Rhodes Help

[sonicbed]

Hi, looking for some help in isolating the issue.

Currently, no sound from my Rhodes at all. Here's where I'm at: The amp and instrument cable are good. When I unplug the RCA, I get feedback from the amp when touch being touched. If I increase the volume, the feedback gets louder. When the RCA is plugged in, no sound at all. I'm assuming its from that point forward. What are some things I could be looking at? I don't know how long it's been an issue as I haven't plugged in my Rhodes for a few months. I moved last week, and while it was transported with care, perhaps something happened during then.

Thanks for any input you may have.

[sean]

When you say "feedback," do you actually mean buzzing noise? 

[Or do you mean "feedback" - an oscillating howl created by the amplified resonance between the speaker and a microphone?]

Look for obvious problems first (is there a short or broken wire at the RCA connector, does any wire look out of place or broken), but you should expect that it could be dead pickups. 

Get a cheap volt-ohm "multimeter" and check the harp for continuity. 
This cheapie multimeter will work fine:  https://www.harborfreight.com/7-Function-Digital-Multimeter-63759.html

See https://ep-forum.com/smf/index.php?topic=10307.msg57408#msg57408
and the links at the bottom of that post.

Come back at us with any new information or developments.

Is it a stage piano or a suitcase?

Sean

[sonicbed]

When you say "feedback," do you actually mean buzzing noise? 

[Or do you mean "feedback" - an oscillating howl created by the amplified resonance between the speaker and a microphone?]

Look for obvious problems first (is there a short or broken wire at the RCA connector, does any wire look out of place or broken), but you should expect that it could be dead pickups. 

Get a cheap volt-ohm "multimeter" and check the harp for continuity. 
This cheapie multimeter will work fine:  https://www.harborfreight.com/7-Function-Digital-Multimeter-63759.html

See https://ep-forum.com/smf/index.php?topic=10307.msg57408#msg57408
and the links at the bottom of that post.

Come back at us with any new information or developments.

Is it a stage piano or a suitcase?

Sean

The type of "feedback" you get when you tap the tip of the cable with your finger. Not oscillating. The piano is a Stage Mark 1 from '79. Will purchase the multimeter and get to work following the post you provided. Taking a look, I don't see any wire that appears to be broken or out of place.

[JB]

Hey Sonicbed,  First of all I'm a novice who just got '73FR73 and no expert at all but for whatever it's worth. Mine finally cranked up but not until I cleaned the back left rca connection assembly using fine sandpaper and some electrical cleaner. I had already cleaned the input jack on the front panel and looked close at all the pickups/connections and 2 ground connections on the long wires. I missed a basic. Some metal and even solder just oxidizes/deteriorates from age. It didn't look oxidized and maybe it was something else but my very fine luthier friend said you can't tell by looking even if it looks clean and that he has fixed a ton of equipment doing just that. Check your grounds too. Hope you'll be as lucky as I was and it comes to life. JB