Wednesday, May 24, 2000Rhodes Service Manual: Table of ContentsPage: 1
Table of Contents
Section I Latest Design RHODES Piano
Chapter 1The RHODES Tone Source1-1
Chapter 2The RHODES Modular Action2-1
Damper Release Bar2-1
Damper Push Rod Assembly2-2
Damper Module2-2
Action Rail2-3
Harp Supports2-3
Multiple Hammer Flange2-4
Chapter 3Instructions For Disassembly3-1
Harp Cover Removal3-1
Nameboard Assembly Removal3-1
Harp Assembly Removal3-1
Damper Release Bar Removal3-1
Damper Module Removal3-2
Hammer Removal3-3
Removal of Keyboard Assembly from Cabinet3-3
Stage Piano3-3
Suitcase Piano3-4
Action Rail and Harp Removal3-4
Harp Support Removal3-5
Cheekblock Removal3-5
Key Removal3-5
11-11Circuit Board Assembly - Power Supply Regulator (Peterson Design) -80 Watt Suitcase11-16
11-12Schematic - Power Amplifier, Master and Slave - Super Satellite11-17
11-13Schematic - Power Control Panel, Master - Super Satellite11-18
11-14Schematic - Power Control Panel, Slave - Super Satellite11-19
11-15Schematic-Converter Kit I11-20
11-16Schematic - Converter Kit II11-21
11-17Schematic - Preamplifier and Power Amplifier (Jordan Design) -Suitcase Piano (Pre 1969)11-22
11-18Connection Diagram - All Printed Circuit Boards - Instructor Console11-23
11-19Schematic - Preamplifier and Power Amplifier - Student Piano (First Version - 1968)11-24
11-20Schematic - Preamplifier and Power Amplifier - Instructor Piano (First Version - 1968)11-25
Appreciation is due to all who have been involved in producing this manual. Specifically, to our Sales Force, the Retail and Service dealers and the artists who offered suggestions. Last, but by
no means least, to our own highly qualified Product Development, Production, Service and Marketing personnel whose many hours of labor and years of expertise have produced what we believe
to be a comprehensive aid to servicing and understanding the RHODES Piano.
RHODES Keyboard Instruments U.S.A.
FOREWORD
Since its inception in 1965, the RHODES Piano has remained relatively constant in terms of design concept. However, there have been changes in the methods of achieving those design concepts.
Those concepts which have remained constant throughout the history of the RHODES are:
1. Method of Tone Production. As will be shown in detail, the Tone is produced by a series of modified tuning forks (one for each note) referred to as "Tone Bar Assemblies." Each such
assembly lies adjacent to an adjustable Pickup. The Pickup Coils are all alike and are adjustable as to gap very much as are the points on the Distributor of an automobile. Because of the
unique construction features, each note can be adjusted for Volume, Timbre and Pitch.
2. The Action. Consisting of only three moving parts, the Action is unique in design. While the structure and materials used have changed, the concept has remained unchanged.
This Manual has a two-fold purpose; one, as a maintenance and repair guide; and two, as a detailed description of the various vintage models together with instructions for upgrading and
modernizing the various models wherever possible.
Wednesday, May 24, 2000Chapter One: The Rhodes Tone SourcePage: 1
CHAPTER ONE
THE RHODES TONE SOURCE
The unique tone of your RHODES Piano derives from the principle of the tuning fork. While the common tuning fork has two legs of equal length and mass, the tuning forks in your RHODES
Piano differ from these in one very important way (Figure 1-1). The two prongs of our tuning fork are not of the same mass, shape or size. They are alike only in pitch. The lower, more resilient
leg (Tine) responds visibly to the blow of a Hammer by vibrating in a wide arc at a certain frequency.
Figure 1-1. Tuning Fork Comparison
The upper leg (Tone Bar), while not so visible, does vibrate at the same frequency. The importance of this upper leg can easily be demonstrated by the following simple experiments.
1. Strike any note, preferably in the mid-range of the Piano. With the Sustain Pedal down, squeeze the upper leg with the fingers. The tone will die immediately.
