Messages

1

Other Keyboards & Software Synths / Re: My homemade electric pedal-clavichord

« on: January 24, 2020, 07:45:18 AM »

Wonderful! I would be interested to to.know and see more of the detail on how you built this and what you used to amplify it! Thanks for sharing.

2

For Sale / Re: Shipping now! "Classic Keys" book, a celebration of vintage keyboards

« on: January 10, 2020, 10:08:32 PM »

Ok, I finally got around to ordering my copy. It arrived today and I thought they had shipped me a box full of bricks, this book is so heavy! I found out the weight is because of the intense amount of information and endless beautiful pictures of some pretty amazing and rare keys. It is obvious to me that there was a lot of time, thought and effort put into this. Thanks for all of your work putting this together, I know I will be spending a lot of time enjoying it's contents!
Vance

3

The Fender Rhodes Electric Piano / Re: MKII Suitcase 88 weird noise - please help!

« on: October 27, 2019, 11:03:58 AM »

One last thing you can try before dropping more money/effort into it is the two 1/4" aux input jack's on the power amplifier. They sometimes develop continuity issues and can cause wierd things.

My simplistic understanding of them is as follows:
When plugged in, they bypass the harp input and pass the signal from your 1/4 line.
When unplugged, the two metal contacts in the plug are supposed to reconnect and pass the harp signal again.
Simple thing you can try is just plug and unplug a 1/4 plug into each one and see if the sound changes or, more desirable, goes away.

4

The Fender Rhodes Electric Piano / Re: MKII Suitcase 88 weird noise - please help!

« on: October 26, 2019, 01:14:56 PM »

Great info Tim! I forgot about the hot glue support on those. That is really good practice. if you are already in there, you might as well make it so that it is less likely to occur again.
I don't like to admit it, but I have destroyed probably more than my fair share of traces due to lack of experience and use of cheap/incorrect irons and solder types. Way back when, of course, haha! Point is, you dont want to learn the hard way on your good, and or, hard to replace equipment!

5

The Fender Rhodes Electric Piano / Re: MKII Suitcase 88 weird noise - please help!

« on: October 21, 2019, 09:54:24 PM »

It might be worth it to re-flow the solder on the 6 and 8 pin connectors mounted to each of the two amplifier boards of the power amp. These are notorious for causing issues like you are experiencing. This would also be in line with OZDOC's suggestion of possible loose components. You might want a tech to do it, bad soldering jobs can cause more damage if you are not familiar with soldering circuits.

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Other Keyboards & Software Synths / Re: Baldwin Piano Pro EP101 - Very loud sounds

« on: April 05, 2019, 11:10:56 AM »

Sorry to hear that didn't fix the issue. If you continue to try and fix it,  I would verify that the power supply is now giving you the correct voltage output to the piano and with minimal ac ripple. Other things you can check are if liquid was spilled in the keyboard. Sometimes cola or other liquids can play with connectivity on traces or cause bad traces. Many many things can lead to odd issues and you can find yourself wasting time and money very fast. Have fun playing with it or run away fast if you are already not too deep into it. Hope it works out for the best.
Vance

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Other Keyboards & Software Synths / Re: Baldwin Piano Pro EP101 - Very loud sounds

« on: March 28, 2019, 11:18:23 PM »

Interesting to see pics of the insides of this model. I always wondered if this model had strings or not, now I know. Unfortunately, there is no easy answer for fixing something like this. I feel pretty safe to say that you should replace the large filter caps on the power supply, simply because if it's age. They can appear ok, but still be way out of tolerance. Dirty power can cause odd behavior such as what your video seems to represent. The filter caps alone may cost you more than the piano may be worth though. That is where I would start the jurney if it were me. Thanks for sharing the pics and info and hope you find an easy fix for it.

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Other Keyboards & Software Synths / Re: Dennon Nippon Columbia / Elephian E-Piano Resoration.. Whirlitzer Parts..?

« on: March 13, 2019, 11:12:35 PM »

Yes, I have seen the individual passive pickups on the Elepian. I really like the sound combo of the rhodes style pickups and wurly type reeds. I believe I have heard yours on another post and it sounded amazing!
 It appears the Denon Columbia may have an active pickup like my Maestro. The action appears very similar on both, so, it would be interesting to find out more about it's amp.
I agree that the action parts seem fragile on these, so I completely understand not wanting to jeopardize them. The 3d printing idea is really interesting and would be amazing if it could help keep some of the EP's going that might not have replacement parts available otherwise.

