Suspected problems with suitcase preamp + Hammer tip question...

[Prismtone Studios]

Hello,

This is my first post, I just joined a few days ago. I finally decided to rebuild a couple of Rhodes suitcases I have. But I'm having a bit of an issue with the preamp and was hoping someone might have some experience here with these issues and help me troubleshoot. Anyways, here it goes...

Both '78 and '79 suitcase tops, when connected to the cabinet via 5 pin to the cabinet, create a pop or thump when the cabinet is turned on. When I disconnect the 5 pin from the preamps, the cabinet turns on/off quietly. I had the power amp re-capped a few years back so it should be ok there. When both the preamps are connected however, and I jiggle the 5 pin, it causes static and popping or thunking. When I do this not connected to the preamps, and the 5 pin is connected to the power amp alone, it's ok. So I think there might be a loose connection at the terminal or within proximity (?). Another thing is, on the '78, occasionally it'll make a (whomp, whomp whomp) type of oscillation when it's first turned on, even with the tremolo off, more so when the tremelo is on. If I jiggle the 5pin it stops. I suspect it's this loose connection somewhere but  I haven't had time yet to dig in there to really find out connection integrity and circuit values and I was hoping for some possible thoughts, opinions and insight here.

One other thing is regarding the hammer tips. I love the creamier side of the Rhodes sound. I know these 78-79 years came with Graduated hammers. The '79 is especially "bellish" sounding. The '78 is a bit more thick and creamy. I know this is totally subjective but was curious about opinions on the various tips for this era (78-79) of Rhodes Pianos. I was thinking I should get the VV angle hammer tips for the '78 and maybe felts for the '79 but again just curious.

Thanks so very much for your time.

Cheers.

[rhodesjuzz]

Hello Prismtone Studios,

I know nothing about electronics so cannot help you with that.

about the hammer tips: I strongly recommend not to install felt hammer tips. They won't go with the era piano you have, they tear very quickly and they won't give you the sound you're after (from what I've read in your post).

Both pianos will match with the (VV) graduated (and they are angled too) hammer tips. You can always check first if they really need to be replaced (maybe some pics might help?!).

If you want the '79 to sound more creamy you might wanna change the striking line (position of the harp) and escapement as described in the Rhodes manual. But there many threads to be found on this forum about this matter

Good luck!!

--Roy

http://www.fenderrhodes.com/org/manual/ch4.html
http://www.fenderrhodes.com/org/manual/ch4.html#4-5

[Prismtone Studios]

Thanks so much for the reply. I'm glad I didn't get the felts then! I'm still on the fence, I think I'll get the angled for the 79 maybe stay on graduated for the 78. The tips on the 79 are still in pretty good condition still so I can always go back, mix and match with parts of the surplus grads from the 78 to complete the set if the angled doesn't work out.

Anyways, I think I sorted some of the electronics side of things. I believe the 5 pin jacks on both preamps might be suspect. I've been checking values and things seem to check out pretty well so far otherwise so going to replace the jacks and see if that kills the issue.

Thanks again!

[rhodesjuzz]

You're welcome What tips are installed on the '79? If you go from angled (but equal heights across the hammers) to graduated or vice versa you might end up with a lot of setup to do. You may be lucky with hardly any setup or adjusting striking line, escapement, keybed and damper arms for example.

Maybe you can share some pics of both the pianos, so it's easier to judge....

--Roy

[Prismtone Studios]

Hi Roy,

Actually, it turns out the 79 is in surprisingly good condition now that I see it and play it more. It was Ian Copeland's and given to me after he passed away, so I haven't touched it until last week... I've had it for 11 years now and kept it stashed while I played the 78 top. Anyways, after looking closely I decided to keep most of everything intact in the 79 with the exception of the high 16 wooden tips, the 2 pickups that are blown out, and a couple of damper arms are loose. The damper felts are still in very good shape and even the pedestal felts are still surprisingly clean. That piano was at Ian's bar, Backstage Cafe in Beverly Hills for a few years and DJ's would set up on it or whoever was hanging around would put their drinks on it so it was a bit grimy and with the pickups blown out, I just stashed it for parts but it has some sentimental value... Glad to see there's a stage conversion kit for stage use. I decided to go with the External set up at VV.

The 78 is in good shape but will get a ground up so I figured trying the angled (Color) tips out on that one.

I also sorted out the crackling and "whomp whomp" situation. It was the 5 pin cable, I just opened it up and and tightened the connections, so far so good.

The only thing is when I turn on/off the power amp it still makes a big thunk at times, on both 78-79 preamps. I'm wondering if it's a capacitor still holding charge, maybe more than it should. I also think the tremolo on the 78 can be smoother, one side is slightly stronger and sounds more square than triangle waveform. I think the opamp and transistors should be replaced i.e. full preamp refurb... Anyways, I'm realizing this as I'm writing this now so I appreciate the forum and it's ears... It's a form of therapy!

Thanks again,

RS