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Rhodes SUITCASE Piano Production Survey

Started by Ben Bove, December 07, 2007, 08:15:18 PM

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Ben Bove

Thanks to everyone for taking their time to answer as much of this as possible.  I understand there will be a lot of data for me to process, but I don't mind if it means we can get a good guideline for serial numbers, production transitions, etc.  

Almost all of the choices below have a picture linked to them to compare to your own.  The quickest way for to answer will probably be to highlight, copy and paste the list below into your reply.  From there you can click the links to pictures, then delete away the answers that don't apply.  

I'd also love to have pictures to back this up if you're capable of taking and emailing digital pictures.  A picture of the Serial Badge, Date Codes, upclose faceplate, and poweramp face (for suitcase owners), and one of the overall Rhodes front should be sufficient to start.  Please submit them to datarhodes@hotmail.com and reference your forum name.  Also, keep the entire email attachment load under 10MBs, if your pictures in total are larger than 10MBs feel free to send multiple emails.  

Any Errors or Questions while filling out feel free to PM me or send an email, Thanks!


Suitcase Pianos
___________________________________________________________________________


Basic Information


Piano Serial Number:
-

Badge:
Gold Badge with Fender/Rhodes script Logo bottom right of harp
Gold Badge with Rhodes Logo bottom right of harp
Black Ink Stamp Rhodes Badge upper right of harp

Piano Badge "Model":
Suitcase 73
Suitcase 88

PowerAmp Serial Number
-

Harp Production Start Date
( upper right hand corner of harp, and color of stamp)
-

TBJ Number if visible
Upper right hand corner of harp
-

Harp Production End Date
Lower right hand corner of harp(upper right hand corner for most mk2s)
-

Do you believe the piano is all original, possibly modified, or definitely modified/switched around?

___________________________________________________________________________

Additional Information (No disassembly required)

Tonebars:
Square Iron Tonebars
1st Generation Silver Twisted Tonebars (bottom register 1 twist only, NO bends)
2nd Generation Silver Twisted Tonebars (bottom register WITH multiple bends)
Standard Gold Numbered ONLY Tonebars (low register multiple bends, with numbers ONLY)
Standard Gold Pitch AND Number Denoted Gold Tonebars (low register multiple bends, with numbers AND Pitch Names)

Pickups:
Early Green or Red Pickups(Long slider, raised pull tab)
Standard Red Pickup(There are different magnet sizes, but impossible to tell without side-by-side comparison)
White tape pickups

Hammers:
Full Wood with Teardrop Head
Plastic Shaft with Wood Teardrop End
Plastic Shaft with Squared Wood End
Full Plastic Hammers

Hammertips:
Teardrop Felt
Square Felt Tips
Standard Neoprene

Logos:
Larger Early Fender/Rhodes Script (on namerail, bottom back of Speaker Cabinet)
Fender/Rhodes script (on namerail, Top of Speaker Cabinet only, and inner gold badge)
Rhodes logo (on Namerail, Top of Speaker Cabinet, Backside of Piano, inner gold badge or Ink Stamp)

Namerail:
Chrome
Ribbed Aluminum with bottom wood base, harp cover clips on backside (please unscrew to check, pianos circa 70-72)
Standard Mark I Ribbed Aluminum
Mark II Aluminum with Black Center Strip
Mark II Completely Black, no silver

Faceplate:
No Faceplate, only 3 knobs on Chrome Namerail
Fender/Rhodes Script Faceplate with No accessory Loop
MkI Fender or Rhodes Script Faceplate with Accessory Loop
Rhodes Silver Faceplate for EQ slider Preamp
Mark II Black Faceplate for EQ Slider
Mark II Black Faceplate with Full Knob Preamp and pushbutton Vibrato

Knobs
Early Chrome Knobs
3 Cone-Shaped Concentric Knobs with White Dot Indicator on outer
3 Cylindrical Concentric Knobs with White Line Indicators on Inner and outer
Volume and Vibrato Black Knobs White triangle indicator, with Black EQ sliders
MkV styled knobs and pushbutton vibrato

Harp Cover:
Silver Flake (Sparkle)
Black Round Plastic
Ribbed Black Plastic MkII

Harp Support Blocks (on the left and right side where the harp sits ontop of)
Wood
Aluminum

Keys
Wood Based
White Plastic Based
Black Plastic Based

Keycaps
Early Full Skirt (on the sides) keycap set (Whites-Round-ish top, Blacks-Dull Squared corners '65~'73)
2 Piece White top cap (Whites-cream colored front end cap, key corners completely square, wood exposed sides.  Blacks-dull squared edges'73~'75)
Later 2-piece Bright White keycap set (Whites-wood sides, flat top, Blacks-very glossy, more rounded edges '76~'83)

