Electric Piano Service
Restoration and tuning of Rhodes, Wurlitzer, Hohner Clavinet, Hohner Pianet, Yamaha CP70 / CP80 instruments
Electromechanical pianos were mainly came from the American market and their most successful years were the sixties and seventies. They have been used in almost all areas of popular music and nowadays the models that have since become cult favourites are enjoying a renaissance. Some are now being remanufactured, retaining their original mechanical sound. The supply of parts has perhaps never been as good as it is now, with several companies producing true-to-size and true-to-material products. In my workshop
About servicing an electric piano
The construction of the keyboard of these instruments (specifically referring to Rhodes and Wurlitzer pianos) is almost identical to that of acoustic pianos, so its servicing is also carried out in the same way by replacing the woven cashmere bushing, followed by professional finishing work. In addition, the mechanics are repaired through thorough cleaning, maintenance and replacement of axles (in Wurly or CP pianos), replacement of felts and rubber parts, and many other specialized work phases, which is then followed by a comprehensive and thorough regulation of the mechanics. At the end of the refurbishment, tuning and adjusting the timbre and dynamic properties are performed, with the aim of achieving as balanced a sound as possible across all registers.
For the Yamaha CP70/80, due to its close relation to acoustic pianos, the servicing processes are also very similar. The grand piano action must be repaired and adjusted using exactly the same tools, materials, and methods. The string length is extremely short, and the number of strings is also fewer. In terms of tuning, this influences the tuning temperament, and it is absolutely normal that there are slightly out-of-tune overtones audible in the bass.
The Hohner Clavinet is essentially an electric clavichord, just with a different arrangement. Its sound and playability can be restored to perfect condition using currently available aftermarket parts. In all cases, I recommend replacing the entire set of strings (if it has not already been replaced), and aging rubber parts typically need replacement as well. The foundation for a comfortable playing feel is that the keyboard should have a sufficiently light action. After thorough cleaning of the parts, using lubricants of the appropriate fineness (and only in the proper amounts), smooth operation can be achieved. During the final adjustment, the proper setting of the tangents (keys) is a delicate process, and setting them accurately is a very meticulous task.
