Miracle Mod Complaints

[Skiroy]

Hey guys Im ready to install the miracle mod. I heard there are some that dont like the miracle mod. I was curious of what they dont like about it. I have installed 4 bumps and adjust them and another 4 keys(via damper strap tention) without bumps to get best action feel. I also shimed the balance rail for optimum key height for these keys. I deffinately noticed the bum makes the action much quicker but I also  can hear the note attack have a harder/sharper attack due to the increase in velocity.

I was curious if this would be the complaint that people have. Im sure its very relative on playing style and the bump would be great on fast,aggressive soloing. But Im a slow neo soul player. Im looking for smooth,dreamy Jill scott,gill scott heron,D angelo tone.

Any conversation on this?

[rhodesjuzz]

I have the miracle mod installed as well since 4 years or so. I'm still able to play smooth soul like chords and play fast riffs if necessary. As far as I know the hammer won't have to sit higher because of the bump.  It might be the case with your miracle mod because of the other changes you mentioned. If not maybe it's just a case of getting used to the "new" action

To make a long story short; I have no complaints about the mod. IMHO it is a must for pianos from the era my piano was built.

--Roy

[pianotuner steveo]

I'm guessing that anyone that complains may have not installed the bump in the optimum spot.

Placing the bump too far back or forward can cause issues.

[rhodesjuzz]

Steveo is right. Installing the mod too far back can cause all sorts of problems with the action and your dampers. You might take a look at http://youtu.be/9UVcRvnolQQ if you haven't already. Good luck!

--Roy

[siderealxxx]

My understanding was the biggest complaints are that you can't play softly so much and that the dynamic range is reduced to just the louder dynamics. Maybe others with more experience of the conversion can clarify. I'm curious for my 1974...

[pianotuner steveo]

Readjusting the escapement after mod installation may help with that some.

[Skiroy]

My understanding was the biggest complaints are that you can't play softly so much and that the dynamic range is reduced to just the louder dynamics. Maybe others with more experience of the conversion can clarify. I'm curious for my 1974...

this is what I noticed.

[goldphinga]

Every piano I've installed the mod in has only benefitted from the mod in terms of playability and dynamics providing the piano is set up correctly afterwards. Placement is all important!

[rhodesjuzz]

Every piano I've installed the mod in has only benefitted from the mod in terms of playability and dynamics providing the piano is set up correctly afterwards. Placement is all important!

I couldn't agree more with goldphinga 

[Ben Bove]

When you change the action on a piano, you ultimately have to get used to the new feel.  If someone has been playing a Rhodes with no bump mod and is accustomed to how that feels, I can see where someone would think the action is too light in comparison after installation and it sounds like they're playing forte all the time.  It just takes a little readjustment to how you feel the action in the Rhodes - you don't hit it as hard anymore.

As well, if they don't adjust the strength of their own attack, then I'd recommend backing off the pickups a bit.  That way you can reduce the very hard strikes.