Fender Rhodes LA
Fender Rhodes Piano Service in Los Angeles, CA
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Fender Rhodes Key Pedestal Modification.
Fender Rhodes players often complain about "stiff action"
or "hard to play" pianos. This modification is actually
an update, made by the Rhodes factory in order to speed up the
action and reaction of the Fender Rhodes Keys.
"I've been touring with my Rhodes 1979 Mark II
worldwide" says Dweezil Zappa's keyboard player,
Aaron Arntz. "My Rhodes has the Key Pedestal standard
built in, but sometimes our tour management prefers
to rent a different Rhodes piano instead of flying mine,
for logistical reasons. This gives me a chance to experience
playing different Rhodes pianos from different years.
I have noticed that the earlier Fender Rhodes pianos
that lack the Key Pedestal update feel like there's
gum stuck between the keys! I find these Rhodes pianos
harder to play and simply not as fun as mine. With my
Rhodes I can perform with greater dynamic range and
feel, and every time I play the earlier, unmodified
Fender Rhodes pianos I re-appreciate my wonderful light-action
keys."
The Rhodes factory recommends updating the keys on pianos
made prior to 1978 with this modification and added
the update procedure to the official Rhodes Service
Manual.
Installing this modification usually changes the escapement
settings and requires action re-regulation.
How can you tell if your Fender Rhodes piano is updated?
1. Take off the top.
2. Unscrew the 4 screws that hold the name plate and lift
the name plate.
3. Gently lift the middle C key above the key guide pins and
slide it out of the keybed.
4. Inspect the key pedestal. If the pedestal is flat with
no bump - the Rhodes requires this update.
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