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Other Keyboards & Software Synths / Re: Dennon Nippon Columbia / Elephian E-Piano Resoration.. Whirlitzer Parts..?

« on: March 05, 2019, 09:24:33 AM »

It looks nearly identical to the U.S. Maestro version of the piano as well. Any pics of the amp? If your schematic is missing, I may be able to help you there if they are the same design.
If the plastic action parts were measured for 3d printing, that would be a neat thing for keeping these little pianos alive. Best of luck on the project!

10

Other Keyboards & Software Synths / Re: Maestro 612P - removing lid

« on: August 25, 2018, 12:37:17 PM »

The volume pot doesn't do much more than turn the unit on on my units. The volume increases a little bit, but mostly stays at what I would consider a mid to high(ish) level. I remember someone else commenting on theirs behaving the same . As far as what is wrong, that could be anything at this age. Typically capacitors are well past their expected life, so I always look there first, especially on the voltage regulation portion of the unit. Others may argue, but I believe in replacing all the electrolytic caps just because they are way beyond their expected life.
Let us know what you find!

11

Other Keyboards & Software Synths / Re: Maestro 612P - removing lid

« on: August 22, 2018, 10:57:17 PM »

Also thought I'd mention, if the piano is not producing sound from the amp, the amp most likely needs attention. I replaced the caps in both my 612p pianos. They both had issues in the voltage multiplier circuit. I replaced all the caps just because they were most likely well past their expected life. These are just like wurlies and have high voltage across the upper rail, should be somewhat low current, but be careful regardless.

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Other Keyboards & Software Synths / Re: Maestro 612P - removing lid

« on: August 22, 2018, 10:49:15 PM »

Sent you a message, but here are some pics that might help. The lid slides backwards after the two wingnuts are removed. There is a grounding wire that is attached to the lid in the left middle area. The connector just pulls free.You should be able to remove the lid after that.
Best of luck,
Vance

13

Other Keyboards & Software Synths / Re: RMI 300a issue

« on: June 19, 2018, 09:37:27 AM »

I believe some of these relied on a volume pedal for output. Without the pedal the output was very low or not at all. Might check it out. Very nice find!!

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Other Keyboards & Software Synths / Re: Cembalet N Switch

« on: January 30, 2018, 10:24:32 PM »

That is, or should be, a tone switch. It doesn't make a whole lot of difference on my unit, but it is at least noticeable. Your switch may not be making good contact "corrosion?" in the other two positions. The electronics on mine seems to work great as an antenna and pick up and amplify any interference in the area. I added some makeshift shielding and grounding to help with that. Great instrument though, and strangely addictive to play. You are lucky to source the pluckers as I hear they are hit and miss on availability. I guess only one person makes these?? Congrats on your new instrument!

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Announcements / Re: New Logo

« on: January 18, 2018, 11:20:03 PM »

Also digging the new logo, nice work!

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Other Keyboards & Software Synths / Re: Baldwin Electropiano - Experimental?

« on: January 14, 2018, 01:16:08 PM »

Beautiful! I'm sure it's worth a bit more than what you purchased it for! I have seen others listed in the past that look very much like yours, so I'm not sure what the stamp is about. To me it definitely adds to the cool factor. One similar to it was listed on fleabay as a piano formerly used by the group STYX. Hopefully someone will know the significance of the stamp on your piano and enlighten us. Thanks for sharing!

Just looked back at some of the images I had. The ones I have seen have multiple 6x9? Speakers instead of the two round speakers you have. I think the model number was different as well. I'll look through my pics to see if I can find the model number of the ones I have seen.

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Other Keyboards & Software Synths / Re: Baldwin Electropiano - Experimental?

« on: January 13, 2018, 09:46:43 PM »

Any pictures of this piano?

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The Fender Rhodes Electric Piano / Re: Distortion in Janus Preamp with volume past 7

« on: January 12, 2018, 12:33:32 AM »

Since you are using the preamp with an external amplifier and not the Janus amp, you might be feeding a level to hot to your amp which is causing distortion? I am not used to feeding the preamp into other amps so someone who has been doing that would have better suggestions. Maybe describe the amp you are using?
Vance

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Parts, Service, Maintenance & Repairs / Re: Grounded 54 Rhodes - Pickups Dying One By One

« on: November 29, 2017, 07:04:08 PM »

Maybe the coupling capacitor next to the output jack? Don't know the 54 so just guessing.

