Rhodes Mkii ID help + Advice request

[AvocadoWhisperer]

I found a great deal on this beauty and admittedly jumped on it before I had a chance to do my proper research... I've noticed a few quirks with this model and was hoping someone could provide me with some more information and advice on how to get it in tip-top shape.

What I know

• 1982 (if I'm interpreting 4082 correctly)
• Plastic keys
• No legs

Seemingly, this is a suitcase top without the cabinet, given that is has the 5-pin Janus preamp and has not had legs installed.

That said, while doing my research (with hopes of ultimately installing stage legs), I read that suitcase models have a thinner 1/2" piece of plywood on the bottom of the case. This one measured in at 7/10", seemingly much closer to the thicker stage specs. I also gathered that this period is unique in that the keys sit directly on the case, rather than a detachable keyed -- perhaps this explains the thicker bottom?

I've also not seen any other preamps with the 5-knob configuration online, only the 3-knob/2-slider one. The seller included a power supply, so I will be able to fully test the preamp once my 5-pin cable arrives.

In any case, I'm looking for any unique information about my piano. Does anyone have experience with one like this? As for the case, is the 7/10" bottom thick enough to safely accommodate flanges/legs? I'd love to have an authentic looking piano, whether that means adding legs or trying to track down a cabinet.

Thanks in advance!

[spave]

I'm not an expert on these later MkIIs but I do know that the plastic pins on these are known for breaking easily and that replacements are very difficult to find. Because of this, I would caution against the stage conversion as that could lead to bowing in the middle of the case that might crack the plastic.

[AvocadoWhisperer]

Good tip, thank you. I'll be careful with those.

As far as other stage models go, any idea whether the 3/4" thick bottom piece is exactly that? Or is 7/10" close enough you think? Wondering if I could install the legs on the case and then mount the "keybed" onto another piece of plywood to place within the case.

[spave]

Not sure about the specific case thicknesses but if I were in your position, I would probably buy a thick piece of wood/plywood, stain it/paint it/wrap it in tolex, mount all the stage hardware onto that, drill a hole for the pedal rod, and then put your suitcase on top of it.

That way you'll be at an even lower risk of bowing, it will be easier to set up and break down than a traditional stage, and you leave it unmodified so that if you ever find a used suitcase bottom (which do come up for sale occasionally) you can easily swap between the two.