Hardshell Case lid:
Red Felt inner lining (or now wood surface)
Straight slope at keys side, all tolex
Angled flat at keys side, all tolex

External Side Case Latches:(make sure they're not just missing, check screw holes)
Bending Early Latches, 1 on each side near keys
Bending Early Latches, 2 on each side (4 total)
Later Clamp Latches, 1 on each side near keys
Later Clamp Latches, 2 on each side (4 total)

Rear External Case Lid Hinges:
Early 4 screw single small lip design, 3 on rear
Early 4 screw single small lip design, 2 on rear
Later 6 screw double lip design, 2 on rear

Latches on Lid Leg Compartment:
Bending Early Latches
Straps with Snaps

Suitcase Cabinet Legs:
Attached Halfway between pedal and outer edge (When pushed to the outside, fit flush with cabinet)
Attached closer to the Cabinet Ends(When pushed to the outside, do not fit flush with cabinet)

Preamp to Poweramp Connector cable:
Jordan ¼" TRS cable
4Pin Preamp to 4Blade Square Cinch-Jones Poweramp - Grey Cable
4Pin Preamp to 4Pin Poweramp - Grey Cable Cable
5Pin preamp to 5pin poweramp Switchcraft - Black Cable
___________________________________________________________________________


Other Information (Some disassembly required, removal of namerail)

Key Pedestals:(original configuration, not if you have a bump mod added later)
Sloped with Red Felt
Flat with Red Felt
Flat, bare wood (white felt on bottoms of hammers)
Flat with Wood integrated Bump at end, red felt (again not miracle mod bumps)

Dampeners:
Early Chrome Rod with Dampener End
Single Metal Arm
Grouped Metal Arms

Front Keypin felts:
Small Green Circles
Wide Green Circles (wider than above)
Small White Circles
Green runningboard felt strips

Sustain Bar Mechanism:(viewable if harp is removed or swiveled forward)
End pins held in by 2 small square plates screwed by 2 flathead/hex screws
Endpins held in by 1 Phillips screw
Endpins held in by spring loading?

Silver Sparkle Amps only:
Mono or Stereo Amp

Speakers:
Any Speaker Code Numbers and Labels, little to no info available (pictures handy)

___________________________________________________________________________

Again Thanks Guys!
Retro Rentals & Restorations
Vintage Music Gear

http://www.retrorentals.net
310-926-5799
info@retrorentals.net

FB: https://www.facebook.com/retrorentals.net/
IG: @RetroRentalsNet

Ben Bove

EXAMPLE:

Basic Information

Piano Serial Number:
764791

Badge:
Black Ink Stamp Rhodes Badge upper right of harp

Piano Badge "Model":
Suitcase 73

PowerAmp Serial Number
- N/A

Harp Production Start Date
( upper right hand corner of harp, and color of stamp)
- 23 80

TBJ Number if visible
017249-TBJ-

Harp Production End Date
3305

Additional Information (No disassembly required)

Tonebars:
Standard Gold Pitch AND Number Denoted Gold Tonebars (low register multiple bends, with numbers AND Pitch Names)

Pickups:
White tape pickups

Hammers:
Full Plastic Hammers

Hammertips:
Standard Neoprene

Logos:
Rhodes logo (on Namerail, Top of Speaker Cabinet, Backside of Piano, inner gold badge or Ink Stamp)

Namerail:
Mark II Aluminum with Black Center Strip

Faceplate:
Mark II Black Faceplate for EQ Slider

Knobs
Volume and Vibrato Black Knobs White triangle indicator, with Black EQ sliders

Harp Cover:
Ribbed Black Plastic MkII

Harp Support Blocks (on the left and right side where the harp sits ontop of)
Aluminum

Keys
Wood Based

Keycaps
Later Full Skirt keycap set (Whites-Full Skirt Keycap, flat top, Blacks-very glossy, more rounded edges '76~'83)

Hardshell Case lid:
Straight slope at keys side, all tolex

External Side Case Latches:(make sure they're not just missing, check screw holes)
Later Clamp Latches, 2 on each side (4 total)

Rear External Case Lid Hinges:
Later 6 screw double lip design, 2 on rear

Latches on Lid Leg Compartment:
Straps with Snaps

Suitcase Cabinet Legs:
Attached Halfway between pedal and outer edge (When pushed to the outside, fit flush with cabinet)

Preamp to Poweramp Connector cable:
5Pin preamp to 5pin poweramp Switchcraft - Black Cable

Other Information (Some disassembly required, removal of namerail)

Key Pedestals:(original configuration, not if you have a bump mod added later)
Flat with Wood integrated Bump at end, red felt (again not miracle mod bumps)

Dampeners:
Grouped Metal Arms

Front Keypin felts:
N/A

Sustain Bar Mechanism:(viewable if harp is removed or swiveled forward)
N/A

Speakers:
N/A


Again Thanks Guys!
Retro Rentals & Restorations
Vintage Music Gear

http://www.retrorentals.net
310-926-5799
info@retrorentals.net

FB: https://www.facebook.com/retrorentals.net/
IG: @RetroRentalsNet

Loucas

GREAT EFFORT MAN ! THANK YOU AND KEEP ON RHODING !

