Breaking tines...I'm seeing a pattern/does anyone have any?

[DanTheMan]

I have YET AGAIN broken a tine in my Rhodes. First of all, I would like to know; is this a common occurence with Rhodes pianos, or are mine just old and brittle? And also, I will obviously need a replacement tine. I have a 1973 Stage piano, and I'm guessing the tines are about the same age. So, if you have any tines long enough for the second "C" on a 73-key Rhodes, please contact me.
Thanks,
Dan

[O.Lahoz]

Hi,
I have two 1979 Rhodes (Suitcase and Stage) and NEVER broken a tine.
Perhaps  depends how hard you play or
your tines are the OLD model (more fragile than new model)

[DanTheMan]

I know my tines aren't the old Raymac tines, i.e. the ones that were not tapered, because mine are tapered, but as I recall, they did change them somehow when they came out with the Mark II to make them more durable, and as I said before, I'm pretty sure mine are the same vintage of my piano; circal 1973.

[DanTheMan]

Does anyone here have any replacement tines from this vintage (circa 1973)? If possible, I would like to buy two.

Thanks,
Dan

[Tbird65]

Hi Dan,

I just snapped a tine the other day - first time!  I too am hoping its a one-off thing and that they wont all start to snap!

Anyway, i was chatting to a friend who suggested taking the tine from the very top note (i mean, how often do you actually play that very top note?) and slotting it into the very-often-used second G above middle C (the one I snapped).  I havent tried it yet...

But i also checked out the speakeasy website, and it looks like they have a limited supply of tines for sale there.  Guess i better get in before you then ey Dan the man!!

Well all the best...

and any other comments on this subject would be greatly appreciated!

[Zaki]

When you say the "top" tine, you must be referring to the highest note. You cannot do that. The length of the tines affects the pitch. That's why they are not the same length. The shorter tine, the higher pitch. However you can take the deepest tine and cut it shorter to get the right pitch. That's what I did and it works great.
But first of all make shure you are cutting to the right length (you can get a cutting chart, but I just cut it the same length as the neighbouring tines. to get best sustain file the end of the tine, so it is flat. Make shure that the tonebar-assembly is tightened really, really hard. I could not get any sustain out of mine, till I noticed how hard it should be tightened.

[pianokey88]

You're breaking tines because you are hitting the notes too hard. I used to break tines a lot when I played in a full-blast rock band. I have not broken a tine in 20 years since then.

New tines are  available at Major Key - http://www.majorkey.com/
dTb

[Paolão]

Hi, I recently have broken a tine from my Fender Rhodes Suitcase Piano and bought a replacement tine from Speakeasy Vintage Music but I have a stupid question: Which the best way to cut the tine?
Thanks!

[DanTheMan]

I haven't gotten to try this, but I've heard that using a Dremel tool with a cutoff blade is the best way to do it. I've gotten the tool now, but I haven't cut the tine yet, so I can't advise you on how exactly to go about it. You can also cut tines with wire cutters, but it's a lot harder and doesn't give a nice flat end, which from what I understand can affect the volume of the note.
-Dan

[Paolão]

Thanks for your help Dan!

[pianokey88]

It is quick and easy to just use a diagonal cutting plier like this:

http://www.channellock.com/acb/stores/2/product1.cfm?&SID=2&Product_ID=133

End nippers also work well:

http://www.channellock.com/acb/stores/2/product1.cfm?&SID=2&Product_ID=164

Both leave a sharp burr that is easily smoothed out with a file.

David

[Paolão]

Ok, thanks David!

[Matt]

After working of my friend's "Rhodes Stage 80" (88 key) I did alot of research on the subject.  The cheapest source of tines I have found is at a store named "Music Guru" @ Music Guru 847-202-5185  
I also learned that lowest tines are the most prone to break and are the most difficult to come by.  I HIGHLY reccomend purchasing any high or midrange tines that have broken, instaid of just cutting down a longer one as tines are no longer in production and they are becoming more scarce every day.  Tune your piano carefully and play with finess and your tines will probably never break.