2. Perform the same experiment, but this time touch the upper leg very lightly. The vibration will be distinctly felt under the fingers.
This patented concept of the tuning fork offers many advantages (Figure 1-2). One of these is that the upper leg (Tone Bar) supports some pitch variation in the lower leg (Tine). In other words,
assuming G to be the target pitch, the lower leg could be deliberately tuned to F, F#, G, G# or A without any appreciable loss of support from the upper leg. This opens up a world of
possibilities, as will be shown.
Figure 1-2. RHODES Tuning Fork
You will note a small coil Spring on the lower leg so designed as to be a tight fit. This coil Spring acts as a counter-weight and, therefore, as a pitch control. Moving this Spring will result in a
change of pitch. By this means, then, it is possible to arrive at a fine tuning merely by sliding the Spring to the desired spot on the Tine. See Tuning Your RHODES Piano, Page 5-1.
The Tines in your RHODES Piano, like the strings of a guitar, are subject to breakage under stress. We here at the factory are constantly on the alert for ways to achieve the longest possible life in
these as well as in all other component parts of your Piano. In actual tests, Tines picked at random have withstood in excess of 6,000,000 blows in a test machine. This machine is so constructed
as to simulate actual playing conditions. Despite this, steel wire of even the finest quality, invariably has flaws along its surface. If these microscopically small flaws occur in a node point, they
can become the point of eventual fracture. This is offered to explain the fact that, while one person's Piano may play for many years under constant use with no more than a couple or three broken
Tines, another musician may experience a similar breakage within a shorter period of time.
For reasons just described, the Tines cannot be covered in the general warranty of the Piano.
In anticipation of this, we have devised a simple procedure for replacement - one which the musician can perform in about the time it takes to replace a guitar string. Refer to Tone Generator
Wednesday, May 24, 2000Chapter Two: The Rhodes Modular ActionPage: 1
CHAPTER TWO
THE RHODES MODULAR ACTION
DAMPER RELEASE BAR
The Damper Release Bar (Figure 2-1, 22) provides a foot-activated mechanical means of disengaging all Dampers allowing all Tines to vibrate freely.
REFERENCE DESIGNATION
1. Front Guide Pin Felt
2. Front Guide Pin
3. Key Cap
4. Key
5. Balance Rail Felt
6. Harp Support
7. Tone Bar Assembly
Mounting Spring
8. Tone Bar Assembly
Mounting Grommet
9. Tone Bar Assembly
Adjustment Screw
10. Tone Generator
Mounting Screw
11. Tone Bar
12. Tone Generator
Assembly
13. Tine
14. Hammer Tip
The Damper Release Bar is locked in place by two Pivot Pins (Figure 2-1, 23) which slide into two bushed holes provided in the aluminum Harp Supports (Figure 2-1, 6). These pins are held in
place by two locking Screws (Figure 2-1, 24).
DAMPER PUSH ROD ASSEMBLY
The Damper Push Rod Assembly (Figure 2-1, 33) is a short length of wooden dowel capped on each end with felt and held in place by a sleeve built into the back structure of the Piano housing.
Forced upward by the thrust of the Sustain Rod, it, in turn, pushes upward on the back surface of the Damper Release Bar causing its leading edge to bear downward on all of the Dampers thus
disengaging them from the Tines. With the Dampers thus released, all Tines are now free to vibrate sympathetically with the struck tones as is the case with an acoustic piano. The difference
becomes apparent when a comparison is made between the resultant sound of a chord where only those Dampers involved with a particular chord are released and then the sound of the same
chord when all Dampers are released.
1. The Damper Push Rod, in its rest position, should bear solidly against the back surface of the Damper Release Bar. An ideal setting would be that where all play between the Damper
Release Bar and the Damper Arms is removed. This can be accomplished by adding felt either to the top of the Push Rod or to the mating surface of the Damper Release Bar. Extreme care
should be exercised to avoid possible disengagement of the Dampers. Conversely, it can be seen that excessive play or lag in the linkage will result in a loss of touch sensitivity by the
foot.
