How old is my Rhodes? What year was it made?

Started by Mark II, September 05, 2006, 03:59:30 AM

Previous topic - Next topic

Mark II

I dont know where to post this one. so I hope it's Ok when I reply here:

My Mark II has a strange digit stamped on it: 5080.
So, referring to the first post it was manufactured on the 0th workday of week 50 ? How does that sound. Strange, right ? Even with the 8 on 3rd position. referring to the first post it must be a 0.


So give me a hint.
I could post a picture if it would be helpfull.
Thanks in advance

Mark II
Rhodes Stage 73 Mark II 1980 / modified Peterson Suitcase Preamp

Miguel Tuna

Mark II, I think It was right on the end of 1980...
'79 Mk1 Suitcase

Miguel Tuna

Portugal

Piano&Drums

i think miguel is right, 50th week of 1980, 52 weeks in a year so right at the end.
Mark II Stage 73

fartsarejazztoarseholes

possibly going to get a 73 stage fender rhodes mark1

seller has told me the the 4-digit number on the top right is

1174

and a serial No. 35040

does that make the year 1974

(and i take it pre-75 does mean a lot tougher wooden keys)

tougher bite???

sach

hi everybody...
this is my first post. i just had the good fortune of finding myself a fender rhodes mark 1 73 suitcase here in manila. it's a thing of beauty, everything working, just needs bushings tightened and the usual hammer / damper overhaul. had to rebuild the speaker panels (which were crumbling away) and dremel off the crusty stuff on the tine blocks.
my question is - can anyone help me get a clearer idea of the year my piano was produced? i've checked the threads we have in the forums, but i don't even have the information i need because apart from the serial number sticker, the stamped ones are faded or barely legible - both on the pickup rail and tonebar rail.
some facts: it's a fender rhodes mark 1, silver grill cloth on the amp so it's definitely a "fender rhodes", but my harp has a "rhodes" sticker, not fender rhodes. is this a transition unit or was my harp replaced by a previous owner? the rhodes sticker on the harp is a five-digit number - 54056 i think. my hammers are wood / plastic with single dampers and wooden keys (not full skirt caps). support blocks are wood not aluminum, action is stiff, with the felt on the key pedestals, not on the hammers. it has the preamp with three knobs, concentric for bass / treble and for tremolo / vibrato rate / depth.
hope one of you guys can shed some light on this for me. i'd love to know all i can about this baby. thanks and talk to you guys again soon!

sach

sach

hi guys, no one seems to have replied to my first post. i guess i should've started a thread on this topic and not posted in this faq section. i'll repost elsewhere and add some photos as well. thanks!

sach

Rhodesman

I always thought the start date was on the pickup rail and the finish date on the tonebar rail, however after reading this thread, it seems its the opposite.

Anyway, on my rhodes stage 73 the pickup rail date code is 3477, and the tonebar rail date code is 3776. Does that mean they're from different pianos?
Assuming you can't finish building a rhodes a year before you start :!:
76 Rhodes Mark 1 Stage 73=> Vox wah=>Morley Volume Pedal=> Arion Stereo Phaser => Vox AD100VT

james

QuoteAnyway, on my rhodes stage 73 the pickup rail date code is 3477, and the tonebar rail date code is 3776.

pickup rail finished
3477 = 34th week of 1977

entire piano finished
3776 = 37th week of 1977, 6th work day of the week (Saturday)

The codes on your piano sound right to me!
Web Designer/Developer, Webmaster & Co-Creator
The Rhodes Super Site since 1996
1977 Mark I Stage 73 + Vintage Vibe Stereo Vibe

Rhodesman

Thanks, sorry about that. Didn't read the description well enough. I missed the part explaining the day of the week number.

Thanks again.
76 Rhodes Mark 1 Stage 73=> Vox wah=>Morley Volume Pedal=> Arion Stereo Phaser => Vox AD100VT

rknrne

Great forum.. thanks for being here
I think I may be able to ' Stump the band'
I'm currently selling my Rhodes on Ebay

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=001&sspagename=STRK%3AMESE%3AIT&viewitem=&item=110078058050&rd=1&rd=1

(hope that's ok) and have been asked the date of it.
according to the markings on mine it doesn't really follow any of the posted formulas for telling the date. I have owned it for over 25 years and bought it off my buddy who was busy having babies (w help wife of course)
I made a You Tube video and can post a picture if it's alright with the mods.

