Fender Rhodes Tuneup
Our Fender Rhodes tuneup is a ten-step process designed to restore Rhodes pianos to their original factory specifications and dimensional standards. It is recommended that this process be performed every two years. Pricing information can be found here. The tuneup process does not include any parts replacement.
1. Detailed Cleaning
The piano is removed from its case and thoroughly cleaned. Dust, metal debris, or foreign objects that could slow down the action or create unwanted noises are removed.
2. Humidity, Rust, and Corrosion Treatment
Surface rust, corrosion, or oxidation is removed and treated to prevent further spread. Excessive rust may need additional treatment or plating, which we outsource to a local plating factory.
3. Cosmetic Repairs
Minor external damage is repaired to prevent further damage to the piano’s exterior. We also offer complete exterior restoration and modifications like sparkle tops and custom tolex colors.
4. Dampers and Bridle Straps Treatment
Damper arms are adjusted to factory specs. Floppy damper felts are rejuvenated using our custom felt rejuvenation formula. Worn-out or torn felt may need to be replaced.
The bridle strap connect the hammer to the damper arm. The tuneup includes inspection of the bridle straps and treatment, if possible. Worn our bridle straps may need to be replaced.
5. Action Felt Inspection and Treatment
Key pedestal felt is cleaned and treated to maintain responsive and accurate action as part of the tuneup process. Worn-out felt may need to be replaced. Some Rhodes pianos made prior to 1978 can benefit from the factory recommended “Bump Modification” (aka. as the “Miracle Mod”). We will let you where you stand during your initial inspection.
Both the balance rail and the key pin bushing felts are inspected and front rail key pins are adjusted to eliminate side-to-side key movement. Worn out bushing felt may need a special rejuvenation treatment using custom polymer and in some cases we may recommend replacing this important action felt.
6. Tonebar Grommet Inspection
Flexible rubber grommets are essential for stable voicing, sustain, consistent volume and tone. Worn-out grommets may need to be replaced.
7. Hammer Tips Inspection
Loose hammer tips re-glued. Grooved hammer tips may require replacement.
8. Adjustments
9. Re-tuning and Quality Assurance
To ensure that Rhodes pianos stay in tune, we play the piano and re-check it for any changes in pitch.
We play the piano over a few days to make sure we did not miss anything during the tuneup process.
10. Training
We encourage every Rhodes owner to familiarize themselves with their instrument’s basic care and maintenance. When you pick up your piano, we will provide maintenance, voicing, and tuning tips specifically tailored to your Rhodes model and its condition. We highly recommend reading the owner’s manual to make the most of your training session.