Building a new case top for mark 1 stage 73

[btfnk]

I have a Rhodes Mark 1 73 Stage Piano, late model, I was told it's from 1977.

Anyway, I live in Chicago, am moving to NYC and don't own a car. I've figured out that probably the best way for me to ship it is to stick it on a greyhound bus and have a friend grab it when it gets to NYC. Apparently this will only cost me about $100.

However, I bought it without a top cover (not that plastic-ish thing that covers the tines, the heavy wooden cover that will actually protect it while shipping).

I'm currently attempting to find a carpenter in Chicago who can build me a replacement.

I am curious if anyone has any recommendations regarding this or if there is possibly somewhere I could just order an expert made replacement online.

[Rob A]

Welcome to the forums.

There's really not a lot of magic in the case--it's plywood covered in tolex. It should be a breeze to build for anyone with a shop, and you don't need to cover it with tolex if you don't want to (or do it later).

Let me see if I can search up the dimensions in a prior post, but be prepared there were a couple different styles over the years, so double check any drawings you find against your piano.

[Rob A]

http://ep-forum.com/smf/index.php?topic=3255.0 was the post I was thinking of, but the pictures seem to have gone stale. Maybe Randy can repost these.

Key takeaway: 3/4" sides, 1/2" top. Other than that, it's a 5-sided box with two sides cut at a bevel.

[Tim Hodges]

I remember posting a picture about this a long time ago, the below image is based on a late 1975 MK1 so hopefully this should be of some use:



Cheers

Tim

[btfnk]

Thanks for the replies. This looks about right. I will have to measure and make sure it's 100% correct for my model. Like I said I believe mine is a "late model" 1977, so these should be right.

[icecoldsinfonian]

I've been debating on this idea since I thought of it yesterday......what if I had a custom designed Road Ready Case built to the exact Rhodes suitcase dimensions and had the Rhodes transplanted into it?!  It would be the best of both worlds in my opinion since the old Rhodes case looks like the predecessor to the Road Ready case anyway......not to mention that the Road Ready Case would handle the rigors of the road much better!  Any thoughts?

[Rob A]

I tend to agree that's the ideal solution.

and welcome to the forums.