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 […]

Yes! Adjusting the keys, or key leveling as we call it, is the process of adjusting the key heights and depth (called key-dip) of the white and black keys of the piano. It is the same process as with a regular piano – we use paper shims or punchings to set the correct height of […]

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 […]

A bridle strap or bridle tape is an action part found in upright acoustic pianos and Rhodes pianos. It consists of a fabric strap that has a leather end with a punching in the centre. Its function is to aid in movement of other action parts. Upright Pianos: On upright pianos, one end of the […]

Escapement is the adjustment on a Rhodes piano a that determines the height of the harp in relation to the action, specifically the hammer. It is a key factor in determining the touch and weight of a piano action, and can have a profound effect on the way the piano is set up and played. […]

The damper arm on a Rhodes piano is the mechanism for each note that allows the damper felt to rest against the tine. When the note is pressed the damper arm lifts and removes the damper felt from the key allowing the note to sustain. This is achieved by the bridle strap coming under tension […]

The action is the term given to the mechanical section of a piano instrument. The design and layout of actions varies in different piano and keyboard instruments; but they all serve the same function: To transfer the energy of the musician’s pressing of the key into the striking of the string, tine, or reed to […]