Stage 73 date code

[pianotuner steveo]

Hey guys, I have to tune a stage 73 tomorrow with a date code of 3163. What does that translate to? I know they weren't making these in 1963...
Thanks in advance,
Steveo

[spave]

I believe it decodes to the 3rd day of the 31st week of 1976.

Here's the relevant page with the breakdown: http://fenderrhodes.com/faq/how-old-is-my-rhodes-what-year-was-it-made.html

Hope this helps!

[pianotuner steveo]

Thanks! I thought it was week 31, day 6, 1973, but I didn't think they worked on Saturdays. When I look at the hammers, that will confirm it, the white felt shouldn't be on the hammers in a 1976 if I remember correctly.
There is not a lot of demand for Rhodes service in my area, but I'm the only person who works on them within 100 miles or so. I just don't see a lot of them. I get more Wurlitzers and even they are not that common here anymore.

[spave]

I believe 1976 is the only year that should have hammers with the felt on them. https://www.fenderrhodes.com/pianos/mark1b.html