P.S: I THINK THE FIRST KEY ON THE LEFT OF EVERY EARLY  RHODES SHOULD BE MENTIONED AS AN ADDITIONAL PRODUCTION DATE EVIDENCE  .
EXAMPLE :  

P.S :
I ALSO HAVE A NICE PHOTO COLLECTION OF MANY RHODES PIANOS -PARTS-OF ANY MODIFICATON AND AGE (EARLY YEARS AND ON )WHICH  I COLLECT THROUGH THE INTERNET THE PAST YEARS .                                 IF THIS  COULD  HELP THIS SECTION OF THE FORUM PM ME IN ORDER TO SEND YOU ONE.

CHEERS !

Ben Bove

Start Date - 3778
End Date - 4183
Serial - 732771
Model - Suitcase 88
TBJ - 010459
Retro Rentals & Restorations
Vintage Music Gear

http://www.retrorentals.net
310-926-5799
info@retrorentals.net

FB: https://www.facebook.com/retrorentals.net/
IG: @RetroRentalsNet

Rob A

Piano Serial Number:
72830

Badge:
Gold Badge with Rhodes Logo bottom right of harp

Piano Badge "Model":
Suitcase 73

PowerAmp Serial Number
495-4682

Harp Production Start Date
( upper right hand corner of harp, and color of stamp)
2476, black

TBJ Number if visible
010254TBJ

Harp Production End Date
3264

Additional Information (No disassembly required)

Tonebars:
Standard Gold Numbered ONLY Tonebars

Pickups:
White tape pickups

Hammers:
Full Plastic Hammers with felt

Hammertips:
Standard Neoprene

Logos:
Rhodes logo (on Namerail, Top of Speaker Cabinet, Backside of Piano, inner gold badge)

Namerail:
Standard Mark I Ribbed Aluminum

Faceplate:
Silver Mark I suitcase concentric knob Faceplate with Accessory Loop (this was not one of the choices)

Knobs
3 Cylindrical Concentric Knobs with White Line Indicators on Inner and outer

Harp Cover:
Black Round Plastic

Harp Support Blocks (on the left and right side where the harp sits ontop of)
Aluminum

Keys
Wood Based

Keycaps
2 Piece White top cap

Hardshell Case lid:
Straight slope at keys side, all tolex

External Side Case Latches:(make sure they're not just missing, check screw holes)
Later Clamp Latches, 1 on each side near keys

Rear External Case Lid Hinges:
Later 6 screw double lip design, 2 on rear

Latches on Lid Leg Compartment:
Straps with Snaps

Suitcase Cabinet Legs:
Attached closer to the Cabinet Ends

Preamp to Poweramp Connector cable:
4Pin Preamp to 4Pin Poweramp - Grey Cable Cable

Other Information (Some disassembly required, removal of namerail)

Key Pedestals:(original configuration, not if you have a bump mod added later)
Flat, bare wood

Dampeners:
[will update later]

Front Keypin felts:
[will update later]

Sustain Bar Mechanism:(viewable if harp is removed or swiveled forward)
[will update later]

Speakers:
original 32ohm Fender 12",
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3009/2383871199_f450107975.jpg
piezo mod added by owner

paulb

Here is the information for my 1977 suitcase piano.  I will enter my stage piano info soon.  Sorry for the lack of photos, someone has to walk me through how to upload or where to store?  FYI, my 1976 stage piano is very mint, original factory set up with minor timbre adjustments, and less than 100 hours total play time; living room, no gigging.  It sat in a cozy closet for 25 years after that!  I look forward to entering its information and would love to include some photos.   I set it back up recently to use as a guide as I get my suitcase back as close to original condition as possible.  Paul

Piano Serial Number:
K 725710

Badge:
Black Ink Stamp Rhodes Badge upper right of harp

Piano Badge "Model":
Suitcase 73

PowerAmp Serial Number
E 704145

Harp Production Start Date
4677, Black

TBJ Number if visible
010254-TBJ

Harp Production End Date
Lower right hand corner of harp(upper right hand corner for most mk2s)
N/A

Do you believe the piano is all original, possibly modified, or definitely modified/switched around?
All original, except for a few minor action mods that I did.

