Messages

I'd go with the Bassman as well... It should handle the low end of the Rhodes much better than the Deville... have fun!

Great looking amp!

Martin,
I thin the wood is plywood and really not the type wood you would normally stain. I'd consider a cool paint job myself.
Have fun!
Wayne

I would imagine that for home use, you will be fine with either of these amps. I don't think you will overdrive any of these amps at home. If you can, try your amp out before you buy it and se if the sound is clean at the level you expect to be playing. (I have a Fender Twin for my Rhodes and absolutely love it!) Have fun!
Wayne

Peter,
Really nice song! You guys mix well together and compliment each other. Nice arrangement too!
Sincerely
Wayne

I think you guys are right on with your comments. It's just funny..... I do have a couple of electrics I won't let anyone touch because I'm concerned about getting scratches on them I think I'd be better off playing them with all I've got and not worrying about them... know what I mean? My Rhodes on the other hand certainly looks likes it's been on the road. But it has and has cool history behind it, so I'm not about to restore it. I just pay it

You know if you (we) were talking about about a 72 Strat / Tele all scratched up... we wouldn't dream of refinishing it. We'd just play it and think the scratches and rust add character.  But when it comes to a Rhodes, we want to restore it (like a car). Why is that? 
(I admit, I'm the same way)

Dear Skis and Songs,
The simplest (and least expensive) way would be to buy a simple keyboard controller with a usb output on it. Then all you have to do is plug it into you mac. Your computer should recognize it automatically (in many cases). If you buy a keyboard such as a Roland, Yahamha etc. you have to also buy an "interface" which connects between the keyboard and computer. (You generally use midi in and out on the keyboard into the interface, then connect the interface to the computer.)

If you want to play and enjoy your keyboard other than when you are recording, the keyboard is the way to go. If you mostly want to record with your computer, I'd recommend the keyboard controller. (M'Audio make several that are good). A music store who sells both should be able to show you both and let you try them out.

As far as software, if you already own a mac, I'd start with Garage Band, then move to Logic. Garage Band is free with a mac and Logic is Apple's professional version. Hope this helps. 

For general recording and arranging purposes, if you have a computer and good recording software, all you might need is a controller (no internal sounds). Controllers are very inexpensive and work very well. (Sounds like you would want one with weighted keys though). Anymore, the sounds in recording software are fantastic! I had a Yamaha MO8 keyboard that I used for recording and sold it for the same reason. The sounds in my Logic software were better than that sounds on my $1,600 Yamaha. I bought a controller and love it!

By the way... I also own a Fender Rhodes Mark 1 that I play for my own enjoyment. It is awesome. Have fun!

I play my Rhodes through a 1978 Twin Reverb. The one with master volume. It sounds amazing! The tube sound of the Twin really enhances the Rhodes. The tone is huge! I love the sound of the tremolo too. I bought them both from the same guy. So I think this Twin has also been used been used with this Rhodes. They are a great pair. Besides, I a guitarist as well so I can use my Twin with my Telecaster. Sweet! 

That is probably a great amp to play your Rhodes through. I'll bet the stereo chorus is amazing!

Thanks! I really enjoying playing my Rhodes but I can't work on it, so it's off to a shop. Either VV or Speakeasy. The only think I hope doesn't happen is that I loose the sound I have. I don't know if my Rhodes has been "voiced" to sound the way it does, but it has a really nice bark to it. More so than a couple of other Rhodes I've owned in the past. I don't want to loose that. It makes me sound better than I am

I appreciate the advice from both of you. I will check Speakeasy out. Does Vintage Vibe do this type work too? Any thoughts on them? They are about 3 - 4 hours from me.

I live in central Pennsylvania and want to have the internal action on my 88 stage Rhodes looked at and adjusted. It has been played pretty hard in the past. Everything works great. However some notes are a bit soft (action), some of the hammers and dampeners don't land exactly as they should on the tines. A few notes may need slight tuning, etc. Nothing major. Where should I take it to have it adjusted and looked at? I don't mind driving a few hours to drop it off. Also, what do you think a general adjustment / tuning will cost? Thanks!

Jean, Nice videos of you playing... very good!

Thanks Tee! I really enjoy

Here is a picture of the XLR out mod on my Fender Rhodes Stage 88 that was owned by drummer Billy Cobham. I think the mod was done by Magic Music Machines in San Fransisco. (no longer in business) Their business card is taped to one of the legs. Next to the the card there is a piece of masking tape that says "Billy Cobham re J.M." (John McLaughlin ?) It's a really nice sounding Rhodes (aren't they all and is a blast to play.

Makes sense too... I know a guy who lives in my town who knew Billy Cobham back in the day. He said that Billy was an extremely talented musician who could play multiple instruments. He also said that Billy arranged his own songs for his band too. He also said Tom Coster (also from Santana) could have played it. I wish I could find a picture of it somewhere. It has an XLR out that was added to it back then. So I think I could identify it in a picture.

Herbie Hancock? Interesting possibility. Also, Billy Preston was great for sure! Yeah, no matter who played these Rhodes before... now it's our turn

 I have a question... First a little background. I purchased a 74 Fender Rhodes Stage 88 along with a 78 Fender Twin Reverb amp that were previously owned and put in storage by fusion drummer Billy Cobham. Billy had put them in storage sometime in the early 80s. I'm not sure when he acquired them but they somehow became the property of the storage company near New York City around 1984-85. My question is, who most likely played this Rhodes with Billy? Any thoughts?