Flv clips is at  

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ZpjNao8_I8

not sure how to post jpg to question
but the S/N is 755203
stamp says 4894
theres a circle on it says FRR15

This thing hasn't been near a store in all the time I've had it.
My son (drummer) in the video  wasn't even born yet ,
so does anyone know what the deal is?
Nothing has been replaced
pads are felt. ( but still like me):roll:

Thanks for all responses
rknrne

multmin

Might this be 48th week of 1979, 4th day of the work week? I know it's the pickup rail and not the tonebar rail...but still.
Mark V (2584) (K 801949)

rknrne

Quote from: "multmin"Might this be 48th week of 1979, 4th day of the work week? I know it's the pickup rail and not the tonebar rail...but still.


I guess I'll unpack it and look for the markings on the tonebar rail..
thanks for reply.
rknrne

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ZpjNao8_I8

The Real MC

I just got a 73 suitcase top that I am restoring.

Not only does it have a 1972 datecode on the harp, but there is a "Oct 28 1972" datestamp on the base of the action, on the left side.

I didn't know they put datestamps there.

EightyEight

Hello all,
I've seen a Fender Rhodes with the serialnumber: 2941

Is this one of those 1974-models? In this case that would mean it is produced on:
- week 29
- year 1974
- monday (1)

Is this correct?
thanks!
1974 Mark I Stage 88

kitchen

Ja. Als het goed is, is dat een finish date. Inderdaad betekent dit dus dat in week 29 van 1974 op de eerste werkdag van de week de harp gereed was.De piano verliet de fabriek 4 tot 8 weken daarna, dacht ik.

Kitchen
'76 Mk I Stage 73 -> 70's Small Stone

EightyEight

Ok bedankt voor je snelle reactie, keuken  :wink:
1974 Mark I Stage 88

kitchen

Jij bent anders ook niet de traagste, achtentachtig  :lol:  :lol:

Later !!

Kitchen
'76 Mk I Stage 73 -> 70's Small Stone

presdaddy

one part says 71, while the other one says 78!



what could this mean?

Ben Bove

well there are 2 codes on the harp, one in the upper right hand corner stating the start date of production, one in the lower left closest to the front that is the completion date, and the code is a different format incorporating the day of completion, so the last 2 digits are not the year.
Retro Rentals
Vintage Music Gear

http://www.retrorentals.net
(818) 806-9606
info@retrorentals.net

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

ldg123

Hi all, new to forums so not sure if I'm in the right place!

I've just got a FR Bass 32 with a sparkle top which I've spotted on the site as being manufactured between 1965 and 1969? The date codes however on the harp and pickup rail both point to 1971. It also has all plastic hammers which apparently come later too. Can anyone shed any light? Thanks

kapheaus

Ok... any help would be appreciated.

I posted this pic of my "new" student model on the other thread but here it is again.

http://bp2.blogger.com/_eobW-9K9pIo/Rpi8cLewRPI/AAAAAAAAANs/Vv1DWa1AbKE/s1600-h/DSC01973.JPG

The serial number is SP 8149.

other markings - pat number 3.285.116

then my best guess at the date stamp 1069 (October 69)

There are also two stamps with numbers in a circle one being 33 and the other being 23.

Handwritten in sharpie or black permanent marker is #63 and on the back  written on the wood is a 70 circled followed by 2" rai (cut off) then another code 05-4-91-01.

Any code breakers?  I will try and get pics.

Ben Bove

It's probably just a bunch of quality control stamps, the only real number of concern is the 1069 which is 10th week of 1969, march.
Retro Rentals
Vintage Music Gear

http://www.retrorentals.net
(818) 806-9606
info@retrorentals.net

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

Clavier

Hey everybody, This is the number I found on the tonebar rail of my Rhodes:

0761

I'm not sure what that means. From what I can tell, (based on the three knob configuration), it's a '76. Does that sound right?
Keys: Rhodes Mk1 Suitcase, Sequential Circuits Prophet-5, Hammond RT-2

Amplification: Fender Twin Reverb, Leslie 45

Loucas


Clavier

Keys: Rhodes Mk1 Suitcase, Sequential Circuits Prophet-5, Hammond RT-2

Amplification: Fender Twin Reverb, Leslie 45

Martin Borgh

I really cant find any numbers in my Mark I Stage 88, please help me out!
1974 Fender Rhodes 88, Wurlitzer 200, Clavinet D6, Crumar Organizer, Hammond L122, Leslie 760, Music Man HD100, Fender Twin Reverb, MOOG LP, Nord Electro 3, EHX Effects

Loucas

OPEN THE BLACK VINYL COVER AND TAKE A LOOK AT THE UPPER RIGHT SIDE OF THE PICK UP RAIL.
THERE IS A STAMP WITH DOUBLE DIGITS ( LIKE 44 74 etc).
ALSO ON THE DOWN RIGHT CORNER OF THE PICK UP RAIL THERE MUST BE A NUMBER LIKE 1657 etc.
WRITE ME WHAT YOU SEE AND I WILL TRY TO TELL YOU.