Additional Information (No disassembly required)

Tonebars:
Standard Gold Numbered ONLY Tonebars (low register multiple bends, with numbers ONLY)

Pickups:
Standard Red Pickup(There are different magnet sizes, but impossible to tell without side-by-side comparison)

Hammers:
Full Plastic Hammers

Hammertips:
Standard Neoprene

Logos:
Rhodes logo (on Namerail, Top of Speaker Cabinet, Backside of Piano, inner gold badge or Ink Stamp)

Namerail:
Standard Mark I Ribbed Aluminum

Faceplate:
Rhodes Silver Faceplate for EQ slider Preamp

Knobs:
Volume and Vibrato Black Knobs White triangle indicator, with Black EQ sliders

Harp Cover:
Black Round Plastic

Harp Support Blocks (on the left and right side where the harp sits ontop of)
Aluminum

Keys:
Wood Based

Keycaps:
2 Piece White top cap (Whites-cream colored front end cap, key corners completely square, wood exposed sides. Blacks-dull squared edges'73~'75)

Hardshell Case lid:
Straight slope at keys side, all tolex

External Side Case Latches:(make sure they're not just missing, check screw holes)
Later Clamp Latches, 1 on each side near keys

Rear External Case Lid Hinges:
Later 6 screw double lip design, 2 on rear

Latches on Lid Leg Compartment:
Straps with Snaps

Suitcase Cabinet Legs:
Attached closer to the Cabinet Ends(When pushed to the outside, do not fit flush with cabinet)

Preamp to Poweramp Connector cable:
5Pin preamp to 5pin poweramp Switchcraft - Black Cable

Other Information (Some disassembly required, removal of namerail)

Key Pedestals:(original configuration, not if you have a bump mod added later)
Flat, bare wood (white felt on bottoms of hammers)

Dampeners:
Grouped Metal Arms

Front Keypin felts:
Small Green Circles

Sustain Bar Mechanism:(viewable if harp is removed or swiveled forward)
Endpins held in by 1 Phillips screw

Silver Sparkle Amps only:
Mono or Stereo Amp

Speakers:
Any Speaker Code Numbers and Labels, little to no info available (pictures handy)
Blue label fender, 32 ohm, 12"
1977 Mark I Suitcase 73
1976 Mark I Stage 73
1975 Yamaha U1

Dan Belcher

Quote from: "paulb"Sorry for the lack of photos, someone has to walk me through how to upload or where to store?  
Go to http://www.imageshack.us -- it will let you upload photos and give you the links you can just copy and paste into your posts. :)
Proud owner,
1978 Rhodes Mark I Stage 73

Fred

Suitcase Pianos
___________________________________________________________________________


Basic Information


Piano Serial Number:
73P-1630

Badge:
Gold Badge with Fender/Rhodes script Logo bottom right of harp
Santa Ana California (not Fullerton)
Piano Badge "Model":
Suitcase 73  (no specification on badge)

PowerAmp Serial Number
- 1630

Harp Production Start Date
( upper right hand corner of harp, and color of stamp)
- n/a

TBJ Number if visible
Upper right hand corner of harp
- n/a

Harp Production End Date
Lower right hand corner of harp(upper right hand corner for most mk2s)
- 4568

Do you believe the piano is all original, possibly modified, or definitely modified/switched around?
All original, though restored w/ new tolex, grille cloth, and new teardrop hammers
___________________________________________________________________________

Additional Information (No disassembly required)

Tonebars:
Square Aluminum #1-#52. Iron #53-#73

Pickups:
Early Green Pickups(Long slider, standard size tab)

Hammers:

Plastic Shaft with Wood Teardrop End

Hammertips:
Teardrop Felt


Logos:
Larger Early Fender/Rhodes Script Metal (bottom back of Speaker Cabinet)
Fender/Rhodes script (metal on namerail,Print on inner gold badge)

Namerail:
Chrome


Faceplate:
No Faceplate, only 3 knobs on Chrome Namerail (w/ silkscreened labels)


Knobs

3 Cone-Shaped Concentric Knobs with White Dot Indicator on outer


Harp Cover:
Silver Flake (Sparkle) Fiberglass


Harp Support Blocks (on the left and right side where the harp sits ontop of)
Wood


Keys
Wood Based


Keycaps
Early Full Skirt (on the sides) keycap set (Whites-Round-ish top, Blacks-Dull Squared corners '65~'73)


Hardshell Case lid:
Red Felt inner lining (or now wood surface)
Straight slope at keys side, all tolex (no cut angle like early Mk I)


External Side Case Latches:(make sure they're not just missing, check screw holes)
Bending Early Latches, 1 on each side near keys


Rear External Case Lid Hinges:

