Moog Music Forum

Hey, sorry if I've missed earlier threads on this topic, but I wanted to get some feedback about using the MF-102 for keyboard tremolo. I'm getting a rebuilt Fender Rhodes Mark II Stage soon and am trying to come up with some good tremolo options.

I know about the Speakeasy boxes and the Vintage Vibe pre-amp rail, but they both have disadvantages (for me) that are not price-based. While I was exploring other options I noticed that some of you use the MF-102 for tremolo. Just wanted to get your opinion on whether it can deliver a nice, warm approximation of a Rhodes Suitcase onboard tremolo.

Thanks for any feedback.

Rick

You have seen the Rhythmicons youtube demonstrations right?

Well if your Rhodes isn't functioning then its probably due to the light bulbs in the tremelo circuits preamp. One is burned out or there is something going on there. Id settle with the original preamp but just get a 102 for it. Its great and will provide equal and exceeding tremelo than a preamp rebuild will provide. Plus you have voltage control over it and Ring Mod to boot.

Get your Jan Hammer sound instantly wqith a 102 and only consider the speakeasy preamp rebuild uf theres no other way to get your amp working.


Now you know that you can also get a direct output from the Rhodes (its passive) if you disconnect the rca cable that attatches the piano to the preamp and use that as a direct out, but you get no volume or tone control. SOme producers use this for a more raw rhodes sound. I haven't tried it yet because getting the lid back on is too much of a pain.

Eric

Take the lid off, unscrew the preamp, and unscrew the housing that the preamp is on. Plug the rhodes in and turn it on and you should see the light bulbs lightup. If one lights up or they don't flash left and right, then you know thats whats wrong with your tremelo. They sell replacement bulbs if that is the only thing wrong and you know how to solder.

go to fenderrhodes.com and I think you can find all the info there or talk to some members there and there are probably schmatics available.

Eric

One more thing.....if your Rhodes is rebuilt...why are you needing a tremelo? It shoudl have one.

Eric

Erik -

Thanks for the info but I think you're misunderstanding me.

a) I don't have the piano yet. When I get it, it will be working fine.

b) Only Rhodes Suitcase pianos had an onboard pre-amp and tremolo. Stage pianos, which is what I'm getting, did not have either.

Rick

My fault lololololol.

Eric