Martin Borgh

After many minutes of searching I found a very little stamp, it says 6 74.
1974 Fender Rhodes 88, Wurlitzer 200, Clavinet D6, Crumar Organizer, Hammond L122, Leslie 760, Music Man HD100, Fender Twin Reverb, MOOG LP, Nord Electro 3, EHX Effects

Loucas

YOU RIGHT THEN !
BECAUSE THE MINE IS A 1974 MARK I 88 KEYS AND I HAVE SEEN MANY RHODES PHOTOS FROM THAT YEAR THAT THE STAMPS ON THE UPPER RIGHT CORNER HAVE BEEN FADING SOMEHOW.
I HAD A DIFFICULTY TO SEE THE DATE ON MY RHODES TOO (44 74 ) BUT IF YOU LOOK IT FROM DIFFERENT ANGLES YOU WILL SEE IT SAME YOU DID.
I THINK YOURS MADE ON 6TH WEEK OF 1974.
CHEERS !

RISABELLA

hello everyone, i bought this Fender Rhodes eighty-eight for $100 a few years ago. I never really used it since I play drums. I took a few pictures and it would be helpful if any of you could help me identify my Rhodes and how much its worth. On the Badge its says model MK88 from what i can make out and the stamp says 01 73 then there is a #2 in a circle below that.http://img184.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc04472bl1.jpg" target="_blank">http://img184.imageshack.us/img184/4953/dsc04472bl1.th.jpg" border="0" alt="Free Image Hosting at ">http://img212.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc04463mz4.jpg" target="_blank">http://img212.imageshack.us/img212/511/dsc04463mz4.th.jpg" border="0" alt="Free Image Hosting at ">http://img245.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc04462vz5.jpg" target="_blank">http://img245.imageshack.us/img245/98/dsc04462vz5.th.jpg" border="0" alt="Free Image Hosting at">

Milky Way

Hi,

01 means the first week and 73 is year of production 1973
it is a very nice early model Fender Rhodes Mark I EightyEight.
If pedal with push rod and legs are present, if there is no rust,
if all keys works fine with no scratches or dents and the external
tolex is in good shape, in my opinion the value is approx.
1000-1500USD in U.S. - 2000-2500USD in Europe
but let us hear more opinions from expert gurus here

cheers!
Milky Way Home Studio Keyboards Setup:

Silver Top Sparkle 73 Suitcase
Mark I 88 Stage
Mark II 54
Mark III EK-10
Mark V 73
Fender Chroma Polaris
Yamaha DX7S
Roland D50&D550&S550&S330
Korg M1&01W/FD&M1R-EX&M3R&MS2000R

pianodano

Quote from: "The Real MC"I just got a 73 suitcase top that I am restoring.

Not only does it have a 1972 datecode on the harp, but there is a "Oct 28 1972" datestamp on the base of the action, on the left side.

I didn't know they put datestamps there.

My first post.

The action rail on the Rhodes Mark I that I am restoring is date stamped in blue - March 26, 1975 - also on the left end.

The date code on the pickup rail, right end is 2975. There is no date code to be found on the tone bar rail.

Re the serial number: The foil serial number label became detached from the glue backing. But the last owner didn't loose it. He/she taped it back on with scotch tape, which I was able to remove and properly reafix the label with gold leaf sizing/glue.  Unfortunately the stampings of the serial number and model where embossed in the glue/vinyl backing of the label and are no longer readable on the label itself. After much study with a magnifying glass, I was able to make out the serial number still embossed in the backing as what apprears to be 45709. I will go with that number unless someone else has one with the same number. BTW, the data label was attached to the tone bar rail at the right end.

Regards,

Danny
I am a builder. If you see me running - get out of the building

Ben Bove

Danny, you have a Rhodes that's right on the cusp of a transition - Do you have wood/plastic hammers, or all plastic hammers?

Your Rhodes was originally stamped with a blue date code in the upper right, however this vintage of stamping (~74-75) in blue ink often fades away, or is wiped away when someone cleans the harp.  If you look very closely, or perhaps at different angles in the light, you may be able to make out a trace of a date code.

But let me know about the hammers, appreciate it!
Retro Rentals
Vintage Music Gear

http://www.retrorentals.net
(818) 806-9606
info@retrorentals.net

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

pianodano

Quote from: "bjammerz"Danny, you have a Rhodes that's right on the cusp of a transition - Do you have wood/plastic hammers, or all plastic hammers?