Early 4 screw blade design, 2 on rear


Latches on Lid Leg Compartment:
No compartment

Suitcase Cabinet Legs:

Attached closer to the Cabinet Ends(When pushed to the outside, do not fit flush with cabinet)

Preamp to Poweramp Connector cable:

Hardwired at preamp to 4Blade Square Cinch-Jones Poweramp - Grey Cable

___________________________________________________________________________


Other Information (Some disassembly required, removal of namerail)

Key Pedestals:(original configuration, W/ factory installed metal clips)


Dampeners:
Early Chrome Rod with Dampener End


Front Keypin felts:
Small Green Circles


Sustain Bar Mechanism:(viewable if harp is removed or swiveled forward)
End pins integral to arm. Arm fastened to damper bar.

Silver Sparkle Amps only:
Stereo Amp

Speakers: 2 10" (facing player) 2 12" (facing out)
Head Designer of the Vintage Vibe Tine Piano
Collector
Electric Piano Technician in New Haven, Ct.
(203) 824-1528

Carouxtia

Hi,
Heres the info for my Silver Top Suitcase (Most of it)
Piano Serial Number:     73A-0660
Badge:    Gold Badge with Fender/Rhodes script Logo bottom right of harp
Piano Badge "Model":    none
PowerAmp Serial Number :    0660
Harp Production Start Date:   Nowhere to be found
TBJ Number if visible, Upper right hand corner of harp:   Nowhere to be found
Harp Production End Date:   Nowhere to be found
Do you believe the piano is all original, possibly modified, or definitely modified/switched around?      Still researching
Tonebars:   Square Iron and Aluminum Tonebars
Pickups:   Early Green (Long slider, raised pull tab)
Hammers:    Plastic Shaft with Squared Wood End
Hammertips:    Square Tips, highest 16 have angled Neoprene
Logos:    Larger Early Fender/Rhodes Script
Namerail:   Chrome
Faceplate:    Fender/Rhodes Script Faceplate, 3 knobs on Chrome Namerail with no accessory Loop
Knobs    3 Cone-Shaped Concentric Knobs with White Dot Indicator on outer
Harp Cover:   Silver Flake (Sparkle)
Harp Support Blocks:   Wood
Keys:   Wood Based
Keycaps:   Early Full Skirt
Hardshell Case lid:   Red Felt inner lining
External Side Case Latches:   Bending Early Latches, 1 on each side near keys
Rear External Case Lid Hinges:    Early 4 screw single small lip design, 3 on rear
Latches on Lid Leg Compartment:    none
Suitcase Cabinet Legs:   Attached closer to the Cabinet Ends
Preamp to Poweramp Connector cable:   Jordan ¼" TRS cable
Key Pedestals:   Sloped with Red Felt
Dampeners:   Early Chrome Rod with Dampener End
Front Keypin felts:   Small Green Circles
Sustain Bar Mechanism:
End pins held in by 2 small square plates screwed by 2 flathead/hex screws
Endpins held in by 1 Phillips screw
Endpins held in by spring loading?
Silver Sparkle Amps only:   Mono
Speakers:     2x12" facing the audience.
Any Speaker Code Numbers and Labels, little to no info available (pictures handy) will check

Michael

Piano Serial Number:
k 610569

Badge:
Black Ink Stamp Rhodes Badge upper right of harp

Piano Badge "Model":
Suitcase 73

Power Amp Serial Number
N/A

Harp Production Start Date
Black Stamp 2377

TBJ Number
010254 -TBJ

Harp Production End Date
2476

Tonebars:
Number Denoted Silver Tone bars (low register multiple bends, with numbers )

Pickups:
White tape pickups

Hammers:
Full Plastic Hammers

Hammertips:
Standard Neoprene

Logos:
Rhodes logo right in the middle of the rail.

Namerail:
Mark I Aluminum

Faceplate:
Mark I silver Faceplate for EQ Slider

Knobs
Volume and Vibrato Black Knobs with silver middle (w/ White triangle indicator), Black EQ sliders

Harp Cover:
Round

Harp Support Blocks
Aluminum

Keys
Wood Based

Keycaps
Full Skirt keycap set Blacks-very glossy, more rounded edges '76~'83)

Hardshell Case lid:
Straight slope at keys side, all tolex

External Side Case Latches:(make sure they're not just missing, check screw holes)
Later Clamp Latches, 2 one each side (2 total)

Rear External Case Lid Hinges:
Later 6 screw double lip design, 2 on rear

Latches on Lid Leg Compartment:
Straps with Snaps

Suitcase Cabinet Legs:
N/A

Preamp to Poweramp Connector cable:
5Pin  

Sustain Bar Mechanism
N/A

Speakers:
N/A

EDIT: Changed " Gold plated tone bars"  To Silver... my bad... it does have a gold tint... Anyhow I'm also adding the "first key" code found on the Frame by the lowest "E"