2. SUITCASE PIANO ONLY:
In its rest position, the bottom surface of the Push Rod should be reasonably flush with the outer surface of the bottom of the Piano. There is a slot on the top surface of the Sustain Rod
providing screwdriver adjustment on the top of the Amplifier Enclosure.
DAMPER MODULE
The Damper Arms are now provided in fixed multiples of twelve known as Damper Modules (Figure 2-1, 17). This change was made to preclude the possibility of side shift in shipping and is the
epitome of simplicity. It consists of tempered aluminum stamped into Modular configurations to accommodate the Damping requirements in Bass, Mid and Treble ranges (Figure 2-2).
15. Hammer
16. Bridle Strap
17. Damper Module
18. Damper Felt
19. Tuning Spring
20. Pickup Assembly
21. Pickup Adjustment
Screw
22. Damper Release Bar
23. Damper Release Bar
Pivot Pin
24. Damper Release Bar
Pivot Pin Locking
Screw
25. Damper Release Bar
Felt
26. Multiple Hammer
Flange
27. Key Pedestal Felt
28. Action Rail Mounting
Screw
29. Action Rail
30. Harp Support-To-Action
Rail Mounting Screw
31. Damper Module
Mounting Screw
32. Push Rod Assembly
Top Felt
33. Push Rod Assembly
34. Push Rod Assembly
Balance Pivot
35. Push Rod Assembly
Bottom Felt
36. Action Rail Mounting
T-Nut
37. Keybed Felt
38. Key Pedestal
Figure 2-1. RHODES Modular Action - Single Key View
The Bass Damper Module is shortest with full width Arms to provide the strength and tension needed to properly damp the long Tines in the Bass area. Progressing up the Keyboard to the Treble,
the Tines become shorter and therefore the Damper Modules are designed to provide graduated strength and tension according to the need throughout the range of the Keyboard. In keeping with
the various damping requirements, the Damper Felts as well are designed to accommodate the three areas - the Bass with long, wide Felts; the Middle with Felts of medium length and width; and
the Treble which uses short, narrow Felts.
Wednesday, May 24, 2000Chapter Two: The Rhodes Modular ActionPage: 2
ACTION RAIL
With the Damper Release Bar and the Damper Modules removed, the new Action Rail (Figure 2-1, 29) is revealed to be a sturdy, extremely accurate aluminum extrusion.
HARP SUPPORTS
The new Harp Supports (Figure 2-3, 9) are fabricated from heavy aluminum extrusions sturdy enough to hold the assembly in place undamaged by a direct six-foot drop.
MULTIPLE HAMMER FLANGE
The Hammer Flange (Figure 2-3, 18) is molded in multiples of twelve. This also was redesigned in this manner to preclude the possibility of side shift in shipping.
It should be noted that the Multiple Flanges are molded of a hard A. B. S. material with a 15% teflon content, thus providing lifetime lubrication.
Wednesday, May 24, 2000Chapter Three: Instructions for DisassemblyPage: 1
CHAPTER THREE
INSTRUCTIONS FOR DISASSEMBLY
Access to the specific areas for needed adjustments or repair is easily accomplished by following the procedures outlined here.
1. Harp Cover Removal
The Cover is formed of A. B. S. material and is practically impervious to damage. To remove, lift up on the two back corners of the molded top. With this done, simply pull the front
edge free.
2. Nameboard Assembly Removal
Disconnect Harp Cable from Harp Jack. With a #2 Phillips Screwdriver, loosen and remove the four (4) screws which mount the Nameboard to the Cheekblocks (two (2) of which are
found behind the Nameboard on each end). After removing screws, lift Nameboard Assembly up and away.
3. Harp Assembly Removal
The Harp Assembly (Figure 3-1) consists of three major assemblies. The Harp Frame, the Tone Bar Rail and the Pickup Rail.
The Tone Bar Rail and the Pickup Rail are seated into the Harp Frame and secured by fourteen (14) Mounting Screws. Two metal Harp Brackets are then mounted to join the two.
