How to assemble a Rhodes piano from scratch in 5 minutes
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Published 2013-08-28
Invented by piano teacher Harold Rhodes in the 1940s-50s, the Rhodes piano was originally meant for injured WWII soldiers to play while lying in their hospital beds. More than half a century later, it's one of the most recognizable and beloved keyboard instruments. However, like many great old (heavy) instruments, the digital age has made it an endangered species. I hope this video helps some of you rescue an injured old Rhodes or two.
The song is "Bring Back Cynthia Centipede," a tune I wrote about trying to bring back old days long gone. It is also literally about a centipede whom I rescued and nursed back to health in the summer of 2005. Except for drums & vocals, every sound you hear is a Rhodes (the same one I put together in the video). The "guitar" at the end is the piano fed through a 12-watt Esteban G-10 amplifier which cost me $5 at a garage sale.
A Rhodes or Fender Rhodes piano itself can run you anywhere from around $200 to $2000, depending on its condition and where you live. They are in great demand in Europe. Ebay average price is around $500-700 for a Mark I Stage like this with all its parts.
If you're buying one, the main thing to check is if all the 73 tines (thin metal rods that vibrate & produce sound) are there. They can run you $20-40 EACH.
So now get out there, rescue a Rhodes, rescue a centipede and rock on.
Latex gloves optional.
All Comments (21)
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"ahh finished wait whats that on the ground..... fuck i missed a screw"
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How to assemble a Rhodes piano from scratch in 5 minutes step 1: assemble the Rhodes piano in 4 hours. step 2: timelapse the whole thing to 5 minutes.
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Ok the video was cool... but the fact that you dressed like a magician... 10/10.
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Really dug the music. Wow!
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That is a great song.
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Great, great song!
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This is FANTASTIC!
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Wow I love your song.
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great work !! love the song
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Hey this is the coolest thing I have seen this week.
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That song was dope as hell
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Intro is just awesome! )
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Amazing! You have SKILLS! I just started on my mission of rescuing a Rhodes. I hope I can return it to its “groovealicious” glory very soon!
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That song is fantastic, I really like that. Well done for making this, I had no idea the Rhodes was such a complex instrument inside.
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This song is excellent
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Great vid. I like it so much!
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Intriguing to watch. I liked the song too.
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this song is great!
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very beautiful , love the sound track :)
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One basic flaw: No tech work was done during the assembly. So much more needs to be done!