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Current Conditions (07/01/09): I've been having problems with my hands that are keeping me from using the computer for more than short periods of time, so I am not online as often these days. Most of my Internet use is via my phone right now, which means that you should use fenderhordes@yahoo.com if you want to contact me by email and get a response within a couple of days, and you can also find me on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/fenderhordes. Also note that Freddan is the co-administrator of the discussion forum, so any questions or concerns should be addressed to him. Taking Donations (06/19/09): If you're a fan of this site and want to contribute to its growth, you can click the PayPal button or use this link to make your donation (trust me, they really do go to PayPal!). Anything helps, even $5. I've been using this money to purchase copies of Rhodes magazine ads, Fender catalogs, and the Janus I owner's manual that will uncover mysteries about the system and fill in a content gap that has been wide open for years. I'll be scanning these and other materials that I'm continuing to collect for the site's long-overdue expansion this year. And of course, a special thanks goes out to everyone who has donated to date!
Still In Santa Cruz (04/26/09): I'm done moving but didn't move far...now we're in the Live Oak area of Santa Cruz, closer to the beach and no longer overlooking the AAA parking lot!!! You can reach me at 831-332-9874 if you're in need of tech work (I do house calls), or as I told Kyle at Union Grove, you can always find me here.... IEEEEE!!!!! (03/20/09): The Web Development world was cursed with the final release of Internet Explorer 8 today, which I have refused to install and/or use for the purpose of testing this site. For the time being if you are using IE8 and run into any problems viewing the content here, please use either IE7 Compatibility Mode (the torn piece of paper button) or a completely different browser (Firefox, Safari or Chrome). Keyboard Magazine Back Issues (03/10/09): I am still searching for an issue of Keyboard where Harold Rhodes is interviewed in the mid- to late-90's (not the one from 1993, which I have). If anybody knows the month and year of this issue, please email me at james@fenderrhodes.com. I appreciate your help. Server Switch Update (03/06/09): I secured a dedicated IP for the site, which should generally improve the situation with my using a large-scale hosting provider. If you find that any of the site's email addresses are bouncing (particularly with Hotmail), treated as spam/junk or not working at all, contact me at fenderhordes@yahoo.com. The Fender & Rhodes 50th Anniversary! (01/02/09): In 1959 electric piano designer Harold Rhodes became business partners with electric guitar designer Leo Fender to form the company "Fender & Rhodes", with the prototype "X38" Piano Bass being the first instrument in what would become a 20-year-long product line. The original pre-CBS Piano Bass was characterized by the classic "Fiesta Red" harp cover and blonde Fender amp covering used on the body, first appearing in catalogs around 1963-64. We'll be bringing you more on the early days of the Fender Rhodes throughout the year.... Parts Suppliers Update (10/24/08): John R. McLaren of Major Key is finally out of the hospital after almost a year and has reported that they will be reopening for business in the near future with both a new staff and a new website!!! We are currently in the process of updating the Remanufactured & New/Old Stock (NOS) Parts page in the meantime, which was originally based on their list of distributors and was found to be extremely outdated as of this past summer. Let us know if there's anybody who is currently missing from the list, or if you would like to have your business added. Updated Tine Cutting Chart (06/06/08): I added a Printable Tine Cutting Chart in PDF format on the Service Manual page to replace the old, less usable and less accurate one that was there before. There are also instructions on how to read the chart, as well as an additional page from the dealer describing staking & cutting procedures. Let me know if this works for everybody. DISCLAIMERS: This site is in no way affiliated with Fender Musical Instruments, CBS Musical Instruments, the Roland Corporation, the Rhodes Music Corporation, the Harold B. Rhodes Music Foundation or the family of Harold Rhodes. It was developed by and for Fender Rhodes enthusiasts, as a technical and historical resource for owners and players of vintage Rhodes pianos (1959-1984). The Rhodes Service Manual and certain photos used throughout the site were originally published by CBS Musical Instruments. The English translation of "Fender Rhodes: The Piano That Changed the History of Music" was contributed by the author. The Fender, Rhodes and Roland brand names and logos are trademarks of their respective owners, and are not specifically endorsed by the owners of this website. The Service & Repairs listings found in this site are provided free of charge to vintage keyboard parts manufacturers, dealers, repair technicians and service centers. Some postings were submitted directly by the business or individual, while others were recommended by satisfied customers. Please observe and use the rating system, and report suspected abuse to input@fenderrhodes.com. |
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