The Harp Assembly is secured to the two aluminum Harp Supports by four (4) Screws (two (2) on each end) as well as the Harp Pivot Links located on each end. Complete removal of
the Harp, then, is accomplished by removing the four Mounting Screws as well as the two Screws which secure the Harp Pivot Links.
4. Damper Release Bar Removal
The Damper Release Bar (Figure 2-3, 12) is secured to the aluminum Harp Supports by two removable Pivot Pins (Figure 2-3, 11).
a. Loosen one Screw (Figure 2-3, 13) on either end of the Damper Release Bar.
b. With a small flat-blade screwdriver, slide the Pivot Pin out from the Damper Release Bar through the Nylon Bushing (Figure 2-3, 10) in the Harp Support (Figure 2-3, 9).
c. Slide the entire Damper Release Bar loose from the Bushing in the other Harp Support.
Removal of the Damper Release Bar is required in order to reach the Damper Modules for adjustment or removal.
a. Remove Damper Module Mounting Screws.
b. Carefully push down on each Damper Arm with one hand and gently pull Bridle Strap forward with the other hand so as to slide Bridle Strap away from the formed tongue in the
Damper Arm without causing damage to the tongue.
c. Pull Damper Module out of detent lip in Action Rail.
6. Hammer Removal
It is not necessary to unscrew or displace any of the supporting structures to remove a Hammer. Hold the Hammer Head with the thumb and index finger then rotate either left or right
while at the same time twisting on the vertical axis until the protruding ear (pin) pops out of the Hammer Flange. Then, simply lift out, exercising care to ease the Bridle Strap off the
Damper Arm Tongue.
7. Removal of Keyboard Assembly from Cabinet
CAUTION
This procedure should be accomplished with the Nameboard
Assembly mounted to prevent the Keys from falling out.
Wednesday, May 24, 2000Chapter Three: Instructions for DisassemblyPage: 2
Figure 3-2. RHODES Stage Piano - Bottom View
Stage Piano
a. Position the Piano so that the Keys are pointing up with the bottom surface of the Cabinet facing you (Figure 3-2).
CAUTION
Before proceeding with Step b., support the Keybed with one
hand to prevent the Keybed from falling out when the
Mounting Screws are removed.
b. Using a #2 Phillips Screwdriver, remove the two Screws (Figure 3-2, 1) which secure the Cabinet to the Cheekblock cleat on the Keybed.
c. Remove the two large Screws (Figure 3-2, 2) which mount the Keybed to the Cabinet.
d. Place Piano on its bottom surface and remove Keyboard Assembly by lifting out of Cabinet.
Suitcase Piano
Proceed as with a Stage Piano, again observing the CAUTION on the previous page, following Steps a, b, and c. In addition, since the bottom surface on the Suitcase Piano is of a
thinner plywood than the Stage Piano, the four Glides (Figure 3-3, 1) must be removed as well. Proceed with Step d.
Figure 3-3. RHODES Suitcase Piano Top - Bottom View
8. Action Rail and Harp Support Removal
NOTE
The Action Rail is securely locked to both Harp Supports by
means of the Harp Support-To-Action Rail Mounting Screws.
While these Screws can easily be removed, it is suggested that
the two Harp Supports and the Action Rail be maintained as
a 3-piece Assembly.
a. Place the Keyboard on its bottom surface as in a playing position.
b. Remove the Captive-Washer Nuts that secure the Harp Supports to the Keybed.
c. Exercising care not to lose the T-Nuts from the under side, remove the Action Rail Mounting Screws.
d. Grasp the Action Rail with both hands and lift off the three-piece assembly.
9. Harp Support Removal
a. Disassemble Piano as outlined through 7. b.
b. Remove the Harp Support-To-Action Rail Mounting Screws.
c. Lift Harp Support up and away from Action Rail.
10. Cheekblock Removal
This operation is accomplished by removing both the front and rear Cheekblock Mounting Screws.
11. Key Removal
After removing the Nameboard Assembly, simply lift up on the front of the Key to free it from the front and center Guide Pins, then pull the Key out from under the Hammer.