4 Reasons Why Rhodes Tines Break

3 Reasons Why Rhodes Tines Break

The tine is part of the Asymmetric Tuning Fork, the “heart” of the tone-generating mechanism in all Rhodes pianos. The Rhodes factory used to include a bag of spare tines with every Rhodes piano, as the manufacturer realized that this part is likely to break at some point.

What are the main reasons for tines breaking, and how can you avoid them?

1. Aggressive Playing 
   The most common cause of tines breaking is the hammers hitting the tines too hard. Ensure you have a sufficient monitoring level and play comfortably.
   
2. Inconsistent Voicing 
   When some notes are lower in volume due to inconsistent voicing or defective pickups, players may try to compensate by playing harder. Consistent voicing is key to the longevity of tines.
   
3. Worn-out Tines 
   Rusty tines or tines that have been exposed to humid conditions are more likely to break.