Hello all...anyone else out there interested in Fender Rhodes related things? I'm new here but have been a Fender Rhodes tech since the early 70s.

I love 'em. I guess its the child of the 70's part of me that is responsible.

I'm very interested to see if the new Rhodes company actually does bring new pianos to market.

I have a Rhodes that's no longer playable. How much does it cost to rebuild one?

I have a Mk 1 which I don't play. Someday I'll get a tech to look at it. Know any near Bath? I don't want to sound a snob but, more importantly, I have a Fender Twin Reverb to go with it.

Joe...Check out the Rhodes Supersite on the Internet. They have just about every answer to your questions.

as to the release of any new Rhodes products...I wouldn't hold my breath.

Sadly.

E.F.Kolakowski, being a Crusaders/Joe Sample and Donny Hathaway fan, I absolute adore the Rhodes!

May I ask if you any recommendations for virtual Rhodes/Wurly instrument software? I gather that the Native Instruments 'Elektrik Piano' is supposed to be the market leader, however it would be interesting to hear the thoughts of a long-serving tech.

Cheers,
James
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James...It's always nice to meet another Rhodes lover. As to my opinion on software and virtual keyboards, I'm afraid I don't have much belief in the value of too much of that. The Fender Rhodes and Wurlitzer electric pianos are unique in that they actually have rudimentary piano actions inside of them. Basically, this means that touch is a large part of their respective sounds. Since most synthetic sounds are played on spring-loaded or "weighted" keyboards, I think that it would be impossible to get the same results from a synth that one would get from the real thing. Oh sure, tucked into a mix, you may be able to get away with it somewhat, much like grand piano samples. But if you're going for that Joe Sample, Richard Tee, Don Grolnick sound, I'm afraid the virtual stuff would ultimately dissappoint. As the old song says: there ain't nothing like the real thing. But, please keep us posted as to what you discover. This exercise is a bit like asking Hammond organ diehards about virtual B3 software.

E.F.Kolakowski, many thanks for your reply.

An old friend of mine own's a MK1 Rhodes - it can be unreliable at times, requiring a fair bit of gentle coercion to produce sound correctly...sometimes even during a gig! However, I gather that he puts up with these idiosyncrasies because the wonderful richness and warmth of a real instrument is so rewarding, and simply impossible to recreate digitally.

Your analogy with virtual B3 software is spot on also. My father grew up playing Hammond organs, and unsurprisingly still prefers the sound of a real B3 and Leslie over any software instrument, or even the modern-day Hammond products manufactured by Suzuki.

Thank you once again for the great post - I guess I should start saving, and keep my eyes peeled for a real Rhodes!

Cheers,
James
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James...You think that a model MK1 needs some "gentle coercion"? You've obviously never played an old "silver top" Fender Rhodes or any of the other badly built models that came out of that factory over the years. Many, many artists hated to play those pianos but, were so seduced by the sound that they made some brave (and necessary) adjustments in their playing styles. Just to name a few: Keith Jarrett, Bill Evans, Stevie Wonder, and Herbie Hancock. Those instruments were extremely difficult to play and made some serious demands upon muscles and tendons. Be careful if you're looking to buy a used Rhodes. Play them for a long time when you are trying them out.

I have a Mark II that I bought new in '81, and it's mostly been in storage since then. I recently got it out and though the keyboard action and electronics seem all fine, there's an intonation problem I can't fix. The problem is that certain notes will be on-pitch if struck at light or medium force, but may be as much as a quarter-tone different if struck more firmly. This means I can't fix it by just changing the tuning mechanism for the key, since whether I tune it sharper or flatter, the discrepancy between different strike velocities will still be there. Any thoughts?
I realize this might be more appropriate for the tech/tuner forum, but since you've worked on 'em and brought them up, I thought I'd ask.
I really do love that uniquely creamy sound, though. And it does bring back the 70's, Chick Corea, Weather Report, and Ray Charles!

Secco.....That sounds a bit odd to me. You say that you have replaced the tines (the thing for each note that produces the sound when struck by the hammers)and the problem remains? If so, I'd like a little more info, please.
If you haven't changed any of the tines, I'd say that you need some new ones, that should solve that intonation problem. Old tines get flabby (before they break completely)and a hard blow really sends them moving, pitch-wise, especially in the bass.
There was a great Fender Rhodes parts place in Atlanta called Numerous Complaints. I'm not sure if they're still in business but, you could look into that. Also, take a look at the Rhodes Super Site on the Web. Loads of info for you there.

Clams...no, I didn't replace the tines, but I ha been wondering if the age of the tines was affecting their vibrational response, as you are suggesting. I'll look into getting new tines. Thanks for the info and the tip on the Rhodes site.

Secco....That's a good idea to change the tines. It is a bit time consuming and tricky but, not that difficult and well-worth the time and effort spent. If that piano has been stored for more than 25 years, it may need more than just new tines. Downlaod the technical manual from the Rhodes Supersite and see if you can figure things out. It's not that hard.
Please keep me posted as to how things go and I'll try to help you if you have further questions.

Cool site. I may even start playing mine again (if I can get the action less stiff).

keyboardklutz...If you're interested, I can give you some advice as to how to get a better feel from your Rhodes. Do you have any technical ability? Also, download the tech manual from the Supersite....it's loaded with good info.

Just downloaded that. My Rhodes lives in Bath, I'm off back to London on Friday, maybe next time I'm here I'll PM for help.