Your Rhodes was originally stamped with a blue date code in the upper right, however this vintage of stamping (~74-75) in blue ink often fades away, or is wiped away when someone cleans the harp.  If you look very closely, or perhaps at different angles in the light, you may be able to make out a trace of a date code.

But let me know about the hammers, appreciate it!

Thank you for the info. The hammers are wood tipped/plastic. It also HAD the retangular tips( I don't know what year they changed them) which appeared to be original but they were grooved pretty good and I have replaced them. The hammer hinge and pins seem to be in very good condition with very little sideways slop. I did order another action from MPG for parts, but the hammer hinges on mine seem to have far less wear than the one I received. So I have a spare action if someone needs parts.

This Rhodes had really been abused with all sorts of modifications, including sawing down the maple support blocks and many other detrimental items. Fortunately, I am a cabinetmaker and have squared the support blocks up and brought them back to the original factory 4 1/2" high.

I am just about ready to voice it and tune. Last weekend I ordered a Twin Reverb reissue to set it up through. I hope I can get it to sound about like my long ago 72. I sold that  in 84 because the action was killing me to play it and I was going broke replacing tines. I guess we played to much funky stuff. LOL.

Pitures of restoration: http://www1.snapfish.com/thumbnailshare/AlbumID=208299381/a=107649003_107649003/t_=107649003

Danny
I am a builder. If you see me running - get out of the building

Ben Bove

P.S. those interested, it looks like the early 88's were referred to as "Mk88" models... if you look at the badge in the cached link at the top post on this page, this one's from 0173.  Interesting!
Retro Rentals
Vintage Music Gear

http://www.retrorentals.net
(818) 806-9606
info@retrorentals.net

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

minskiboy

Hi guys,
I'm new here and I really need your help.
I'm about getting a Rhodes Mark II that I found on e-bay.
Unfortunately, owner can not tell me much about it except it's condition.
It looks pretty nice and it has stamped number 2281 next to TBJ17249.
Does it mean that it was produced in May of 81 and it has a plastic keys?
Can you help me on this one?
Cheerz,
Boris.
 

Cheerz,
Boris,
Moscow, Russia.

Mark II

hi boris.

take a look at the pictures (if they are any, if not, ask the seller to provide you with some). the plastic keys havve a black keybed. that can be clearly spotted when taking a pricture of the harp from above.
I hope  made myself clear.

edit: check this site to see a picture of a plastic keys' keybed

Greetings

Mark II
Rhodes Stage 73 Mark II 1980 / modified Peterson Suitcase Preamp

minskiboy

Quote from: "Mark II"hi boris.

take a look at the pictures (if they are any, if not, ask the seller to provide you with some). the plastic keys havve a black keybed. that can be clearly spotted when taking a pricture of the harp from above.
I hope  made myself clear.

Greetings

Mark II

THANK YOU!
Cheerz,
Boris,
Moscow, Russia.

minskiboy

Are the plastic keys replacable? Is it possible to replace them with old style keys (wooden-plastic)?
Thanks.
Cheerz,
Boris,
Moscow, Russia.

Mark II

no.
both keytypes differ too much.
you might want to check the search function, this topic is pretty often discussed. some people dont dislike a good teched plastic keys rhodes too much. But I dont have a clue, as I only played wood keys rhodesv models and have therefore no experience with plastic key models.

Mark II
Rhodes Stage 73 Mark II 1980 / modified Peterson Suitcase Preamp

minskiboy

Can you tell the difference between MarkII with traditional keys and MarkII with plastic keys just by the way piano looks without looking inside? Is there is any exterier difference?
Thanks.
Cheerz,
Boris,
Moscow, Russia.

Mark II

the latest models have a all black name rail, not the aluminium rail with black sticker. but I am not sure if this is a rule: all black namerail = plastic keys.

sorry, I am no help at this point.

Mark II
Rhodes Stage 73 Mark II 1980 / modified Peterson Suitcase Preamp

Ben Bove

in 1981 there is no external difference you will have to either see the keys or ask. There is the all black painted rail circa 1982 through 83 that will tell you a late mk2 with plastic keys, however pianos from 1981 are the same. Plastic keys started around 20th wk 81, haven't narrowed the window totally yet.
Retro Rentals
Vintage Music Gear

http://www.retrorentals.net
(818) 806-9606
info@retrorentals.net

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

fussnote

Hi folks - I am from Germany and yesterday I bought a MK1 with the following numbers:

Number on the thin wooden frame top / right : 1879
Number on the thik wooden frame / bottom right : 292










Serial Number : 741734

What´s that about ?

It´s really nice like mine I owned 20 Years earlier.

Olaf