Help me deepen my understanding of this Rhodes piano

[alexdecker]

Hi all

I have a few questions about the rhodes pianos that I hope you guys can help me with. Would be nice to further my understanding of these wonderful pianos even more

1. I've always wondered – when the harp is securely mounted with two screws on each side, why the need for the harp hinge as well?

2. What is the general consensus on pedestial mod vs Marcel curve?

3. I heard that the tine metal is really hard. Is it possible to file it down with a metal file, or what would be the best way to go about that without power tools?

4. Is it possible to LOOSE tension in the damper arms?

Thanks!

– Alex

[David Aubke]

1. The harp hinges are there because raising the harp to perform work on the piano - primarily tuning - is such a common occurrence.

2. No personal experience with a Marcel-curve piano.

3. I use a diamond file but I'm sure a metal file would get the job done, though possibly at the expense of file itself.

4. Yes. http://www.fenderrhodes.com/org/manual/ch4.html#4-4

[Ben Bove]

David's on point, the only thing I'll add is the marcel curve - it's all dependent on the piano.  I had a marcel curve piano with action that was just heavy enough, and I was able to do a bump modification on that which worked out well. 

[David Aubke]

Got 'Vendored', eh Ben?

I'm actually not certain why I'm listed as a Vendor but figure it might fool some people into giving my comments more credibility.

[alexdecker]

Great, thanks for the responses! I'll get back with more questions when they pop up!

- Alex

[Ben Bove]

Got 'Vendored', eh Ben?

I'm actually not certain why I'm listed as a Vendor but figure it might fool some people into giving my comments more credibility.

Yes sir... as for you, most people sell the advice you provide, so there you go - vendor.