Tolex Sizing Question

[ElBeeba]

Hey Gang,

I bought a Rhodes some time ago for $50 and have been in the process of bringing it back to life.  It has really been smooth sailing so far, but I have hit a bit of a speed bump.  

The original owner removed all of the worn out tolex and simply spray painted the box.  I didn't think much of this when buying the piano (because it was only $50!) but now that I am at the cosmetic stage of my restoration, this has caused a problem.

I have removed the paint, filled in the holes, and prepped the box, but I have no tolex to use as a template for a new tolex pattern.  Has anyone else encountered this same problem? Anyone have any suggestions?  Anyone know where to find dimensions?

Thanks!

[dnarkosis]

I have a template for the sides -- actually, it's a single template one can turn to fit either side, top of bottom -- but only for the units on which those dimensions are the same.

But I had an, mm, accident this weekend, am hobbling around with a sprained ankle or some such nonsense. I will get to this very soon and also post it here:

http://ep-forum.com/smf/index.php?topic=5084

Note in my post there that it will not be an exact fit, but rather a starting point from which you can custom fit your keyboard.

More anon. Sorry for the delay.

[Ben Bove]

I wouldn't worry about templates.  When I did my last tolex job I cut relative pieces off the roll, then custom fit and exacto-ed off the excess.

Watch this video about cutting corners, and you should be ok.  Remember the sides go on first, then the big piece down the middle overlapping part of the side overhang.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j9DY6ow7PPE

[ElBeeba]

Thanks for the tip.

How much tolex did you order?

How did it turn out?

[Ben Bove]

according to vintage vibe:
It takes about 4 yards without mistakes to do a Rhodes Stage Piano.

When I did mine I took a lot of time to make sure I didn't make mistakes.  If you're very careful before you get cut-crazy, it will turn out great

[dnarkosis]

Turn the pattern over to get the right side.

Note: the more detailed red pattern is laid over my starting white pattern, which is slightly bigger and less detailed (see especially the right side) to allow gradually cutting the pattern down to a custom fit.