How good is the Bump Mod on a MK1 Fender Rhodes Piano?
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- Опубликовано: 25 авг 2024
- About 10 years ago I was lucky enough to become the new owner of a Fender Rhodes MK1 electric piano. I restored it and enjoyed it for that time, but then I got a Wurlitzer electric piano.
I realised that I needed to improve the action.
In the past I have tried the bump mod and it doesn't feel like a natural stroke of the action to me, so never committed to performing it on the piano.
Part 2
• 3D Printed Fender Rhod... 
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Another thing that changes the feel of the action hugely is the strike line. It's a factor that often gets ignored but can make a heavy action feel light simply because the force needed to create tone is much lower. When the strike line is correct the early pianos can be fine to play, and the longer throw distance gives you a fantastic dynamic range. Have a go moving the harp back and forth as you play a particular passage and you'll feel it.
Good point Jim,
It is impressive how simple these pianos are but the each part needs to be setup to get the best performance . Strike line is one of the most important setup points to get right to get the sound you want and as you say the feel. I'm still working on this and hope to create a 3rd part to this work soon, I will include strike line in that. thank you!
Interesting indeed! I'd love an update on this
Will do!
Wuauu this is amazing, Thank you for sharing any updates on this topic? Thanks :)
I like your thinking with this- in my experience a properly fitted bump mod should feel light and positive at the same time. And there are a lot of other factors that affect the heavyness of the Rhodes action, so adding bumps or your mod is just one aspect but if it feels good to you then that's all that matters. Having said this, I would certainly be interested in trying your mods if you could send me a couple of the printed pieces to test, I would be happy to evalute them and give you some proper feedback. Feel free to message on here.
Cheers Dan!
Hi Dean! great to see this level of precision put into experimenting with the rhodes' sluggish action. If that's Ok iwth you, I'd like to get the 3d printer files to experiment for myself.
Make sure you have cleaned everything, and tried the bump mod first. Clean felts and well sized bushes. I am interested in what you think do let me know!
www.thingiverse.com/thing:4820257
chapeau bas!
Thank you!
I completely agree with the Wurly Vs Rhodes bump as my preference is also the Wurly.
The bump for my 1977 Rhodes has felt too light and bouncy on the return. I'm highly interested by the new mk8 action, which was made by Steinway.... Maybe there's mod that can gain a similar feel to the mk1
Any chance you’ll sell these printed bumps?
I’d like to try them
Drop me an email, I have a few of each size printed I can post to you to test. My emails in the channel details. Though I don't think it shows up on mobile.
I want this
In the follow up video I have included a link to the files, if you have access you a 3d printer.
Hey Dean, well done! I’d love to get my hands on the printer files if you’re willing to share.
Sent!
Could I ask for a copy as well? Currently in the process of restoring my Rhodes and would love to give his a try!
Hi is there stil any .stl file to try ?😇❤️
Intriguing idea.
What's with the multiple unlabeled curves on the earlier graphs?
Hi Dean,Richard here.I have a Wurlitzer and have the same exact experience.Your modification makes sense.Would it be possible to purchase a set from you?
Hi Richard,
Thank you for getting in touch, I really appreciate it. .There is still some work going on with this and I plan a 3rd video soon.
My plan was not to sell them, but release the files and allow suppliers and techs to try them and hopefully help the community.
There is a part two here:
ruclips.net/video/3wjBQh6KYJY/видео.html
I do suspect that for most pianos a good setup, new key felts, cleaning, and a well performed bump mod will transform the piano.
Though I did try this on mine and wasn't fully happy, I'm no expert though so my work should be taken with a pinch of salt.
If still interested, drop me an email and ill try to help the best I can.
Cheers Dean
Also, a good silicone spray on the felts will substantially improve the action
Good advice! I think replacing the felts is also a good step.
i can play my wurlitzer for hours but get fatigue after playing the rhodes for about 45 minutes
Hey Ryan, thank you for commenting.
Yes that's the way I felt, it just wasn't as enjoyable.
Out of interest have you tried anything on your piano, bump mod? new pedestal felts? or anything else?
@@deancoyle my rhodes has bump mod on some of the keys but not all. i bought it with a bump mod already installed but i dont think it was done properly. i have removed it on the worst keys and it actually improved things a bit. one day i will try to re-do the whole piano!
It's not a "Fender" Rhodes, as can be clearly seen on the rail
Why don’t you just buy an 88 note Roland weighted keyboard and Keyscape software then you’ll have the best of both worlds plus hundreds of other great sounds!
There’s nothing like an authentic Rhodes my man. That’s the truth.
Not everyone wants to use their laptop as their primary instrument.