kosis

Sources for Generic Parts and Maintenance Materials

Note: I am no longer updating this article. The updated version can be found at

http://www.fenderrhodes.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=15

These are sources other than the specialty repair and parts shops (Major Key, Vintage Vibe, Speakeasy Vintage Music, CAE, etc. http://tinyurl.com/2u7ge4), and they are sources for parts and materials that are not specific to a single instrument (many are used, e.g., on speaker cabinets). But be sure to check out the specialty vendors for hard-to-find items as well.

Please check these things carefully before ordering, since part numbers may change over time; also make sure you have the right screws, etc.

Tolex and grill cloth:

Note: the original Tolex is no longer made. Concerning what is available now, see the following post:

http://launch.groups.yahoo.com/group/rhodes/message/24896

Ampwares http://www.ampwares.com/, and several other places sell Tolex.

Parts is parts http://tinyurl.com/3ad483

also Mojomusic http://www.mojomusicalsupply.com/:

http://tinyurl.com/5bj6ty

and grill cloth

Parts is parts http://tinyurl.com/34e5ql

Mojomusic http://tinyurl.com/6r88ly

Contact cement for attaching Tolex can be found at any Home-Depot type supplier:

DAP Weldwood non-flammable Neoprene based Contact Cement

Mojomusic seems to have its own Tolex adhesive:

http://tinyurl.com/69v4xl

"Our Mojotone Tolex Glue is a one-part, waterbased contact cement. You can achieve beautiful results simply by applying a thin coat (either brushed or sprayed) to both your wood cabinet and the back of the Tolex. Allow the glue to dry to a transparent look (about 30 minutes), then apply the Tolex to the cabinet. You'll have a secure bond in seconds!

Mojotone Tolex Glue is so forgiving that the Tolex can be removed or repositioned without having to re-apply additional glue. Cleanup is a breeze and your final results would make any amp connoisseur envious!"

Here is a text-only account of a do-it-yourself Tolexing job:

http://tinyurl.com/2zhtya

And a video for the corners:

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=j9DY6ow7PPE

The variety of "speaker carpet covering" I used is actually Ozite:

http://www.ozite.com/

There is also a self-stick variety, though I've never seen it.

I used this material on my main axe because it is much tougher than Tolex and withstands the rigors of cartage and gigging much better. It looks very smart as well. (See my article on this site.)

Spray adhesive for Ozite covering is available at

http://yourautotrim-store.stores.yahoo.net/instabond.html

(Instabond)  or you can use the higher tack 3M spray adhesives (I used Super 77).

General parts:

McMaster-Carr parts numbers for tonebar grommets and tonebar screws and washers:

http://www.mcmaster.com/

(1) Tonebar Grommets: 9305K21

SBR Rubber Push-in Bumper Flat Top, 3/8" Dia, 7/64" H, 1/4" Stem Dia
This product is sold in Packs of 50

Three other sources for tonebar grommets (get the specs from the McMaster page):

http://www.midatlanticrubber.com/prod_7.htm

http://www.estcoenterprises.com/products.php

http://tinyurl.com/2npp37

At the Estco Enterprises site (last URL above)you will also have to specify hardness. Anyone know what to specify?

Back to McMaster Carr:

 (2) Zinc Tonebar Screws (Zinc-Plated Stl Flat Head Phillips Wood Screw No 8 Size,

1-1/2" Length): 90031A203

or Stainless Steel Tonebar Screws (18-8 SS Flat Head Phillips Wood Screw No 8 Size, 1-1/2" Length): 90294A203

Note: I use the stainless steel because the heads hold up better to repeated removal and adjustment, something which, if you're a novice, you will appreciate. If you don't anticipate that much adjusting, you probably don't need the stainless steel screws.

(3) Cupped Tonebar Washers (Nickel-Plated Steel Countersunk Finishing Washer #6 Screw Size, 7/16" OD): 90068A007

(4) Cupped Tonebar Washers (Stainless Steel Countersunk Finishing Washer #6 Screw Size, 7/16" Od): 98466A007

Note concerning the inexact fit between the #6 cupped washer and #8 screw head (from John Della Vecchia):

It is because the cup washer is a #8 on the Mark V with a #8 wood screw. The reason we use #6 cup washer now (which is smaller) is because it surrounds the McMaster grommet perfectly - same diameter - so there is no chance for "squashing" to take place. This is at the expense of putting a #8 screw into a #6 washer - hence the protrusion.

McMasterCarr does indeed also carry the

Countersunk Finishing Washer #8 Screw Size, 7/32 " OD: part # 98466A009

which will fit the #8 screw better.

I'm unsure how well they fit the McMaster grommet head.

When I have a chance to try one, I'll post my findings here.

Cupped washers were used on the Mark V and are less inclined to squash and distort the grommet.

You can also get the flat washers, but those rarely wear out -- just use the original washers with new screws from mcmaster.

Tine-to-Tonebar Screws:

Slotted Hex Washer Head Machine Screw: 10-32 Thread, 1/2" Length; 18-8 Ss, Part no. 90316A829

I use slotted screws simply to have another option for more torque.

