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« on: March 31, 2021, 12:40:09 AM »
MJ,
I always jump up and down about YOU MUST move the balance rail to the FRONT position. I am surprised that you don't like it better than the back slot.
In my 1983 Rhodes (Suitcase top), the action was mushy and yucky with the balance rail in the back slot. I am pissed that the factory chose to put it there.
If you move the balance rail to the front position, the keysticks pivot in a location more like the wooden-key Rhodes pianos. It made a world of difference in the playability and lovability of my plastic-keyed Rhodes.
Now, let's be clear here: the plastic-key action still sucks in comparison to well-adjusted wooden-keyed Rhodes actions. The plastic-key key bounce is hilarious, the clickety-clackety noise is impressive. The action is still mushy. It is like each key is a little too lazy to throw the hammers up with authority.
It takes a few nights of introspection and 12-step acceptance, but you can eventually get comfortable with the plastic-key Rhodes. Yes, it has a very unique action. Yes, it has hateful damper felts installed by the factory. But it has that cool all-black name rail! AND IT SOUNDS LIKE A RHODES!!
So I love my 1983 Plastic-Key Rhodes.
Sean