Howdy folks! Looking for help finding a Rhodes repair person. I own a Rhodes 73 that is in dire need of some TLC. The piano is located in Denver/Boulder area. Any recommendations are super appreciated.

Hi, I'm set to go look at a rhodes on marketplace this weekend. Seller says it has a new cover. I'm trying to figure out why it covers the Rhodes logo, as it looks different than other covers I see online, but also VV sells one of the same shape. Are there two varieties out there? Thanks. New to this.

edit: Thanks all, mystery solved. Will leave this here for any wayward shoppers in the future.

https://preview.redd.it/qkk37pvavlee1.png?width=1713&format=png&auto=webp&s=721edafbb3b00aa715866a0b225b067bf4f0d2b2

Aloha, I just got an old rhodes on Hawaii Island I'd love to restore as much as can. It's got a bug issue - as in, some insects (and/or arachnids) nested in it. Very little to no corrosion internally as it spent the majority of it's life in Utah. FWIW, it's a Mark II stage from 1980. White tape pickups unfortunately, but only one is bad.

My plan is to keep some acetone in little open containers with cotton balls closed up in the case overnight to hopefully kill anything in there lol. Question is will the fumes harm anything in there??

Hello! I've faced a little problem, i was trying to find a book "Down the Rhodes: The Fender Rhodes Story" written by Gerald McCauley and Benjamin Bove, but it seems like it has no e-book version. The second problem is that I can't by it from my country.
I'm trying to find somebody, who have an e-book version, and who is ready to share this book for me (not for free of course), or somebody who can buy and digitize this book for me.

Does anyone know where I can download the MP4 for the documentary Down The Rhodes: The Fender Rhodes Story? It used to be available as $9 digital download here, but the site is gone: www.fenderrhodesstory.com

Hey y'all! I've recently bought a (1977?) MK1 Stage. It's a great keyboard except all the white keys are super cracked/chipped.

I see a full set of replacement keys for a suitcase model on eBay and I'm wondering if those would work with my stage model all the same? AFAIK the action on the two models was identical so in theory it should work, just wondering if anyone knows for sure.

Hi, I recently found a Rhodes Mark 1 stage in literally a barn. I'm in the process of going through it. Amazingly the wood is good but the tines and some other parts are rusty.

This is my first time fixing up a Rhodes and I was wondering if I should clean the rust or replace the parts. It's just some light surface rust. If I clean the rust off is there a best practice, especially with the tines?

Lastly the keys are quite yellowed and I'd like to know how that affects the overall desirability if I decide to sell it. It's a fun project but I have a Mark 2 already.

Hi, all! I just picked up a Rhodes Suitcase Mk1 (dated 1974) from FB Marketplace in fair condition. Action feels great and most tines are in tune! However, I'm having an issue with actually using the vibrato/speaker cab (it is the 4-Pin Peterson Pre-Amp version).

I have tested tried a few tests:

1. I hear the noise pulsating through the cab as I turn on and adjust the vibrato and volume settings on the keyboard (hence the unit is receiving power and vibrato unit turning on okay).
2. I tried an RCA to 1/4" and was able to hear the keyboard through an external guitar amp.
3. I am able to hear the keyboard when connecting an Accessory Port 1/2 (the effects loop) to External Amp 1/2 on the cab (I have only tested each one at a time, never both 1/2 at the same time).
4. However, when I plug a cable from Accessory Port 1 into Accessory Port 2 (completing the effects loop), I no longer hear the keyboard.

Because of this, I'm thinking there is a fault with the effects loop (based on the Vintage Vibe video).

Just wanted a second opinion or to see if I should try anything else! Thanks in advance.

Hi

I am used to play on a Nord Stage 3 compact (with waterfall action) and on a classic acoustic bright piano.

I always wanted to buy a Rhodes MK1 73’ and today I had the chance to try one. It’s in a very good shape but it hasn’t been serviced and it’s really pricey (~5’000$).

The sound was awesome (from a Fender Amp) but I found the action really, really hard. I mean, I had to hit the keys quite hard to be able to get a good sound, getting hand aches just after a few minutes. Also, I didn’t found the keys very responsive (not as responsive as my acoustic piano).

Is it “normal” or “usual” for a Rhodes?

The shop who sell it is a guitar shop and they can’t say if the action could be “easier” or “smoother” after a service (they are no piano/keys specialists)

I don’t except a vintage Rhodes to be as easy to play as my Nord Stage (with waterfall Keybed) but is it possible to service a Rhodes to get it smooth and easy to play, or is it the same for all vintage Rhodes, and that’s the price to play to get the sound you want?

For that price, I probably won’t buy it and I am more looking for one with a low price tag a try to service/repair it myself.

Hey all!

Three questions for you. I’m working on fixing up a new to me 74 Rhodes.

1. It looks like they used glue at the bottom of each tone bar spring. Is this common?
2. My lowest two tines are hitting the tone bars. I ordered the heavy duty springs from vintage vibe. Will that fix the problem or do I need to do something different?
3. In the higher register I have a few notes where the hammer hits the tine and stays on it making it a muted note or a dead strike (not sure what to call it). I plan on making a harp shim to see if that’ll help, but open to suggestions!

Thank you all in advance! This is my first attempt at really fixing up a Rhodes, all suggestions are helpful!

Specifically looking for ensembles with Rhodes piano, acoustic bass, and electric guitar similar to these releases. Thanks!

I have a wild idea, and haven't found any evidence of anybody doing anything like it...

I'd like to beef up my amp. I have a 72 Mark 1 Seventy Three with a 4 pin Peterson Preamp and a FR 7054 amp/speaker cabinet. What I'm considering is replacing the speaker amp. Basically I would install a pair of Fender Twin Reverbs (one per signal input). Probably do something more economical than that, but that's the idea. Some sort of 2x 2x12 8ohm frankenstein monster, ideally with spring reverb.

Thoughts?