Fender Rhodes noob needs some help

[Omniant]

I realize its not a synth, but I don't know of a better forum to pose my question.

I'm looking into getting a real rhodes and it's the type of thing that's a little bit more complicated than buying a synth due to having tons of mechanical parts and maintenance issues. A new one is out of my price range (I think they go for something like $3000) but it seems that even the used ones have a pretty big swing for price. I've seen ones anywhere from a few hundred to a couple thousand.

Can anyone give me any input for where to begin? I haven't gotten a chance to play many of them and I understand there are a few different models (MK 1, 2, suitcase, stage, etc.). I also don't know of any places that have them to go and try out so that makes it even more difficult to obtain info. I guess some of my prerequisites are that I'm looking for one that isn't so "bright"; I want to have good dynamics where I can get that harder attack when needs be but overall I prefer the more mellow vibrato/tremolo rhodes you hear in Jamiroquai songs (like return of the space cowboy) or in Radiohead's subterranean homesick alien. Also, don't think I would be interested in the one with the speaker (unless you tell me that it sounds really incredible). I'd be using this on stage in a live band setting so that doesn't seem necessary.

Any info would be great.

[bhrama]

Ahhh the Rhodes. I have a 73 MkI (1968), and love the sound. I bought mine off CL for $450, had it tuned by these guys http://analogoutfitters.com/ for around $120. Also bought this board mod http://www.vintagevibe.com/p-340-stage-vibe.aspx. Gives your classic Suitcase speaker Tremelo + Vibrato, without the added weight, also has preamp, AC/battery power. This gives it the mellow, smooth syrup tones you might be looking for. It should be noted that like many analog pieces, most Rhodes seem to vary. My bud has one which sounds alot grittier and raw than mine, yet both are MkI's.

[Jinsai]

I just let my Mark 1 88 key Stage Piano go. Mine was one of the extremely mellow ones that didn't ever get bright.

Rhodes' sound VERY different model-to-model and even keyboard to keyboard. Play it before you buy it. They're also very different beasts from synths.

If you want it for live playing, you may consider getting a Nord Electro or other sample-based keyboard. Electric pianos are HEAVY and fragile and somewhat inflexible.

[Omniant]

Thanks for the advice both of you. I actually really like the electro and have owned one in the past but I wasn't really in love with the rhodes sound. Bhrama that upgrade looks pretty sweet but $450? Is that pretty standard because it seems a little steep when it was only $120 for the overall maintenance.

[bhrama]

I bought that mod, over 3 years ago for about $250. They have increased the price, but its well made, and each one is hand crafted. I know the tech personally, so he gave me a break on the repairs/tuning etc. If you can find a sparkle, or suitcase in good condition I say go for it. You can always use an extrenal trem pedal, and save up for the mod. I say find a Rhodes in good shape, and slowly upgrade and repair things at your own pace. Don't be overly concerned with pristine tolex, just make sure the wood, and frame is not compromised. My tolex was in pretty bad shape (tears, nicks, and even a high school jazz band stencil), I recently bought a kit and other metal parts to refurbish my rhodes on my own.

[space6oy]

belongs in buyer's guide.

about a month ago i bought a 73 mkII w/ amp cab for $450. had to replace one tine, cost me another $20-something on ebay. thing's gorgeous, plus that model has EQ, tremolo and send/return jacks for added effects. sustain pedal built into the amp, too. only bummer is it weighs a freaking ton, won't ever be hauling it for shows like its previous owner.

[enomis]

There is a Fender Rhodes Super Site that has a lot of useful information... it seems that their forum section is being rebuilt.

http://www.fenderrhodes.com/

The forum used to be a great source of info. Keep tabs on it to see if they get it up and running again.

I have a Rhodes MKII Suitcase that I got 12 years ago or so... I scoured the internet until I found a great deal. I ended up finding one in Texas that was in great shape and selling very cheaply and had it air-freighted to Michigan where I was living at the time. It worked out beautifully. As mentioned before there is a great variation between models and pianos. Mark IIs generally are mellower. If I am remembering correctly a major difference between Mark 1 and Mark 2 is that the early models have wooden hammers and felt tips. The later models have plastic hammers and rubber tips. Oftentimes, older models have harder actions and need a bit more muscle to play them... some people attribute the harder action and harder playing needed with the "bark" associated with the earlier models. I am sure there are differences in the pickup design between models that affects this as well.

You have some ability to control the tone of the instrument you end up with just by playing with the distance between the pickups and the tines. There is a screw that allows you to loosen the pickup and play with its location. The closer you get to the tine the more upper harmonics you get up until you only hear the upper partials. Obviously the inherent tone of a rhodes can further be affected by mods (as mentioned) or external effects. The suitcase models (or at least the mark 2 suitcases) allow you to run an effects loop so you can place effects into the signal chain of between the piano and the speaker it sits on...

hope some of this is helpful.

[Omniant]

Thanks a lot for the help guys. Obviously there's a lot to learn...

As far as deciding between a stage and a suitcase goes, is there any real advantage in a suitcase other than the fact that it has a speaker? Is the speaker that comes with the suitcase good to the point where it sounds much better mic'ing it rather than by going straight to FOH or through a guitar amp on a stage?

[b3groover]

For some reason, the suitcase models usually have a better action (ie, not as heavy) than the stage models. But that's just in my experience.

I have a MkI Seventy-Three Stage and I mod'd the action. It was extremely heavy before. Tuned it up, put new grommets in (which helped increase the sustain and made for a more even tone) and it plays great. I think I paid $400 for it on consignment at a local music store back in the late 90's.

A buddy of mine has a 54-key Rhodes, not sure which model. He keeps threatening to bring it over once I finish repairing his Wurlitzer 203.

[enomis]

You could pair a stage model with a new amp of your choosing or go for a suitcase model and use the built in speakers. The latter requires that you be extra careful when buying a rhodes, making sure that all the speakers work and that they aren't blown etc. Also, making sure the built in amp is in good shape etc.

The suitcase speaker cabinet has 4 speakers. I believe they are 10 or 12 inch speakers (not remembering at the moment). there are two speakers on each side of the cabinet... 2 facing out away from you and 2 facing towards you. The rhodes suitcase has a built in panning control which allows you to dial in how much you want and how fast it is. Essentially the signal is being panned between the front and back sets of speakers.

It all depends on what you want. Suitcase model speakers are not the easiest to replace last I checked. I'm not sure that there is a guitar cab speaker cone that will work as a direct replacement... it has been a while since I have looked into this stuff so my memory is a bit foggy on the details.