Service Manual
The original 1979 Rhodes Service Manual covers repair and maintenance procedures for virtually all Rhodes piano models (including the first generation of Mark II's). Here you will find instructions for tuning the piano, adjusting the action and setting key volume levels, along with electrical schematics and a historical overview of the piano's internal design.
Downloadable Content
- 1990's HTML Manual Chapters 1 – 10 (ZIP file, 2.1 MB)
- Chapter 11 JPEG Schematics (ZIP file, 6.2 MB)
- PDF Manual (810K)
Table of Contents
| Section I | Latest Design RHODES Piano | |
| Chapter 1 | The RHODES Tone Source | 1-1 |
| Chapter 2 | The RHODES Modular Action | 2-1 |
| Damper Release Bar | 2-1 | |
| Damper Push Rod Assembly | 2-2 | |
| Damper Module | 2-2 | |
| Action Rail | 2-3 | |
| Harp Supports | 2-3 | |
| Multiple Hammer Flange | 2-4 | |
| Chapter 3 | Instructions For Disassembly | 3-1 |
| Harp Cover Removal | 3-1 | |
| Nameboard Assembly Removal | 3-1 | |
| Harp Assembly Removal | 3-1 | |
| Damper Release Bar Removal | 3-1 | |
| Damper Module Removal | 3-2 | |
| Hammer Removal | 3-3 | |
| Removal of Keyboard Assembly from Cabinet | 3-3 | |
| Stage Piano | 3-3 | |
| Suitcase Piano | 3-4 | |
| Action Rail and Harp Removal | 3-4 | |
| Harp Support Removal | 3-5 | |
| Cheekblock Removal | 3-5 | |
| Key Removal | 3-5 | |
| Chapter 4 | Dimensional Standards and Adjustments | 4-1 |
| Key Dip | 4-1 | |
| Escapement | 4-1 | |
| Damper Clearance | 4-3 | |
| Damper Module Adjustment | 4-4 | |
| Tension | 4-4 | |
| Alignment | 4-4 | |
| Striking Line | 4-5 | |
| Re-Establishing Striking Line | 4-6 | |
| Timbre Adjustment | 4-7 | |
| Volume Adjustment | 4-7 | |
| Chapter 5 | Tuning The RHODES Piano | 5-1 |
| Electronic Tuning | 5-2 | |
| Stretch Tuning | 5-3 | |
| How to Follow The Chart | 5-5 | |
| Chapter 6 | Repair Procedures and Techniques | 6-1 |
| Tone Generator Assembly Replacement Procedure | 6-1 | |
| Key Pedestal Modification Procedure | 6-4 | |
| Worn Key Bushing Repair Procedure | 6-7 | |
| Key Cap Replacement Procedure | 6-8 | |
| Full-Skirt Type Key Cap | 6-9 | |
| One- And Two-Piece Type Key Cap | 6-9 | |
| Section II | Early Design RHODES Piano | |
| Chapter 7 | Early Design RHODES Piano - Tone Source (Prior to July 1975) | 7-1 |
| The Tine | 7-2 | |
| Chapter 8 | Early Design RHODES Pianos - Action (Prior to September 1975) | 8-1 |
| The Action | 8-1 | |
| Chapter 9 | Early Design RHODES Pianos - Maintenance and Rejuvenation | 9-1 |
| Chapter 10 | Early Design RHODES Pianos - Dimensional Standards and Adjustments | 10-1 |
| Key Dip | 10-1 | |
| Damper Control | 10-2 | |
| Escapement | 10-2 | |
| Signal Strength | 10-4 | |
| Section III | Electrical and Electronic Service Aids | |
| Chapter 11 | Diagrams, Schematics and Pictorials | 11-1 |
List of Illustrations
| Figure | Title | Page |
| 1-1 | Tuning Fork Comparison | 1-1 |
| 1-2 | RHODES Tuning Fork | 1-1 |
| 2-1 | RHODES Modular Action - Single Key View | 2-1 |
| 2-2 | RHODES Damper Modules - Bass, Mid and Treble Configurations | 2-3 |
| 2-3 | RHODES Modular Action - Exploded View | 2-4 |
| 3-1 | RHODES Harp/Action Assembly - Exploded View | 3-2 |
| 3-2 | RHODES Stage Piano - Bottom View | 3-3 |
| 3-3 | RHODES Suitcase Piano Top - Bottom View | 3-4 |
| 4-1 | RHODES Modular Action - Single Key Depressed | 4-1 |
| 4-2 | Escapement Distances | 4-1 |
| 4-3 | Escapement Adjustment Locations | 4-2 |
| 4-4 | Adjustment Location 1 | 4-3 |
