Connecting the Suitcase Cable

[Paolão]

Hi there!
How can I run my Mk I suitcase 73 through an effects pedal like a Phaser or a Talk Box, I don't know how to connect the four pin cable!  :shock:  :?:  :shock:
Thanks in advance!
Paolão

[james]

Most Suitcase models have two 1/4" jacks on the front panel, in addition to the 4-pin connector.  This is an effects loop, where the top jack (Accessory #1) is the send/output, and the bottom jack (Accessory #2) is the return/input.  Does your piano have these?

[Anonymous]

Hi Badrat! No, my piano is a Fender Rhodes and only have one input for the 4 pin cable and doesn't have two 1/4" jacks on the front panel, you can tell me why?
Thanks!

[james]

Not all Suitcase models have the 1/4" jacks on the front (your piano is probably from the early 1970's, before this feature was added).  Here's another way to do it:

1. Remove the piano's plastic harp cover.
2. Unplug the RCA cable from the pickup rail.
3. Use a cable with an RCA-male jack on one end and a 1/4"-male jack on the other, connecting the pickup rail's output to the input of the effect you want to use.
4. Use a cable with a 1/4"-male jack on one end and an RCA-female jack on the other, connecting the output of the effect to the piano's internal RCA cable.

Let me know if this makes sense.  You'll need to leave the harp cover off while you play, which isn't a problem unless you normally put another keyboard on top of the piano.  BTW, does the amplifier itself have any 1/4" jacks on the side, or just the 4-pin input?

[Anonymous]

Ok Badrat, no problem removing the piano's harp cover! The amplifier have one four pin cable piano input, one headphone output and two (channel 1 and 2) external amplifier's outputs. The model nº is FR–7054 if this helps.

[james]

Yes, this is what I remember from looking at the early-70's Suitcase my last piano teacher owned.  It gives you 1/4" outputs for running the piano's signal to a mixing console, but nothing to send the signal back to the amp.  You should be fine just removing the harp cover and using the internal cables, as I mentioned.

[Paolão]

Thanks again for your help Badrat! I'll try to use the internal cables.
Regards,
Paolão