The numbers are 69141

billulsund

Basic Information

Piano Serial Number:
53337

Badge:
Blue Ink Stamp, Gold Fender Rhodes Badge lower right of harp

Piano Badge "Model":
Suitcase 73


PowerAmp Serial Number
345-241


Harp Production Start Date
( upper right hand corner of harp, and color of stamp)
5273 - blue


TBJ Number if visible
None visible

Harp Production End Date
Not visible

Additional Information (No disassembly required)
date on side of far left key 11 Jan, 1974


Tonebars:
Standard Number Denoted Gold Tonebars (low register multiple bends, with numbers)




Pickups:
Red


Hammers:
Wooden with caps on top and front


Hammertips:
Standard Neoprene

Logos:
Fender Rhodes logo (on Namerail, Top left of Speaker Cabinet, Backside of Piano, inner gold badge or Ink Stamp)

Namerail:
Mark I Fender Rhodes Ribbed Aluminum

Faceplate:
Mark I Fender Rhodes for suitcase amp.

Knobs
Volume, tone and Vibrato concentric black knobs

Harp Cover
Plastic round top

Harp Support Blocks (on the left and right side where the harp sits ontop of)
Wood

Keys
Wood Based

Keycaps
Front and top

Hardshell Case lid:
missing - slight angle towards key side

External Side Case Latches:(make sure they're not just missing, check screw holes)
Early Clamp Latches, 2 on each side (4 total)

Rear External Case Lid Hinges:
Early 4 screw single lip design, 2 on rear

Latches on Lid Leg Compartment:
missing

Suitcase Cabinet Legs:
Attached closer to outer edge (When pushed to the outside do not fit flush with cabinet)

Preamp to Poweramp Connector cable:
4Pin preamp to 4pin poweramp - Grey Cable

Other Information (Some disassembly required, removal of namerail)

Key Pedestals:
Flat with Wood  red felt


Dampeners:
Single Metal Arms

Front Keypin felts:
green


Sustain Bar Mechanism
small wooden cylinder with felt on top and bottom and metal pins coming out each side

Speakers:
Fender Musical Instruments Speakers
1974 Suitcase 73, 1975 Suitcase 88

ctenophonic

Piano Serial Number:
611402

Badge:
Black Ink Stamp Rhodes Badge upper right of harp

Piano Badge "Model":
Suitcase 73

PowerAmp Serial Number
E701031

Harp Production Start Date
3077

TBJ Number if visible
010254-TBJ

Harp Production End Date
3374



Do you believe the piano is all original, possibly modified, or definitely modified/switched around?
Well, there's a mod in the cab for sure, but no obvious replacements, mods, etc. on the piano itself.

___________________________________________________________________________

Additional Information

Tonebars:
Standard Gold Pitch AND Number Denoted Gold Tonebars

Pickups:
Standard Red Pickups

Hammers:
Plastic Shaft with Wood Teardrop End

Hammertips:
Standard Neoprene

Logos:
Rhodes logo

Namerail:
Standard Mark I Ribbed Aluminum

Faceplate:


Knobs
Volume and Vibrato Black Knobs White triangle indicator, with Black EQ sliders

Harp Cover:
Black Round Plastic

Harp Support Blocks
Aluminum

Keys
Wood Based

Keycaps
Later 2-piece Bright White keycap set

Hardshell Case lid:
Straight slope at keys side, all tolex


External Side Case Latches:
Later Clamp Latches, 1 on each side near keys

Rear External Case Lid Hinges:
Later 6 screw double lip design, 2 on rear

Latches on Lid Leg Compartment:
Straps with Snaps

Suitcase Cabinet Legs:
Attached closer to the Cabinet Ends

Preamp to Poweramp Connector cable:
5Pin preamp to 5pin poweramp Switchcraft - Black Cable

3bergen

Basic Information

Piano Serial Number:
601300

Badge:
Black Ink Stamp Rhodes Badge upper right of harp

Piano Badge "Model":
Suitcase 73

PowerAmp Serial Number
-495-5584

Harp Production Start Date
- 4776 black stamp

TBJ Number if visible
-010254TB

Harp Production End Date
-5063

Do you believe the piano is all original, possibly modified, or definitely modified/switched around?
yes, it's switched from 110V to 220V, keypedestal kit installed by EPservice.nl

___________________________________________________________________________

Additional Information (No disassembly required)

Tonebars:
Standard Gold Numbered ONLY Tonebars (low register multiple bends, with numbers ONLY)

Pickups:
 not exactly red, seems copper with see through tape??

