My Rhodes came in the mail today!

[antispatula]

Oh yeah!

So this is my first expirience with one, and had a few questions.

The action on this thing seems unusually tough, especially the middle octaves. The higher keys aren't very hard to play though. Is this normal to have the middle keys be harder to play?

This thing has a really low output. What's the best way to boost it's signal? I tried a preamp but it really didn't solve the problem. A DI box maybe?

Anyone know the best place to get replacements like tone bars and tines?

If you can answer even one of these, that would be great. Thanks!!!!!

oh, and there is no sustain pedal, that may be a reason the action is so heavy?

 

[Bugsi]

Go to
http://launch.groups.yahoo.com/group/rhodes/
and they'll answer all your rhodes questions.

 

[shiatzu]

Oh yeah!

So this is my first expirience with one, and had a few questions.

The action on this thing seems unusually tough, especially the middle octaves. The higher keys aren't very hard to play though. Is this normal to have the middle keys be harder to play?

This thing has a really low output. What's the best way to boost it's signal? I tried a preamp but it really didn't solve the problem. A DI box maybe?

Anyone know the best place to get replacements like tone bars and tines?

If you can answer even one of these, that would be great. Thanks!!!!!

oh, and there is no sustain pedal, that may be a reason the action is so heavy?

rhodes action is not like a piano at all, it takes some getting used to. you're going to have to really hammer down on the keys to get it to bark. you can adjust the action on the keys but honestly, rhodes action is tough, it'd probably be easier to just get used to it.

here's a DI made for the rhodes. as i had mentioned in an earlier thread, the rhodes output is notoriously low. you'll need a preamp or a powerful keyboard amp. if you have a fender twin i really *really* recommend putting it through that.
http://www.speakeasyvintagemusic.com/cgi-bin/parts.cgi?page=rhodespreamps.html

replacement tines:
http://www.speakeasyvintagemusic.com/cgi-bin/parts.cgi?page=rhodesparts.html&cart_id=6478661.5708
or
http://www.rhodespianotines.com/

lastly, the action has nothing to do with having or not having a sustain pedal.. i'm pretty sure speakeasy vintage music sells them, or you might be able to find one cheap on ebay.

Cheers,
Rob