Fender Rhodes Key Pedestal Modification

Fender Rhodes players often complain about stiff action and little to no dynamics.

A small bump added to the key pedestals (aka as the Key Pedestal Mod) is key to fast, responsive Rhodes piano.

This famous modification procedure was added to the official Rhodes Service Manual in the ’70s.

The benefits of the Key Pedestal Mod

Key Pedestal Modification

“I’ve been touring with my Rhodes 1979 Mark II worldwide,” says Dweezil Zappa’s keyboard player, Aaron Arntz. “My Rhodes has the Key Pedestal standard built-in, but sometimes our tour management prefers to rent a different Rhodes piano instead of flying mine, for logistical reasons. This gives me a chance to experience playing different Rhodes pianos from different years. I have noticed that the earlier Fender Rhodes pianos that lack the Key Pedestal update feel like there’s gum stuck between the keys! I find these Rhodes pianos harder to play and simply not as fun as mine. With my Rhodes, I can perform with greater dynamic range and feel, and every time I play the earlier, unmodified Fender Rhodes pianos I re-appreciate my wonderful light-action keys.”

How can you tell if your Rhodes has modified key pedestals?

1. Take off the plastic top.
2. Remove 4 screws that hold the name rail and lift the name rail.
3. Gently lift a few keys out of the keybed.
4. Inspect the key pedestal. If the pedestal has no bump you do not have the key pedestal modification

Mike Altier

2023-04-24

You're looking at these reviews because you want to know if this guy is the real deal, if you can trust him with your precious piano. The answer is: yes Nir is a 100% pro and passionate about what he does. He's increased the value of Rhodes, increased my appreciation for the instrument, and increased my knowledge of how to care of it.

Gregg Isbell

2023-03-10

I just sold my piano to a professional musician. The buyer was thrilled about the piano model and year of production (‘75) and the upgrade to “better than new”, and had been wanting one for a while. I’m so happy about this whole experience with Fender Rhodes LA refurbishing my piano. Thanks for your remarkable expertise and personal care and pride in your work. So many ears will now be hearing and enjoying the results!

Island Time

2023-01-23

Fender Rhodes LA is a tremendous asset to the Rhodes community. Nir is a class act and provides top notch service and support. Do your Rhodes a favor and give him a visit!

Raph Parpex

2023-01-04

Nir is the sweetest and he knows absolutely everything about Rhodes EPs. At drop off he was able to spot within minutes everything that was wrong and had be poorly fixed on my piano, and then it only took him 1 week to literally bring it back to factory specs. Not to mention that at pick up he took 1h to explain in details how I should maintain it so I could take care of fine adjustments and tuning myself. He is the only person you should reach out to if your Rhodes needs repairs.

Mark Cruz

2022-08-18

Nir is a master craftsman. Not only did he do and amazing job tuning my 73 Fender Rhodes but taught me how to maintain and keep it running well for years to come. Exemplary work and I wouldn't recommend anyone else for repairs and tune ups.

Jessica Rivera

2022-05-26

Very very professional. Talked us through everything and exercised great care in restoring our 1979 baby. Our piano was restored to its former glory and looks and sounds better than I could have ever hoped.

James Jarrard

2021-08-27

Excellent communication, clear and transparent on work performed on my piano. Goes without saying that Nir and his team are very skilled and experienced working on electric pianos.

Juan A. Matos

2021-07-03

Excellent and speedy service. Nir did an excellent job with my Rhodes. He also took his time to teach me the technical basics of tweaking the piano in the case that issues pop up in the future. He's also available to help people fix their Rhodes through Zoom, in the case you don't live in Southern California. Who else does that? Needless to say, I'll be taking my Rhodes to him in the future. Thanks, Nir!

Andrew Zuker

2021-05-16

Nir did a full restoration of my 1974 Suitcase 88 Rhodes is few years ago. During the process he was communicative and professional and helped me understand what he was doing at every step of the way. I feel I paid a very fair price for exemplary service and I couldn’t be happier. Recently I had some static noise issues with the amp and he gave me the advice and counsel I needed to resolve the issue. If you have an old Rhodes, Nir is the premier professional for all of your maintenance, restoration, and repair needs. 10/10.

Kimi Kori

2020-10-29

I had a great experience getting my Rhodes piano repaired by Nir. He inspected it thoroughly, explained everything clearly, answered every one of my questions so kindly (and I had a lot of questions), and offered different levels of service to achieve the best sound possible. I am very happy with how my Rhodes sounds and feels after the repair! Excellent service. Highly recommended.