Ain't nuthin' like the real thing...Fender Rhodes Restoration

[d-rock]

I set out to fix some broken bridle straps. Luckily I didn't have many to replace. One end attaches to the aluminium damper comb (where they typically tear). The back end is super glued to the plastic hammer. In order to change them out you need to scrape out the cloth strap and all super glue residue with a utility knife. Then you need to re-glue new straps. Make sure you don't use too much super glue or you will create unwanted friction points or have the strap stick to places and points they shouldn't. Ask me how I know.

Before...


After...


I also realized that I had a broken tooth on a damper comb. I found someone selling vintage combs for a decent price on Reverb. Next is installing the new one after it comes in the mail. Here's a pic of the broken tooth (second from the right)...

[d-rock]

Here's the new damper comb with the new bridle straps installed.


I also got to work on the keybed. I replaced all the old balance rail felts with fresh ones. I also leveled the keybed with some paper punchings to get everything nice and even.



The old name rail felt was kind of worn and gross. I scraped off the old and installed a fresh one. I also took the opportunity to clean a lot of grime from the aluminum name rail and knobs. While it was all apart I resoldered some loose wires to the pots.

[Telliot]

This is amazing. How much has this cost you so far, not including the actual piano?

[d-rock]

This is amazing. How much has this cost you so far, not including the actual piano?

I just did a quick breakdown in my head and figured the total cost to refurbish this will be $200.

My next big thing would be to replace all the screws and rubber grommets for the tines and tonebars in the harp.

[higgsblossom]

Wow. Subscribed.

[d-rock]

Got to work on replacing all the screws/washers/grommets inside the harp for the tonebars and tines.

New rubber grommets on the top row...


New screws and washers...


And setting the escapement. You can see I made a 3/8" block to be a guide for all the tonebars. It really helped.

[higgsblossom]

I can’t wait to hear it when it’s all done. Great work and very interesting to see the steps of your restoration in pictures. I am a bit jealous... just a little bit.

[mevans0324]

Great thread and a worthy endeavor! can't wait to see the finished product.

[d-rock]

I made some great progress this weekend. After installing the new screws and grommets I got to the setup stage where I really fine tuned the harp of the instrument. I had to set the escapement, check the key dip, set the strike line, and voice the piano. Vintage Vibe's YouTube videos are the most amazing resource for this. I've watched all their tech tips multiple times.

I was able to get the baby all buttoned up and playable. After two months of restoration it was very gratifying putting the lid on and firing her up!




There are still a couple outstanding things I would like to work on. I would like to eventually re-tolex the case and install new hammer tips. The original ones are pretty grooved from over 40 years of playing. The piano plays great in the lower 4 octaves but when you get up in the higher registers the notes don't ring as nicely. Amplified it sounds pretty good, but unplugged the hammers thud a bit and don't have as nice of a bounce to the keys. I think fresh rubber tips will help.

Overall I'm really happy with how this turned out. She's definitely a player and not showroom quality, but that's alright. There's a personality and character to it. This instrument will be well loved.

[higgsblossom]

Wow! Looks beautiful.

[monkeybeats]

Great work!

[mackerelmint]

Very nice. This is a satisfying thread for sure.

[d-rock]

Thanks all. Still working on voicing the piano but I recorded a little clip. One of the songs that made me fall in love with the Rhodes sound...

https://youtu.be/Yy8kraR-iyo

[Telliot]

Sounds great!!

That's one of the songs that made me fall in love with the Rhodes as well, but if I had to point to one specific thing that became THE Rhodes 'sound' for me, it would have to be Bob James - You're As Right As Rain. My dad had this record when I was a kid, and I used to play it on my little Fisher Price record player in my room as I drew or played with Legos. I must have been no more than 5 or 6, but it made a huge impression on me. If you aren't familiar, you can stream the whole LP here. Tons of great Rhodes tonz to be had.

[higgsblossom]

Sounds great!