This is a common issue that affects all Rhodes pianos at some point. This could be one of a number of issues, here are some places to start: (Note: if unsure of any of these terms, consult the Glossary.) Remove the lid and inspect the harp where the problem is Rhodes lids are easy to remove, in […]

A tone bar spring is a metal spring that is inserted between a tone bar and the harp of a Rhodes piano. Its function is to keep the tine and tone bar under tension so they remain in position for the hammer to strike the tine and generate a tone. There are two springs in […]

A tone bar grommet is a rubber grommet that is inserted between a tone bar and the harp of a Rhodes piano. Its function is to dampen vibrations between these two parts. There are two grommets in each tone bar assembly. Function: The grommets work alongside the tone bar screws, and the tone bar springs. […]

A tine screw is a machine screw that connects the tine and the tone bar. Its function is to connect these two components of the tone bar assembly. It has a hex screw head, and can be adjusted with a 5/16″ nut driver. It usually has an engraved V on the top face. It is […]

A tone bar screw is a metal self-tapping screw that is inserted between a tone bar and the harp of a Rhodes piano. They are sometimes called grommet screws. Its function is to anchor the tone bar to the harp, so it remains in position for the hammer to strike the tine and generate a […]

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 harp is the name given to the removable section of the Rhodes piano immediately underneath the lid that houses the tines, tone bars, pickups, and other electronics. It’s function is to support all these components and allow the correct position of them so that the hammer tips in the action underneath can strike the […]

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 […]

Tone bar clips are small metal clamps that are placed on the upper treble tone bars to increase sustain. They do this by making the mass of the tone bar slightly heavier which increases the resonance of the tone bar assembly. It does this by having more mass to vibrate. It is able to achieve […]

The tone bar assembly is the tuning fork-like mechanism that generates the tone for each note of a Rhodes piano. It is made up of eight parts: The mass of each tone bar assembly increases the lower down the piano. This is because a larger mass equals a lower pitch. See the individual items for […]

On a Rhodes piano, the tone bar is a metal length that forms one part of the assembly used for tone generation. It is one of the most recognisable parts of the Rhodes harp, having one tone bar for every key and being very visible when the lid is removed. The tone bar combined with […]

A tine is a thin metal steel length of rod in a Fender Rhodes electric piano. It is one of the key elements in producing the tone, along with the hammer tip. When a key is pressed, a the key pivots, pushing the hammer cam upward which allows the tip to strike the tine, causing […]