It a classic Rhodes problem, your Rhodes sounded great but now its sounding dull and lifeless. For such an instrument that in many ways is quite a simple design, it’s funny how the the changes in sound can be so dramatic. This issue could be down to many things, so we’ll start with simpler and head to more complex.

Harp issues:

Voicing:

One of the most common issues we find with dull sounding rhodes is to do with voicing. Voicing is the process of shaping the sound of the Rhodes primarily by adjusting the position of the tine relative to the pickup. This is done by adjusting the voicing screw, which is the second of the two screws that is further away on the tone bar.

If the tine is positioned just above the pickup, the ‘ideal’ tone of a full fundamental with some harmonics is present. This is subjective of course, and many different options are available. The closer the tine is to the centre of the pickup, the more overtones and harmonics are introduced. This can gradually make the sound more brittle and nasal, and at the extreme – very dull. There is no ‘correct’ sound, but the centre position in the diagram below is usually preferred. The key is to create an even tone throughout the piano regardless of the sound. But as always, use your ears. Adjusting voicing is simple to start, hard to master; but it is the single biggest way to change the voicing on your piano.

Strikeline issues:

If your Rhodes sounded good before and you recently bumped it or moved it, then most likely the strikeline of the harp is off with the action. This means the harp which contains the tines are misaligned with the hammer tips. It is this relationship between where the hammer strikes the tine that is crucial to a good clear sound on a Rhodes, and any piano instrument for that matter. Take the lid off and check the harp, is it misaligned with the hammers? If so it is probably not screwed down on one or both sides. After 50 years, these screws can (but shouldn’t) go missing when repairs are carried out.

There should be two screws holding down the harp on the far left and right respectively. If it’s not screwed down, then adjust the strike point by moving the harp until the very top note sounds crisp and clear. This is trial and error so continue until it’s a sound you like. Do this again in the middle and bottom of the keyboard too. The best sounding note should be crisp and bell like in the top with a long sustain. Other factors may affect this too but get it as good as you can.

Once you have found your ideal strike line you will need to screw the harp down so it is locked into place. It maybe that the previous drill holes are the ideal strike point. If so great! Get some screws and lock the harp down. If not, then you’ll have to mark where you want the holes to be drilled, remove the harp, and then drill the holes. I

it’s a bit of work, but if it was sounding dull before and now it isn’t, strike line adjustment can be one of the most effective ways of changing the sound of your Rhodes.

Tone Bar Screws & Grommets:

The tone bar assembly for each note of a Rhodes are secured to the harp by two tone bar screws. These have a washer and a rubber grommet that prevent vibrations from the tone bar mechanism going into the harp. Over time the grommets can become hard and brittle, and the tone can become uneven or compromised. During a Rhodes restoration, this is one of the main ways that the tone is improved and unleashed on older pianos.

Action Issues:

Hammer Tips are grooved

If you’ve had your Rhodes for a long time and not had any parts replaced, then theres a good chance that the hammer tips are worn and grooved. Over time the tips, especially in the mid and upper section can develop deep V shape grooves in the rubber hammer tip. This occurs as the hammer tip strikes the string again and again.

The striking of the tine should be a flat smooth surface. When there is a deep groove this can cause the hammer tip to wrap around the tine which can often cause the note to sound dull. In bad cases, this can cause the note to choke or give no sound at all. This can also happen if the tip has fallen off.

The solution is to replace the hammer tips. This requires removal of the old rubber tip, cleaning the hammer, and then installing new ones. There are several good hammer tip manufacturers, including Avion Studios, Vintage Vibe, and Rhodes UK.

Electronics issues:

If the above issues have not helped and there is a specific part of the piano that is dull and lifeless, then there is a possibility that the pickups in a part of the piano may be demagnetised. This can cause the sound to become very thin with a lack of low end. This is not the same as a dead pickup, which is very little or no sound comes out of a pickup. This is a little more compliacted to explain, so will be spoken about in another article.

Do contact us if you are stuck or have any questions!