key pedestal mod

[jim]

can anyone share some knowledge about how the later key pedestals with the little raised bit effect the action of the hammer?
i'm just interested to know what happens to the hammer when you push they key down..
and does this decrease your escapement and lesson the amount of tone variation you can get using your brilliant touch?

[jeffwuollet]

I'm in the process of pimping out my 76 Rhodes now. I just ripped off the tolex, sanded down the wood and stained the wood cherry and I'll be adding the poly coat today. I'll see if I can't post some pics on the yahoo group forum. I also took all the felt off of the hammers and I'll be placing them on the key peds as well. When I perform the mod, I'll let you know how hte action differs from a layman's perspective.

I also polished all the aluminum hardware in the thing and it looks as good inside as it does outside.

I'm also going to try glueing some nuts(metal nuts to you perverts) on different parts of the keys to simulate the weight and response change from low to high notes like a grand piano. Time consuming, but it'll probably be pretty cool afterwards.

[jim]

cherry.. i think that would look very cool. nice choice.

[jeffwuollet]

First off, the nut idea doesn't work. Not enough weight to affect the playability.

Second, the cherry DOES look cool. Antique looking.

As far as the key ped goes, I tried three different methods.

First, tie wrap mod: Made the action a little harder actually. Responsive, but a little rougher. Silicone spray didn't help.

NEXT!!!!

Second, Felt Key Ped mod: better than the tie wrap mod, but the feel was...different...hard to push the keys in, but the sound was a bit harder itself. As if you hit the keys harder all the time.

NEXT!!!!

Third, felt pedestal covers: Best mod ever! Just take the felt off the hammers and rubber cement them to the key peds. Cut the excess off and enjoy the feel of felt against plastic. Remember to remove ALL of the crap off the plastic with lighter fluid and silicone spray. Also mod the keys twelve at a time so as to not mess up the placement of the keys. An A key won't feel like it does in every octave on a rhodes. Do THAT mod first before doing some time consuming stuff.

[hobageeba]

the last mod you suggested about reapplying the felts on the key peds instead of the hammers sounds like a good idea.  i'm trying a variation of the tie wrap mod at this point and it's working good, but i might want to try the other mod you mentioned too.  i'm assuming you had to take off the hammers to do this.  just how did you do that??  i know there's a couple threads on removing hammers, but i just don't really get it.  thanks.

[just a guy]

The bump goes under the felt.Way more to it than just doing the mod.How do you know you got the best out of it?

[jeffwuollet]

Hey, Hob. You just have to take the screws off that attach the dampers and hammers to the huge frame. Take the dampers off first, but be VERY CAREFUL when taking the belts off of the damper arms. Don't rip them. Soak the bottom felts with Lighter Fluid and silicone spray and do this for an hour. afterwards, use an X-acto blade to gently peel off the felt intact. When yo get THAT stuff removed, use some FINE steel wool and lighter fluid to get the rest of the goop off the hammers.

Then, when the felt has dried, put them on the key peds with some rubber cement. Be sure to put a light enough application so as not to create any bumps, but still use enough to get a firm bond. Let it dry overnight and put the stuff back in. Take your time and be patient. As time progresses on intense projects, instant gratification takes control and carelessness is the product.

[Anonymous]

I've heard that the "Goo Gone" product works well. Can anyone confirm this?

[Fender Rhodes]

Man alive you guys.

[vicvega1972]

I would not recommend using steel wool to clean off the hammer cams - any micro scratches will cause severe friction over time as the silicone wears away. The action is going to get heavier and heavier. Goo-Gone or lighter fluid and a clean rag is all you need. Buff them with a small amount of silicone when done.