Hammers:
Full Plastic Hammers

Hammertips:
Standard Neoprene

Logos:
Rhodes logo
back

Namerail:
Standard Mark I Ribbed Aluminum

Faceplate:
MkI Fender or Rhodes Script Faceplate with Accessory Loop

Knobs
3 Cylindrical Concentric Knobs with White Line Indicators on Inner and outer

Harp Cover:
Black Round Plastic

Harp Support Blocks (on the left and right side where the harp sits ontop of)
Aluminum

Keys
Wood Based

Keycaps
2 Piece White top cap (Whites-cream colored front end cap, key corners completely square, wood exposed sides.  Blacks-dull squared edges'73~'75)

Hardshell Case lid:
Straight slope at keys side, all tolex

Rear External Case Lid Hinges:
Later 6 screw double lip design, 2 on rear

Latches on Lid Leg Compartment:
Straps with Snaps

Suitcase Cabinet Legs:
Attached closer to the Cabinet Ends(When pushed to the outside, do not fit flush with cabinet)

Preamp to Poweramp Connector cable:
4Pin Preamp to 4Pin Poweramp - Grey Cable Cable

___________________________________________________________________________

Other Information (Some disassembly required, removal of namerail)

Dampeners:
Grouped Metal Arms
1976 suitcase 73 - 70's small stone phaser - MXR phase 100
Wurlitzer 200a (in restoration)
Clavinet E7 - EH mini Q-tron - CryBaby 535Q
Casio VL-1
Stylophone
Several hohner Melodicas

billulsund

I recently picked up an 88 key suitcase Mark I. Below are all the details. I will post pics in the "Rhodes pics and story" thread.

Piano Serial Number:
60206

Badge:
Blue Ink Stamp Rhodes Badge lower right of harp

Piano Badge "Model":
Suitcase 88

PowerAmp Serial Number
cant read from picture- will update later

Harp Production Start Date
44 75

TBJ Number if visible
to faint to read

Harp Production End Date
5051

Additional Information (No disassembly required)

Tonebars:
Standard Number Denoted Gold Tonebars (low register multiple bends, with numbers)

Pickups:
red tape pickups

Hammers:
Full Plastic Hammers with white felt where contacted by pedestal

Hammertips:
Standard Neoprene

Logos:
Rhodes logo (on Namerail, Top of Speaker Cabinet, Backside of Piano, inner gold badge)

Namerail:
Mark I Aluminum

Faceplate:
Mark I suitcase

Knobs
cylindrical concentric knobs

Harp Cover:
Black Plastic MkI

Harp Support Blocks:
Aluminum

Keys
Wood Based

Keycaps
Top and front.

Hardshell Case lid:
Missing - Straight slope at keys

External Side Case Latches:
Later Clamp Latches, 2 on each side (4 total)

Rear External Case Lid Hinges:
Early single lip design, 2 on rear

Latches on Lid Leg Compartment:
missing lid

Suitcase Cabinet Legs:
Attached closer to outer edge (When pushed to the outside, do not fit flush with cabinet)

Preamp to Poweramp Connector cable:
4Pin preamp to 4pin poweramp

Other Information (Some disassembly required, removal of namerail)

Key Pedestals:
Flat wood with no felt

Dampeners:
Grouped Metal Arms

Front Keypin felts:
green

Sustain Bar Mechanism:(viewable if harp is removed or swiveled forward)
N/A

Speakers:
4 - 12" speakers, no logo on magnet.
1974 Suitcase 73, 1975 Suitcase 88

moosie

basic Information


Piano Serial Number:
- 54647

Badge:

Gold Badge with Rhodes Logo bottom right of harp


Piano Badge "Model":
Suitcase 73


PowerAmp Serial Number
044-716

Harp Production Start Date
( upper right hand corner of harp, and color of stamp)
- not sure about this one.  i think i can make out a 514 and then another 5 a couple of inches away.  this might be the remains of the end production date.

Do you believe the piano is all original, possibly modified, or definitely modified/switched around?

not sure.  i had a custom 4 pin cable made, and i was told that the connectors are opposite.  he made a fitting cable but my cab still doesn't work.

