The best place to buy Rhodes parts?

[Finga]

Thanks to everyone who helped me with my previous queries, I'v now got  a really nice Rhodes Mark I from 1977, I payed £650 and it just needs a few new parts and a tune.

I'm from the UK and know that I'm going to have to buy from one of the web sites in the states (i bought some new hammer tips from Scotland and they cost me £60!). The three main site i can find are:

VintageVibe.com

SpeakEasyVintageMusic.com

MajorKey.com  

I haven't heard very good things about VintageVibe. Other than that i have no experience with any of these sites.

Can anyone recommend a decent website to buy from? Will all the parts they have be the same as the next website? Should i just go on who's cheapest?

Some advice would be great!

Cheers!

[Mark II]

hey, I have heard good things about VintageVibe, mainly through this forum.

I have dealed with major key myself, excellent service, maybee a little bit slow due to weekend work only, but no questions about the quality of the parts.
but check the newsflash on their side. it looks like Mr. McLaren hasent recoverd from his illness, so no order will be taken.

No experience with speakeasy.

check dnarkosis' blog for some other sources of generic parts (grommets, washer, cups, corners etc.) But I think some of the suppliers mentioned there dont ship internationally, but check it.

how about CAE ?

hope this helps.

Mark II

[Finga]

Cheers Mark II.

Your right Major Key aren't taking orders. CAE looks good although no pictures! It sounds stupid but i can't really call them up if I'm sure what a "SWITCH, ROCKER, JANIS BOTTOM, NEW" is and if it is what i need.

I'm hearing the best things about SpeakEasy. I might go with them, i know they ship abroad as well. I'm hearing a lot about VintageVibe having poor customer service, not good since I'm in England!

I'm sure in terms of parts they are all much of a muchness really.

Cheers.

[paulb]

I've had good experiences with Vintage Vibe.  If ever a problem, I've emailed them and Chris has personally responded promptly and resolved any issue.  My only complaint with Vintage Vibe is their shipping costs, which add to their already somewhat high priced products!  Quality and service has usually been right on though.

What type of parts are you looking for specifically?  This may help in where I'd suggest buying from.

Paul

[John Brevik]

My understanding/experience is that different places do better with different parts. As paulb suggests, posting specifics will help get you the best recommendations.

[Finga]

What type of parts are you looking for specifically?  This may help in where I'd suggest buying from.

I haven't worked out exactly what i need yet. Like i said I've already bought my hammer tips, but i might need more action parts (maybe a new hammer or two, damper felts, etc.). I will want to get some cosmetic parts as well, logos, etc. Another question: why aren't they made of metal!?

I need to work out my full list, but it will be a good few different things. With shipping in mind i think it would be cost effective to place one order from one site.

Let me know what you think.

Finga.

[Finga]

I also don't know what you all mean about VintageVibe being expensive. Their prices seem better that SpeakEasy. The logos are far cheaper.

Finga.

[pianotuner steveo]

It all depends- Speakeasy sells some parts for less than VV, and others for more. Sometimes one has parts the other doesn;t have, or one manufacture's their own parts and the other doesnt. That's why it good to have more than one place to shop,regardless of prices/customer service. In other words- if you need a specific part and only one place has it, then I personally would buy it from that place even if it's not my favorite place to buy parts from. Just getting that part is the most important thing. I hope this makes sense- I'm not always great at explaining things.

[Finga]

Yeah i get you Steveo.

Cheers mate.

[pianodano]

Vintage Vib was great to me whenever issues arose. I also had good luck with Speakeasy.

Regards,

Danny

PS, I have lots of wood/plastic hammers if you need some.

[tomnardozza]

try musicpartsguru.com

[jim]

i've had bad luck with musicpartsguru.

[Kolbenschlag]

Count me in as a vote for vintage vibe. Great selection, extremely helpful, 100% honest.

[tomnardozza]

i agree, musicpartsguru is hit or miss with service. but they were the only ones with my green pickups (for the sparkletop).  as for the best?? i agree with everyone else.....gotta go with chris!!

[Bobba]

For the UK I'd recommend the following:

Do NOT order anything from the guy in Aberdean. He takes ages, forgets, doesn't send enough felt in the kits, charges the wrong amount...total disaster.

I ended up ordering fair few parts from ep-service.nl which worked out pretty good as the postage was reasonable, they have a good range of stock and are VERY quick. However, for small parts they're a bit pricey (fine for kits however).

I just recently got some parts delivered to my girlfriend when she was over in the states from vintagevibe and she brought them back (to save the rediculous postage they would have charged - $190 for a small bag of bits).

[Finga]

Interesting all the mixed opinions.

I've already ordered some hammer tips and a sustain rod grommet from Alan in Aberdeen. He did seem a little brief about everything but  he was helpful. I ordered them Thursday, they haven't arrived, but with bank holiday etc. i can't start complaining yet. Speakeasy only tried to do me $60 for shipping. Can't believe VV was $190!!!

Mmm..

FInga.

[gunnar]

I got all parts for my rhodes and the ones I fixed for other people from these guys:
http://www.wurlitzer-epservice.nl/
Nothing but praise for them.

[Finga]

Yeah really good selection. Prices aren't bad and the shipping is really reasonable. I think i might have found a winner!

Cheers gunnar!

Finga.