One of the limitations of the Rhodes is when the pedal is down and when a key is repeatedly played the note can often deaden or ‘choke’. this is because when the tine is struck by the hammer the tine vibrates in a up and down motion, and when the hammer strikes the tine at […]

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 […]

Sometimes playing a Rhodes can be hard work! Compared to acoustic pianos with weighted wooden keys, and modern keyboards with springed keys; the Rhodes fits somewhere in the middle. But why is it sometimes so heavy? Great question, and it has to do with the design of the key and the action, which I’ll explain […]

Let-off, also known as escapement, is the mechanism of the hammer releasing from the jack and lower action when the key is struck. It is a critical part of the action mechanism, and very influential in the touch and feel of the piano. It is sometimes called ‘set-off’ in the UK. Function: Let-off is designed […]

A jack is the L shaped component that is found in piano actions, and the whip assembly in Wurlitzer pianos. In Wurlitzer pianos, it is commonly known as the fly – but the two terms are interchangable. Function: The jack plays a crucial roll in let-off, a major part of the action process when the […]

A damper arm, also known as a damper lever is an action component on acoustic pianos, and Rhodes and Wurlitzer pianos. On all pianos it is a lever that has damper felt at one end, and is engaged by the other parts of the action mechanism at the other. It’s function is as followed: View […]

Lost motion refers to the amount of movement that is not transferred between different parts of the piano action when it is engaged. It is usually because a small gap is present between different components. Because the energy is not transferred, it is referred to as ‘lost’. Function: This space is designed between mechanisms to […]

The mechanism in a piano action used to mute or dampen a sustaining note, usually by means of felt contacting the string, tine or reed. See Dampers (Rhodes) See Dampers (Wurlitzer) See Dampers (Acoustic Piano) In a Hohner Clavinets and Pianets, the system of damping the sound works differently. See Yarn (Clavinet) and Sticky Pads […]