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?

Just got a 78 mki in good shape, sounds pretty nice to me but needs “something”.

Action feels fine, pretty sure the bar is low even for a perfectly setup rhodes there, it sounds pretty even and dynamic across the whole keyboard, maybe a little weaker around middle c and perhaps a little too bell like and chimey for my taste. Intonation is fine, maybe a few intervals across the keyboard are slightly funky but everything is mostly on pitch.

I’m torn as to what I should do first to get it closer to my liking. It’s really nice as is so I’m worried about going in there and doing a jack job on it. Rhodes resto also seems pretty easy though, no?

Not sure if I should start with the vintage vibe restoration kit, I believe mine already has a bump being a mid-1978. I don’t really have a good handle on how much new hammer tips and felts will improve it tonally. It also seems like a fairly daunting task and I’m worried I’ll break something that “ain’t broke”. Is this pretty easy for a beginner? I’ve successfully setup guitars and done some fiddly electronics work.

Would it be silly to just start with installing an active pre and see where that gets me?

I’m assuming last on the docket would be a pro setup, but I’m not sure how soon I could get a house call. I’m not taking it down my stairs any time soon hahaha. Is a pro setup worth it or is it something someone with decent ears could handle?

My main goal is getting it sounding good. I do recording and production so tone is paramount.

Thanks y’all!

Would it be okay to use a rhodes piano with a guitar tube amp? Just wondering if I would need to buy another amp or could just use my Fender Bassbreaker 007 for the direct input of a Rhodes piano. Thanks.

Is it worth it to clean rusty tines and tone bars if it’s not too bad? I just got my first Rhodes (1975) and am excited to restore it. I of course want it to be in as perfect condition as possible and was wondering what’s the best way to do it without changing the tone and pitch? Is it worth it?

Hi together,

I’m going to buy a Rhodes second hand on Saturday. Are there any things you would check out before purchasing one? Anything would be appreciated!

Edit: Model is a Rhodes MKI 73 Stage from 77 if that’s a noticeable thing to mention.