___________________________________________________________________________

Additional Information (No disassembly required)

Tonebars:

2nd Generation Silver Twisted Tonebars (bottom register WITH multiple bends)


Pickups:

Standard Red Pickup

Hammers:

Plastic Shaft with Squared Wood End


Hammertips:

Square Felt Tips (i think)


Logos:
Larger Early Fender/Rhodes Script (on namerail, bottom back of Speaker Cabinet) - this is on the cab.  the gold label and badge on the keyboard just says "rhodes"

Namerail:  

Standard Mark I Ribbed Aluminum


Faceplate:

MkI Fender or Rhodes Script Faceplate with Accessory Loop


Knobs

3 Cylindrical Concentric Knobs with White Line Indicators on Inner and outer


Harp Cover:

Black Round Plastic


Harp Support Blocks (on the left and right side where the harp sits ontop of)
Wood

Keys
Wood Based


Keycaps

2 Piece White top cap (Whites-cream colored front end cap, key corners completely square, wood exposed sides. Blacks-dull squared edges'73~'75)


Hardshell Case lid:

Straight slope at keys side, all tolex (i think)


External Side Case Latches:(make sure they're not just missing, check screw holes)

not exactly sure.  the lid is in storage.

Rear External Case Lid Hinges:

Early 4 screw single small lip design, 2 on rear (i think)


Suitcase Cabinet Legs:
Attached closer to the Cabinet Ends(When pushed to the outside, do not fit flush with cabinet)

Preamp to Poweramp Connector cable:

4Pin Preamp to 4Pin Poweramp - Grey Cable Cable
dan

bumpyrhode

Here's some info that has no dedicated thread yet. Satellite speakers.

Model - Rhodes Master FR7220
           Serial no. EM3044
           Speakers Fender Special Design by Rola #2857547 (1975, 47th week)
           8 Ohm speakers connected parallel
           4-pin cable
           Fused on control panel and amp chassis

           Rhodes Slave FR7221
           Serial no. EM3699
           Speakers Fender Special Design by Utah #328608 (1976, 8th week)
           Assume 8 Ohm impedance, not marked
           Fused on control panel  :'(and amp chassis

vcf4012

Hi Ben,

Not sure if you're still collecting this data, but I recently got a new suitcase (and am still quite excited)

Suitcase Pianos
___________________________________________________________________________


Basic Information


Piano Serial Number:
54573

Badge:

Gold Badge with Rhodes Logo bottom right of harp


Piano Badge "Model":
Suitcase 73


PowerAmp Serial Number
044-703

Harp Production Start Date
( upper right hand corner of harp, and color of stamp)
Not visible

TBJ Number if visible
Upper right hand corner of harp
0102x4-TBJ

Harp Production End Date
Lower right hand corner of harp(upper right hand corner for most mk2s)
N/A

Found a date stamp underneath top D key - 10 Jul 1974

Do you believe the piano is all original, possibly modified, or definitely modified/switched around?

All original I think
___________________________________________________________________________

Additional Information (No disassembly required)

Tonebars:

Standard Gold Numbered ONLY Tonebars (low register multiple bends, with numbers ONLY)


Pickups:

Standard Red Pickup(There are different magnet sizes, but impossible to tell without side-by-side comparison)


Hammers:

Plastic Shaft with Squared Wood End


Hammertips:

Standard Neoprene

Logos:

Fender/Rhodes script (on namerail, Top of Speaker Cabinet only, and Rhodes inner gold badge)


Namerail:

Standard Mark I Ribbed Aluminum


Faceplate:

MkI Fender or Rhodes Script Faceplate with Accessory Loop


Knobs

3 Cylindrical Concentric Knobs with White Line Indicators on Inner and outer


Harp Cover:

Black Round Plastic


Harp Support Blocks (on the left and right side where the harp sits ontop of)
Wood


Keys
Wood Based


Keycaps

2 Piece White top cap (Whites-cream colored front end cap, key corners completely square, wood exposed sides.  Blacks-dull squared edges'73~'75)


Hardshell Case lid:

Straight slope at keys side, all tolex


External Side Case Latches:(make sure they're not just missing, check screw holes)

Bending Early Latches, 2 on each side (4 total)


Rear External Case Lid Hinges:

Early 4 screw single small lip design, 2 on rear


Latches on Lid Leg Compartment:

Straps with Snaps

Suitcase Cabinet Legs:
Attached Halfway between pedal and outer edge (When pushed to the outside, fit flush with cabinet)
Attached closer to the Cabinet Ends(When pushed to the outside, do not fit flush with cabinet)

Preamp to Poweramp Connector cable:

4Pin Preamp to 4Pin Poweramp - Grey Cable Cable

___________________________________________________________________________


Other Information (Some disassembly required, removal of namerail)

Key Pedestals:(original configuration, not if you have a bump mod added later)

Flat with Red Felt


Dampeners:

Single Metal Arm


Front Keypin felts:

Wide Green Circles (wider than above)


Sustain Bar Mechanism:(viewable if harp is removed or swiveled forward)
End pins held in by 2 small square plates screwed by 2 flathead/hex screws



Speakers:
Any Speaker Code Numbers and Labels, little to no info available (pictures handy)
137 7432 - CTS i think
1974 Suitcase 73