Fender Rhodes - Pedestal / Bump Mod - Avion Studios

Perhaps the most common mod for the Fender Rhodes - and clearly one of the best.
Here we talk about the mechanics of this modification and clearly demonstrate the installation.
For more details, pictures etc or to buy the bump mod kits please visit our website: www.avionstudios.com

[@HermanHiltsman]

Just bought a Rhodes in pretty good condition, but these videos are super informative. Thanks for uploading them

[@avionstudios6463]

Thanks so much for saying so Sam! If you have any questions we're always happy to help. 👍🎹 [e-mail]

[@ryanmelvey8764]

very helpful thanks for sharing

[@CulinarySpy]

Hey Morgon, it would be cool if you showed the original key pedestals (before the flat ones) where the bump was in the middle. Maybe in another video? I wonder if they too can be improved?? Great work BTW!

[@freebreeze9042]

Those keys are pre '71 '72? I may be wrong but they look like '74 '75.

[@heydaveambrose]

Some shops suggest adding the bump mod to keyboards that already have the slanted pedestal (whereas this video sort of implies that's not necessary). Thoughts?

[@avionstudios6463]

Good question! There are a couple of fender-made bump or slant style key pedestal styles. Hard slant and a gentle bump both work on the same principle, so adding the bump just makes the effect a little more extreme. The difficulty with those style pedestals is placing the bump correctly can be difficult or sometimes impossible. We generally encourage people to try things on their Rhodes and no exception here. But the difference is probably not worth the effort for most people. That said, if ya wanna try it out, send us an email and we can send you some sample bumps. 👍🎹

[@d179654582248]

My piano has the Marcel curve, it’s a late 71 stage. The action is still slow and not very enjoyable. Some people saying you can still add the bump mod others saying you don’t need it. How should I move forward on making my mark 1 action at least as quick as it can be...??

[@avionstudios6463]

Hey Derek, great question. So the Marcel curve is little more mild than a bump mod....so would the addition of the bump mod speed things up. Yes a little. Is it worth it....probably not for most people. And because you're mounting on an existing curve it's considerably more difficult as well. The real cold hard truth about Rhodes is they have an overly-simple action. The best solution being becoming accustom to the feel and speed of the action because without extreme overhaul it is what it is.
Potential improvements: You can look at some teflon or non-teflon piano lubricants for little extra speed, I would avoid graphite which used to be a common choice. It never hurts to examine the bridal straps as well - eliminating any slack there can have positive effect on feel. Also, often over-looked, adjust your key travel. Somewhere in the 13-15/32 range so that you aren't wasting motion/time with an overly long key travel. Most Rhodes had no key travel adjustment from the factory but that can also be a nice improvement. Hopefully all those things together help a bit. So with a bit of tinkering and patience you should have a little better playing experience.
If you do want to try the bump I would just a few pedestals to evaluate both the process and rewards, which again, are dubious.
Best, Greg Avion Studios

[@freebreeze9042]

You're going to want to clean that graphite off of the hammer cams. It's all over the keys as well.

[@avionstudios6463]

Ha, yeah, some people have gone crazy over the years with graphite. But don't worry these are just pieces from our parts bin.