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Messages - Jadam

#1
I've also been replacing hammer tips (76 mark I suitcase) and after using just my fingers which became less and less effective, I switched to pliers. I hold the plastic arm with one hand and grab the hammer tip with the pliers in the other. They came off super fast, but i did have to end up scraping some residual material off the plastic after.
#2
Quote from: pnoboy on March 01, 2019, 04:08:43 PM
Years ago, I had great success in taking out the 4 original 4-ohm speakers and putting in 2, 8-ohm speakers facing the audience.  I left the other openings where the 2 rear-facing speakers were, empty, which was critical to the improved sound. 

Were you still able to monitor your own playing in this config (whether live or no)? More to the point, did the improved sound more than offset not being able to hear yourself as well (if that's a true statement)?

Quote from: pnoboy on March 01, 2019, 04:08:43 PM
I might also mention that most Rhodes pianos will sound better with a preamp that has a filter that puts an adjustable notch in the preamp's frequency response around 200 Hz or so.  I believe there are some Rhodes preamps, either old and out of design, or new, that offer this feature.  I believe that Avion Studios' newly announced preamp may have this feature.

Is this the "retroflier" or something else? I thought the retroflier was a stage preamp replacement, but I could be wrong on that.
#3
Quote from: synthetic on November 19, 2018, 10:10:19 PM
You might want to buy the full Vintage Vibe restore video (it's $5.) They recommend extra screws in the balance rail for bouncy keys with aftertouch. They have other recommendations for hammer bounce which may help your key bounce.

Is there a link to this? Tried searching on their site and didn't see anything on this (there's some for wurlis, clavs, but not Rhodes other than what's already freely available on YouTube). I'd be interested in something like this.
#4
Thanks for the responses.

The difficult thing to know is how "good" stock suitcases can sound. Mine (and probably most, I suspect) is very bass-y and the treble only comes out when turned all the way up and with bass all or most of the way the way down. The window for some sparkle is very small if non-existent. I do like the bass response - especially awesome for any music requiring left hand bass. But when you need to comp it's more of a burden.

I will try a bbe sonic maximizer first in the effects loop and see what that does. Certainly one of the least expensive options.
#5
Hi all,

First post after gleaning so much great info on this site to get me started on my "restoration-lite" of my late '76 mark I suitcase. Thank you all for that!

Here's my question:

Many have noted - and I would agree - that the suitcase sound is a bit muddy. I also have a 70s SF Twin, which sounds great, but using this via the accessory jack, you lose the trem and easy access volume/Eq controls from the front panel. I would like to get some sparkle back in the suitcase. Assume, for argument's sake, that all voicing/regulation has already been done and the rhodes itself plays/sounds perfectly prior to amplification (in reality this is all still in process).  I have read separate threads on many of these options but it's not clear to me which 1) has the overall greatest impact on the sound 2) has greatest impact on sound per $ spent

So: if I want to keep using the suitcase only, and want it to sound its best (like it does, for example, thru a DI - meaning full frequency response), which has the most effect on the sound?

Options:

1. Rebuild electronics in peterson preamp (through a kit) ($)
2. Replace peterson preamp with something like the VV stereovibe preamp ($$)
3. Add a BBE sonic maximizer (or EQ, or other pre-amp) to the effects loop ($)
4. Rebuild peterson power amp(s) ($ - $$)
5. Replace peterson power amps(s) with some like the VV power amp or the Borish power amp ($$$)
6. Replace the suitcase speakers ($$$)
7. Add external power to the preamp and send to stereo PA ($$)
8. Some combination of the above

Looking forward to getting opinions!