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My Rhodes has no sides or back. Does anyone have dimensions for a 73 case?

Started by abelovesrhodes, February 04, 2022, 07:57:05 PM

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abelovesrhodes

Hello,

I picked up a fairly beat up 73 Rhodes Instructor Model Piano last month (Model: fr-7055, March 1970). I restored it to playability, but it still needs a "body."
The prior owner (or prior prior owner) basically cut off everything except for the supporting plywood bottom (see picture).
According to: https://chicagoelectricpiano.com/rhodes/rhodes-7055-student-model-an-in-depth-look/
The tines etc.. are the same as on a 73, so I would like to build a new 73 case for it from scratch (bottom top sides etc...).
I'll probably need a new Name Rail, and I'm open to building the replacement electronics as well.
I do still have the plastic "seventy three" lid but as is without the case, it just kind of awkwardly sits on top.
I searched but couldn't find the dimensions for a 73 case, can anyone help?

spave

Hi,

Just to clarify, are you trying to build a new KMC body, stage case, suitcase top, or something custom?

There is a chance that the early KMC internals won't fit into a stage/suitcase case so a custom case might be your safest bet. The dimensions changed over the years so you would need the measurements from a 1970 Rhodes if you were to make a reproduction one. If you go custom, you could ensure its a perfect fit and looks exactly like you want it to.


Edit: Just looked at the photo again and it looks like you are missing the harp support bracket in the middle of the keyboard. I would recommend getting one ASAP as it is an integral part of the harp's structure.
1969 KMC Home Rhodes Prototype

abelovesrhodes

Quote from: spave on February 05, 2022, 11:01:58 AM
Hi,

Just to clarify, are you trying to build a new KMC body, stage case, suitcase top, or something custom?

There is a chance that the early KMC internals won't fit into a stage/suitcase case so a custom case might be your safest bet. The dimensions changed over the years so you would need the measurements from a 1970 Rhodes if you were to make a reproduction one. If you go custom, you could ensure its a perfect fit and looks exactly like you want it to.


Edit: Just looked at the photo again and it looks like you are missing the harp support bracket in the middle of the keyboard. I would recommend getting one ASAP as it is an integral part of the harp's structure.

Thanks for your thoughtful response.
The case would be a stage style case. I agree that custom would be better, so I suppose I am just looking for the heights of the front vs back of the side board so I can get the angle right.

Forgive my ignorance about the harp support.
The attached are the harp supports on the sides, correct?

I couldn't find anything about installing a middle support on https://www.fenderrhodes.com/org/manual/ch3.html.
Is it this part: https://www.vintagevibe.com/products/fender-rhodes-harp-side-brackets ?
It says side support so I expect not.
The second attachment is what mine looks like in more detail. It has metal on the sides, back and front.


abelovesrhodes

I saw a Rhodes on reverb showing the middle supports, so now I know the part. I'll pick some up. Interested to see what the difference is.

spave

QuoteForgive my ignorance about the harp support.
The attached are the harp supports on the sides, correct?

I couldn't find anything about installing a middle support on https://www.fenderrhodes.com/org/manual/ch3.html.
Is it this part: https://www.vintagevibe.com/products/fender-rhodes-harp-side-brackets ?
It says side support so I expect not.
The second attachment is what mine looks like in more detail. It has metal on the sides, back and front.

My apologies, the correct term is harp bracket. There are usually two but for a brief time in 1970-71 there was only one in the middle. I've included a photo of what it should look like. It shouldn't change the sound so much as keep it from changing due to movement or temperature changes. Without it, the tines can move in relation to the pickups which can effect the sound, tone, and timbre.

This is the part on Vintage Vibe: https://www.vintagevibe.com/products/fender-rhodes-harp-bracket?_pos=2&_psq=harp&_ss=e&_v=1.0


Forum member miguellacorte did a custom stage case and posted the top dimensions here: https://ep-forum.com/smf/index.php?topic=10562.0
He might be able to share the rest of the dimensions from his build. Alternatively, you could buy his case as it is currently for sale: https://reverb.com/item/49737266-fender-rhodes-mk1-wooden-case


The stuck key could be caused by a few things all of which should be easy fixes. I would look through previous posts as the topic of sticking keys has been remedied before.


One other thing, your Rhodes appears to be missing the harp mounting screws. Unless you just have them out for the photos they are a crucial part of your Rhodes and should be installed any time you aren't actively working on it.
1969 KMC Home Rhodes Prototype

abelovesrhodes

QuoteOne other thing, your Rhodes appears to be missing the harp mounting screws. Unless you just have them out for the photos they are a crucial part of your Rhodes and should be installed any time you aren't actively working on it.

Ok. I bought the brackets. Where do the harp mounting screws go? I'll probably source those from a hardware store (one-inch #12).

spave

There are two on each side. I've attached photos to show where they go.

Make sure you are happy with your strikeline before putting the screws in. Strikeline has a huge impact on tone that can't be fixed with voicing adjustments. There are a lot of tips on the forum and YouTube on how to set it. You can see how much of an impact it has by slightly moving the harp as you play 1 note repeatedly.

Here's the relevant section in the manual: https://www.fenderrhodes.com/org/manual/ch4.html#4-5
1969 KMC Home Rhodes Prototype

abelovesrhodes

Thank you. Would you be willing to measure the height of the front of the rhodes body and the rear?

abelovesrhodes


abelovesrhodes

In this video at the 2:51 mark, the tech removes a metal... thing.
My rhodes does not have that. What is that part and its function?

abelovesrhodes

Looking at the manual, am I correct that this is a Damper Release Bar? I don't have a sustain pedal or any sustain mechanism and it seems like this part is related to that, is that correct? Vintage Vibe doesn't seem to have one as far as I can tell. Any hints as to how to find one?