oxidation or anything), so I'm starting to think big picture.  Namely I want to transform my Stage 54 into a Suitcase piano.

I'm bidding and trying to get a Fender Suitcase bottom to start working on chopping for the 54.  That's where a lot of my questions are, so please bear with me and any help is greatly appreciated.

1)  I've been seeing a lot of places that the suitcase sides are glued on and may be tricky to take apart.  Of course, this has always been in context of working on the front baffles (I believe) since they aren't removable apparently. So, for those with a suitcase piano that have worked on it or retolexed it, is this the case?

2)  I know that I'll obviously have to relocate the locations of the sustain pedal hole on top and move the pedal mechanism, would this be pretty straightforward?

3)  Also, in looking at pictures of the baffles, would it be an option to simply trim the sides and middle than "compress" it in?  Or, would I be better off getting new baffles made/doing it myself?

4)  Final question is for the original Fender Rhodes amps in the suitcases, they have stereo outputs for external speakers.  Could I convert this into a stereo input?  I plan on purchasing the VV Suitcase Pre-Amp Upgrade kit with the 4-Pin out, but I was wondering whether I could also convert the 1/4" Stereo Out into a Stereo In.

Any other thoughts would be greatly appreciated.  I'm also to the point of retolexing, so I'll have to check on info on that because I've never done that before.  Also, anyone looking for Rhodes logos, legs, pedal, rod, or others parts I have another 2 "work" pianos that I bought for parts.  However, I surprisingly haven't had to use many.

Hi all,
I know I have seen a thread (or more) about this before, but does anyone have any info on where this can be done?  Also, will it look exactly like a silver sparkle top or any recommendations?

Also, just for the sake of *ahem* interest, has anyone ever tried chopping a Rhodes down?  Those with knowledge about a 54's wiring, would it be possible to remove the upper five notes without killing the whole signal?

Thanks,
pianorocker

Hi all,
There is a well, destroyed 49 key celeste broken into 3 parts (for sale at least) on ebay.  I'm considering going for this and getting it restored by vintage vibe or someone.  My question is it is obviously beat to hell, rusted as though it has water damage, and missing bottom cabinet...among other issues.  I'm wondering if I am getting in over my head on this one and making sure no one else has one and needs parts.  I emailed the seller asking if I could buy it all, so I'm waiting to hear back.

Also, how much would a restoration of this nature cost?  Obviously we're looking at fixing/replacing rusty pickups, cleaning/replacing some rusted tines, working on key bed/hammers, using 60's piano wooden tear-drop hammers, electronics likely shot since it looks like it was fished out of the ocean, and obviously re-tolexing...

Yikes, I just am so tempted to have a small rhodes.  I can't help but think it could be beautiful.

Caleb

Hi all,

I'm looking at a 54 key Rhodes and wondering the dimension of the piano in terms of buying tolex.  If someone with one could measure it that would be really appreciated!  

Also those with them, do most use active preamps instaed of the passive one on the piano.

Thanks,
Caleb

So I was looking on Vintage Vibe and saw this :
http://www.vintagevibe.com/p-480-sparkle-tolex.aspx

I'm pretty intrigued by it and am considering getting some for an amp and eventually the rhodes I'm putting funds together for (hopefully!).  I was wondering if anyone had any to say whether the pictures really show the true color.  Do you think they'd send me a tiny piece just to see the color...because 35 dollars a yard is a lottt to find out I don't like it.

Caleb

Hey guys,

So I'm going to go for this rhodes 54 (mistitled suitcase) that's in baltimore which is really close to my location.  If anyone else is interested please contact me so that we don't bid against eachother.  I've been looking for the 54 ever since I lost my 73...so I hope this is it!

Thanks

Hi all,

I used to be an avid member of the rhodes club (had a 1972 rhodes mk1) that was beautiful, however I traded it for a Yamaha CP-60m...which is great and amazing and really makes it sting a little less.  Lately, I've been really wanting that sound that I lost back, and I'd love to purchase a rhodes 54.  I have some cash now, and will be getting more, but I'm looking for a player (to take out and play) versus a pristine museum piece.  Thanks in advance!

Caleb

Hi all I just purchased a beautiful '73 fender rhodes mark 1 stage (through these forums!!!), anyways it is very clean overall but the inside has a great deal of white corrosion everywhere...I don't want to ruin anything so should I use wd-40 or metal cleaner/polisher for everything or not?  Tines, tone bars, and other metal parts all need it I just need to know if they all can be done the same (once removed).  Thanks for your consideration.

Caleb