Recent posts

#1

Preamps, Modifications & Upgrades / Split Harp mod by Buz Watson

Last post by pushingbuttons - April 15, 2025, 05:11:12 PM

Ive had this 77 Rhodes MK1 for a few years now and have been contemplating to remove the split harp mod and back to original factory. Its nice to be able to boost the bass when I want, but also hard to balance the high and low keys at times. I think its time for to remove the mod. Hoping someone can take a look and if possible have a diagram to rewire it to original specs.

#2

Amps, Effects & Recording Techniques / Re: What amp should I use with...

Last post by EHX - April 15, 2025, 10:45:37 AM

I prefer the Roland JC-120 for Rhodes, it has a clean, crisp and wide sound that catches the harmonic content in the Rhodes piano very well. 

#3

The Fender Rhodes Electric Piano / Re: Can you tell by the sound ...

Last post by meyer - April 14, 2025, 10:38:05 AM

What year was it?

#4

The Fender Rhodes Electric Piano / Re: Can you tell by the sound ...

Last post by pianotuner steveo - April 12, 2025, 01:09:52 PM

I could be way off listening through tiny speakers on my iPad, but I think it's an early model with felt hammers. Circa 1970/71?

#5

The Fender Rhodes Electric Piano / Re: How to address hammer misa...

Last post by pianotuner steveo - April 12, 2025, 01:06:33 PM

This sounds like the best solution for the issue. It is pretty common. I see acoustic pianos, some fine quality, that have hammers glued in crooked too. ( usually just a few at most)  Those are wood to wood, but piano techs also use heat to loosen glue and straighten the hammers.

#6

The Wurlitzer Electric Piano / Re: size of capstan wrench?

Last post by velo-hobo - April 10, 2025, 04:06:14 PM

I can confirm the wrench I have is 3/16" as well. If you are in an area where it's easier to find metric tools, 5mm would probably work fine. In my experience there usually isn't enough torque required to where I'd worry about stripping the wrench flats with a slightly too-big wrench.

On that note, my wrench is actually slightly oversized and also tapers out a little bit at the opening. To be honest, I can't remember if I modified it myself to be like this! It does seem to help get it more easily seated on the capstan flats, given the obstructed visibility and limited room to work.

#7

The Wurlitzer Electric Piano / Re: size of capstan wrench?

Last post by pianotuner steveo - April 09, 2025, 08:42:34 PM

In a pinch, (no pun intended) needle nose pliers may be your best bet. Other than the piano tools made specifically for this, standard wrenches may be too wide to fit between the piano parts. Having said all that, the tool sold on eBay is 3/16", not 1/4", but like I said a tool from a hardware store may be too wide to fit between the parts.

#8

The Wurlitzer Electric Piano / size of capstan wrench?

Last post by dpmusic - April 09, 2025, 07:38:10 PM

Bit of an emergency on the road, have to get a standard wrench for temporary action tweaking- left mine behind.

Does anyone know what the actual spec measurement is of the wrench? 1/4"?

#9

Parts, Service, Maintenance & Repairs / Re: Rhodes 88 Suitcase Piano e...

Last post by isaacalfaro - April 03, 2025, 03:47:33 PM

Nevermind.. i just realized the ground is missing.. i ordered a new plug from vintage vibes..

#10

The Fender Rhodes Electric Piano / Re: Fender Rhodes fuzz/noise w...

Last post by Peter Cherry - April 03, 2025, 12:24:20 PM

I found the simple solution! It was ground loop issue => when I connect e.g. harp or any negative pole on Line 6 input/outputs to the ground (earth wire) the fuzz will disappear:)

In general, I think Fender Rhodes is a kind of electric guitar, so it should be working fine with Line 6 Guitar amp modeler! Of course, it is digital, but that´s another story:)

Peter