9. History: The story behind the Electro 2 instruments
NORD ELECTRO 2 V2.0x
Page 58
As shown here, Rhodes electric pianos had a different key-mechanism design than
what was used in Wurlitzer electric pianos. The Rhodes mechanism was of sim-
pler construction.
The Rhodes Mark II is very similar in design to the Mark I. The differences in-
clude an improved mechanical design, plastic hammers with neoprene rubber in-
stead of felt. The keys were made of plastic and metal; previously, wood was used.
A Rhodes electric piano shown under-the-hood. The basic patent in the Rhodes
comprised the tine, or metallic asymmetric tuning fork, which made the actual
tone. The upper metal parts are the legs of the tuning forks; the underneath parts
comprise the tines. The black part mounted on one of the upper tuning forks helps
alleviate unwanted harmonics.
This shows quite well the tuning-fork design with the tines. This model features
plastic hammers with neoprene tips. The dampers are underneath the tines. Note
the springs attached to each tine. Moving them tuned the note. The coils are the
white things to the left in the figure. The photo also shows the solution for tuning
lower notes when the leg of the tuning fork needs to be curved to get the right
balance and tone (top of picture).
Here is another viewing angle that illustrates the action of a Rhodes electric pi-
ano's mechanics. The lower note has been hit and the damper is now muting
the decay. A secondary note is going to be hit. You also can see the magnet tip.
In this case, the piano has been adjusted to "deep" timbre. You can see that the
tine is set a bit above the center of the magnet tip.