The non-slotted ones are also available. Catalog page 2924:

Head style: hex

Drive style: hex

Thread size: 10 / 32

Length: 1/2"

Material: Steel, Stainless Steel, or Zinc-Plated

NOTE: Speakeasy Vintage Music is now exclusively using CAP SCREWS and LOCK WASHERS with a hex-socket drive style as tine-to-tonebar screws for a tighter bond with the tonebar:

Available at mcmaster.com:

Cap bolt: Part Number: 91251A342

Inch Thread Size #10-32; Length 1/2"; Hex Key Size 5/32"

Lock washer: Part Number:  98437A108 

For Screw Size 10; Stainless Steel Type 18-8 Stainless Steel

mcmaster.com also has:

Plastic / Nylon Flanged Sleeve Bearings for the damper release bar

Catalog page 1039

I'm unsure of the part number.

HARDWARE

Fender Style Chrome Glides w/Screws:

http://www.mojomusicalsupply.com :
http://www.mojomusicalsupply.com/item.asp?pid=79782&pg=44983&id=9000000
Smaller url:
http://tinyurl.com/5pfkkz

http://www.reliablehardware.com:

handles: part #0580

Also http://www.mojomusicalsupply.com :

http://tinyurl.com/2pagdr

corners: #1510CS for a Stage or upper keyboard on Suitcase,

 and

#1520CS for a Suitcase speaker cabinet

Latches: #2510

Black oxide versions:

Item: 1510CSTB (w/3 countersunk holes)

Item: 1520CSTB (w/2 countersunk holes and wraparound for Suitcase cabinet)

Item: 2510BK (black latch)

Item: 0570B (strap with black end caps)

http://www.reliablehardware.com/shoppingcart/items/filter/corner/1

http://www.reliablehardware.com/shoppingcart/items/filter/latch/1

http://www.reliablehardware.com/shoppingcart/items/filter/handle/1

Also Black Plastic Strap Handle with Chrome End Caps (incl. mounting hardware) at http://www.mojomusicalsupply.com :

http://tinyurl.com/2pagdr

Additional corners: it seems Mojotone has their own brand:
http://www.mojomusicalsupply.com/products.asp?id=44978

Replacement knobs (can be tough to find, esp. the concentric ones; check the archives of the various online groups):

http://www.soundchamberrepairs.com/knobsAmp.htm

http://tinyurl.com/euluw

Concentric knobs:

http://tinyurl.com/y44wfw

Rubber cabinet feet to replace steel glides on bottom of Suitcase speaker cabinet (I use them because they're easier on hardwood floors):

RUBBER CABINET FOOT 1-1/2" DIA. x 3/8" THICK

http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?&DID=7&Partnumber=260-777

Shorter form: http://tinyurl.com/mrkdc

Mojomusic has the same rubber feet:

http://tinyurl.com/5efnqk

Bridle Straps in bulk:

The "Plain" strap is the one to order:

http://www.vandaking.com/us-shop/index.html?loadfile=items-1500.html

Damper pivot pin nylon bushings:

Search "plastic flanged sleeve bearings" at

http://www.mcmaster.com

(anyone know the dimensions and order number?)

Damper push-rod assembly top felt:

Fits on top of the wooden damper dowel inside the piano or on top of the damper rod in the speaker cabinet of a Suitcase model: Self-stick felt can be bought in many varieties at hardware stores, drugstores, home-improvement stores, etc.:

Other possibilities for screws, glides, handles, Tolex etc. (you will have to search for your item through the menus):

In general for Fender: http://tinyurl.com/2nhwjc

In general also:

http://www.fastenal.com

http://www.elcomhardware.com

http://www.partsexpress.com/

http://www.ampwares.com/

http://www.angela.com 

http://www.penn-elcom.com/

You can get other things (replacement screws for the harp, etc.) at any well-stocked hardware store. Just take the old screw, etc. with you.

For tuning (sliding the tine springs), any hardware store will have a "tack puller"for only a couple of dollars; you can also use any of a variety of hemostats/forceps (google "hemostat" or "curved hemostat"):

For cleaning dirty Tolex and harp covers and giving the material new shine, use the standard automotive vinyl cleaners/protectants such as those of Armorall and STP available at virtually any hardware or even grocery store; does remarkable things for dull tolex and harp covers:

For cleaning rusty tines:

Wenol Metal Polish -- Removes rust and corrosion and leaves behind a thin anti-oxidant coating. Available at hardware stores or search online

For turning your key pins instead of rebushing (to tighten or loosen the action) = key spacer for regulating key pins:

Normal key spacer:

Offset key spacer:

Available from:

http://www.mypianoshop.com/store/search.php?mode=search

Search "key spacer"

Transporting your keyboard: many players use one version or other of a handtruck:

http://www.rocknrollercart.com/

Also Folding Hand Truck H-1201

 http://tinyurl.com/2mnfoe

For a large selection of handtrucks:

http://www.hand-truck.net/

See especially their catalog

Handtrucks Pgs. 100-105, 109, 115-122:

http://tinyurl.com/2f6jwc

Deluxe convertible handtruck:

http://tinyurl.com/2gttll

Gig bags / cartage protection to protect your new Tolex and your new logos [!]:

If you cannot find the original Rhodes covers on eBay or elsewhere:

Many players simply use movers' blankets (search "movers' blankets" online):

You can also have a cover custom-made as either a gig (cartage) bag or studio dust-cover:

http://studioslips.com/

Liens