Fender Rhodes Piano Voicing

Voicing is the process of adjusting each note’s level and tonal qualities. There are several factors that influence the voicing of Fender Rhodes pianos: the hammer tip hardness, the position of each tine and pickup, and the magnetic field around the pickup.

The Tools

[1] Reference Monitors

[2] Spectrum Analyzer

[3] Piano Tuner

Reference Monitors

Reference monitors are essential to hearing the full range of frequencies the Rhodes piano generates.

Voicing Methods

There are different ways to voice a Rhodes piano. It can be set to factory specs, brighter, darker, or customized to personal taste (for example, modified lower octave for super low bass). Since 1994 we have optimized the voicing process by using a combination of analog and digital tools. These tools help us achieve perfect voicing according to our client’s requirements, and maintain consistency.

Spectrum Analyzer

The Human Factor

Voicing a Fender Rhodes piano is considered an art as well as a science. A good Rhodes voicing technician needs to be able to play the piano, be proficient in identifying audio frequencies, and have a thorough understanding of the mechanical and electrical systems in the piano, in order to identify abnormal voicing issues.

A known psycho-acoustic challenge in voicing Rhodes pianos is the fact a human ear gets tired quickly when listening to repetitive sounds. Digital tools like the Spectrum Analyzer help ensure the accuracy of sound pressure levels as well as correct harmonic relationships between the fundamentals and harmonics for each note. Working with a spectrum analyzer helps us minimize errors and achieve optimal voicing, even when we need to meet challenging deadlines.

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.