| 4-5 | RHODES Damper Arm - Tension Adjustment | 4-4 |
| 4-6 | RHODES Damper Arm - Alignment Adjustment | 4-4 |
| 4-7 | RHODES Harp/Action Assembly | 4-6 |
| 4-8 | Timbre Adjustment Diagram | 4-7 |
| 4-9 | Volume Adjustment Diagram | 4-7 |
| 5-1 | RHODES Tone Bar Assembly | 5-1 |
| 5-2 | Harp Position for Tuning the RHODES | 5-2 |
| 5-3 | Typical Dial - Electronic Tuning Device | 5-4 |
| 5-4 | Stretch Tuning Chart | 5-6 |
| 6-1 | Tone Generator Assembly Removal/Replacement | 6-2 |
| 6-2 | Tine Cutting Measurement Chart | 6-3 |
| 6-3 | Felt Strip - Cutting Line Dimension | 6-5 |
| 6-4 | Key Pedestal - Pencil Line Dimension | 6-6 |
| 6-5 | Key Pedestal - 5/32" Felt Piece Mounted | 6-6 |
| 6-6 | Key Pedestal - Felt Modification Complete | 6-7 |
| 6-7 | Key Bushing Tightener | 6-8 |
| 6-8 | Key Identification Chart | 6-10 |
| 7-1 | RHODES First Stage Tone Bar Assembly | 7-1 |
| 7-2 | RHODES Second Stage Tone Bar Assembly | 7-2 |
| 7-3 | RHODES Third Stage Tone Bar Assembly | 7-2 |
| 7-4 | RHODES Original Tine Design | 7-2 |
| 7-5 | RHODES Second Stage Tine Design | 7-3 |
| 7-6 | RHODES Swaged Tine Design | 7-3 |
| 8-1 | RHODES Original Action Design | 8-1 |
| 8-2 | RHODES Second Stage Action Design | 8-1 |
| 8-3 | RHODES Third Stage Action Design | 8-2 |
| 8-4 | RHODES Fourth Stage Action Design | 8-2 |
| 9-1 | Tear Drop Hammer Head - Groove Removal | 9-1 |
| 9-2 | Tear Drop Hammer Head - Reshaping to Striking Line | 9-1 |
| 9-3 | RHODES Hammer - Shim Placement | 9-3 |
| 9-4 | Early Design Damper | 9-3 |
| 9-5 | Double-Shoulder Hammer Head | 9-4 |
| 9-6 | RHODES Early Design Harp/Action Assembly - Cut-Away View | 9-5 |
| 10-1 | RHODES Early Design Single Key View | 10-1 |
| 10-2 | RHODES Early Design Harp/Action Assembly - Exploded View | 10-3 |
| 10-3 | RHODES Original Pickup Coil Series/Parallel Arrangement | 10-4 |
| 10-4 | RHODES Modified Pickup Coil Series/Parallel Arrangement | 10-4 |
| 10-5 | RHODES Bus Wire Re-Routing Diagram | 10-4 |
| 11-1 | Schematic - Preamplifier Assembly - 100 Watt Suitcase and Janus I | 11-2 |
| 11-2 | Printed Circuit Board - Preamplifier Assembly - 100 Watt Suitcase and Janus I | 11-3/11-4 |
| 11-3 | Schematic - Dual 50 Watt Power Amplifier - 100 Watt Suitcase and Janus I | 11-5 |
| 11-4 | Schematic - Power Amplifier - Janus I | 11-6 |
| 11-5 | Printed Circuit Board - +/-15 Volt Regulator - 100 Watt Suitcase and Janus I Power Amplifier | 11-7/11-8 |
| 11-6 | Printed Circuit Board - 50 Watt Power Amplifier - Suitcase Piano | 11-9/11-10 |
| 11-7 | Printed Circuit Board - 50 Watt Power Amplifier - Janus I | 11-11/11-12 |
| 11-8 | Schematic - Preamplifier - 80 Watt Suitcase and Super Satellite | 11-13 |
| 11-9 | Schematic - Power Module - 80 Watt Suitcase | 11-14 |
| 11-10 | Schematic - Power Supply Regulator Assembly (Peterson Design) -80 Watt Suitcase | 11-15 |
| 11-11 | Circuit Board Assembly - Power Supply Regulator (Peterson Design) -80 Watt Suitcase | 11-16 |
| 11-12 | Schematic - Power Amplifier, Master and Slave - Super Satellite | 11-17 |
| 11-13 | Schematic - Power Control Panel, Master - Super Satellite | 11-18 |
| 11-14 | Schematic - Power Control Panel, Slave - Super Satellite | 11-19 |
| 11-15 | Schematic-Converter Kit I | 11-20 |
| 11-16 | Schematic - Converter Kit II | 11-21 |
| 11-17 | Schematic - Preamplifier and Power Amplifier (Jordan Design) -Suitcase Piano (Pre 1969) | 11-22 |
| 11-18 | Connection Diagram - All Printed Circuit Boards - Instructor Console | 11-23 |
