Custom Piano Bass: Low A Modified Key Bed

[Max Brink]

Earlier this month we modified a Rhodes Piano bass to play down to low A like the 88 key Rhodes key set rather than the low E from the 73 key set that usually punctuates the deepest end of the Piano Bass. I saw this at least once before on the forum and thought it would be something people would want to check out.

The modification required parts from an 88 key Rhodes so we used an "organ donor" 1976 for the harp and keys that was in good shape. The guide rail and balance rail were both cut and routed out with a mortise and tenon joining like the original key beds. Then the harp was trimmed from the '76 to fit the braces and supports of the piano bass and aligned properly. Finally, I made sure that the strike line was set before screwing it into the harp supports so that the hinging design was maintained for future tuning... It was my first time through this modification and it turned out great! It really rumbles!

Have a look here:

http://chicagoelectricpiano.com/custom-shop/low-a-rhodes-piano-bass/


The piano was refinished with silver tolex that looks great. I never really cared for the silver tolex swatch but on the piano in a larger scale it looks terrific! I think I would love to do a silver Mark II Suitcase because the silver seems to give an 80's vibe that would go well with the MKII aesthetic...

This was also our first time experiencing the Vintage Vibe tine bomb in person. It adds a pleasing bit of saturation and colour to the sound.

[Tim Hodges]

Looks great Max, any chance you have a clip?

[Max Brink]

Unfortunately no sound samples for this one. It was around the Labor Day weekend and the client needed it back by the 11th so we just didn't have the time.

[Student Rhodes]

Looks great.  Very clean.
But with that tolex it's just screaming for a sparkle top finish!