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The Fender Rhodes Electric Piano / Re: Post your Rhodes pics and its story

« on: November 15, 2017, 11:16:55 PM »

Sorry for the late response, things got busy. Tim put it very well. I didn't mean to make it so dramatic sounding. Just means you may have a little extra work involved if you decide to do the bump mod.
Vance

21

The Fender Rhodes Electric Piano / Re: Post your Rhodes pics and its story

« on: November 13, 2017, 11:14:52 AM »

Welcome to the forum Evan! Looks like you scored a pretty nice piano from the pic. Being a 77, you might have the felt on the hammers instead of the pedestals wich would only be somewhat of a concern if you decide to do a bump mod. Other than that, looks great! Look foward to seeing what you cook up on your new grill!

22

The Fender Rhodes Electric Piano / Re: FRX 7710 power transistors

« on: October 24, 2017, 01:23:29 PM »

That's crazy!! I have never heard of that happening before. Vintage Vibe actually sold, at one time, a great little video that walked you through setting the offset voltage. I would recommend that if it is still available.

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The Fender Rhodes Electric Piano / Re: FRX 7710 power transistors

« on: October 23, 2017, 11:09:23 AM »

 Just realized that you might not see the power transistors because they are mounted to the heat sink facing outside between the sets of fins. They are usually covered with a shielding that is about 3 1/2" by 1" per pair.

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The Fender Rhodes Electric Piano / Re: FRX 7710 power transistors

« on: October 23, 2017, 10:06:20 AM »

Greetings,
I don't think the question is dumb. Just not sure how to answer other than, "No!", Unless someone else knows more about doing this with your amp and can chime in.
I am not aware of external transistors being used on a fr7710 amp. Maybe the amp tech was confused with the peterson amp that does mount the amp boards in the cabinet?
 You state that you have a frx7710 amp. I can't remember if the X identified the unit as wired for 220 or if it was the super satellite amp or other. Regardless, I don't believe it was much different than the fr7710 in basic design.
Maybe if you can post some pics where these transistor sockets or the connector is on the amp board?
In general, I would not try to mess with the amp if it is working well and just serviced. This amp should be able to get very loud, (my neighbors would testify to that). I would be more concerned with the amp board sockets and if their solder joints are solid. This is a problem most of these amps experience.

25

Parts, Service, Maintenance & Repairs / Re: Magic mod question

« on: October 18, 2017, 03:21:04 PM »

Well, if you are getting the results you want, that is hard to argue. Glad to hear that it is working better for you!
I would think you could get the same result by placing the existing bump a little further back vs a larger bump. If the playability and sound are how you like it, that is what matters most.

26

Parts, Service, Maintenance & Repairs / Re: Magic mod question

« on: October 17, 2017, 11:26:50 PM »

I would look at the placement of the bump on the keys you are having difficulty with. If the mod is not consistent in placement across the keys, you might run into something like you are describing.
Try removing a key that works good and remove a key you have problems with close to it. Compare where the bump is placed to see if one is placed more foward or further back than the other.

27

The Fender Rhodes Electric Piano / Sales demo listed on fleabay

« on: May 18, 2017, 08:54:49 AM »

Don't see these too often, so thought id, share the one I ran across today. Must have a really nice sound for the asking price!!
http://www.ebay.com/itm/401329341726?ul_noapp=true

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Parts, Service, Maintenance & Repairs / Re: RMI 300A Eletra Piano output transformer?

« on: April 25, 2017, 11:31:01 PM »

Might be a silly suggestion, but do you have a volume pedal hooked up to it? I have read somewhere before that some models have very low output without the pedal connected. Mine was fine without the pedal connected, but might be worth a look if to haven't already.
Best of luck,
Vance

29

Preamps, Modifications & Upgrades / Re: New Amp Modules - Peterson Amp Redesign Kit - Unboxing and review

« on: January 27, 2017, 12:04:17 PM »

I have enjoyed reading your post, as others, simply waiting for the results. I would imagine they sound very nice.

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The Wurlitzer Electric Piano / Re: Looking at some early model 140's. Weird date stamps and more.

« on: January 08, 2017, 04:46:50 PM »

Here's the key.