| 11-19 | Schematic - Preamplifier and Power Amplifier - Student Piano (First Version - 1968) | 11-24 |
| 11-20 | Schematic - Preamplifier and Power Amplifier - Instructor Piano (First Version - 1968) | 11-25 |
| 11-21 | Wiring Diagram - Instructor Console | 11-26 |
| 11-22 | Schematic - Master Circuit Board - Instructor Console | 11-27 |
| 11-23 | Schematic - Power Supply - Instructor Console | 11-28 |
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
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:
- 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.
- 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.
RHODES Keyboard Instruments U.S.A.
Fullerton, California 92634
Copyright © 1979 CBS Musical Instruments A Division of CBS Inc.
P/N 34.0119.000 Printed in U.S.A.
Tine Cutting Chart
Printable Tine Cutting Chart
PDF provided by James Garfield
This is what you would have received if you bought replacement tines for your Rhodes back when they were available from dealers. Page 1 shows the correct length for each key, with a corresponding tonebar number depending on what era your piano is from. So if a tine length is labeled "26-33", it is for tonebar #26 if your piano's low E is labeled #1, otherwise (more likely) it's for tonebar #33 if your low E is labeled #8. Hopefully this information will make the chart easier to use. Page 2 also includes staking instructions (when the new tine isn't inserted in the generator block, unlikely these days) and cutting instructions. I just don't know what they were thinking when they recommended using "ordinary" wire cutters!
Mark III EK-10 Service Manual
Download EK-10 Manual
PDF provided by Vintagebua
The Mark III EK-10 had its own service manual detailing the complex circuitry behind its progressive tone generation system, including the schematics necessary to the repair the instrument.
Additional Schematics
Stage Piano Controls
GIF provided by Jens Lüpke
Diagram of the Volume & Bass Boost controls found in the Stage Piano models.
Piano Bass Controls
GIF provided by Jens Lüpke
Like the Volume & Bass Boost circuit found in the Stage Piano, but not exactly…
Late-Model Suitcase Mark I & Janus I Preamp Schematic
PDF provided by Tim Warneck
Corrected circuit board and LED diagrams for the version of the Suitcase Mark I preamp with EQ sliders. Tim explains:
I must admit that the schematic in the Service Manual for late Mk I suitcases (Janus) has always bothered me a bit because some aspects did not quite match real preamps I have seen. After looking over the old schematic, it wasn't clear to me that the vibrato circuit would even work as intended.
Well, now I know why it bothered me. It is indeed different, and I found what I think is the correct schematic.
The vibrato switch (on-off) and LDR circuit is different in this schematic, and I can say with confidence that it matches other preamps of this era I have seen. This 'new' schematic also matches the PCB layout shown in Fig. 11-2 of the service manual. C8 and C20 are connected to the LED portion of the LDRs, the vibrato switch leads connect to GND, the base of Q1 and the intensity pot, for example. There are other differences in the vibrato oscillator circuit also.
Late-Model Suitcase Mark II Preamp Schematic
PDF provided by Tim Warneck
Circuit board and LED diagrams for the version of the Suitcase Mark II preamp with the "push button" Vibrato on/off switch.