Bob L

Thanks!

Does anyone know of a company/individual who restores Fender Rhodes electric pianos in the Bay Area? I have a Rhodes 73 Mark 1 that is in pretty good shape, but would love someone to go through it and restore it. If this is the wrong place to post I apologize and please let me know how to do it properly.

For me not so much songs as techniques. Always wanted to play New Orlean's style licks. Found some Professor Longhair tutorial vids with transcriptions on YouTube and given my proficiency it will keep me out of trouble for a while. Also want to learn some standards ("Fly Me To the Moon", "All of Me" ) with walking basslines for my duo act (great female vocalist, and the upbeat songs will perk the act up). Trying to talk my cover band into doing "Kid Charlemagne" as a stretch project to show off.

elpbook.com

This band is just getting put together and the guitar player and bass player (great guy who I played with in the past) want a keyboard player. So we are in the process of putting a set list together that will take advantage of everyone's talent. So the rare opportunity to engineer the set list around the instruments. I've gotten awesome feedback on this thread and appreciate everyone's input.

Looks like I am joining a band that is going to play mostly 90s. Female and male lead vocalist. The pop/dance stuff (Paula Abdul, Maria Carey, Whitney Houston) has a lot of keyboards (I think). Are there some gems that were reasonably big hits from the 90s that have distinctive keyboard parts that audiences would enjoy? Some genres like grunge seem to be barren waste lands with regards to keyboards. Full disclosure, when I was living through the 90s I mostly listened to jazz (was taking piano lessons and learning jazz) so I don't have any life experience to draw on. I know for some material I will be filling in stuff for songs that have no keyboards ( I think all keyboard players have to go with that for some songs), but I don't want to do that all night.

I've used distorted Wurly for songs like "Highway to Hell" (play the second guitar part). Hammond is a go to. Another approach is to say "what if the band had a keyboard player" and instead of providing background with Hammond or playing a guitar part add some rock and roll piano. My cover band does "Are You Gonna Be My Girl" by Jet, and I add rock piano that fits but has nothing to do with what either guitar player did. I also find that playing guitar leads that are harmonized with the guitarists in a band can sound very cool (your ear "wants" to hear it as a second guitar). We do that with "Burning for You", "Reeling in the Years", and "Are You Gonna Go My Way" ... my cover band has only one guitar player so this technique can be quite effective. Playing "synth guitar" tends to sound better in lower registers in my view (though that may be due to my patch selection). You've already gotten a lot of great advice on this thread! Enjoy!

You should also consider a Lester K pedal. It has an excellent overdrive sound and the Leslie sim is very good. I never owned a Vent so you may want to compare both to see which you like.

Steve Coscia - - My wife and I did the Excel thing also (spreadsheet on Google drive). Over the past few years with an improved stock market it started looking real that I could retire. I told my wife (I'm 61) that next year I am done (retiring in Jan I hope, or maybe if my employer gives me a part time option I will take that). Sent the material in the spreadsheet to our financial planner at my brokerage account and they told me the same thing (that I can retire). My wife worked for the state of Connecticut for 12 years before we moved to California 20 years ago so her pension and health care plan are a big help. Those on the forum in their 40s should invest time in a planning spreadsheet for sure. Time goes by fast. I'm not sure what I will do with all the time, but I've worked in tech since the mid 80s, and it is time to move on and start a different journey. I lift weights at the gym three days a week so I can still lift and carry all my gear. I have three music projects going. I am happier now than when I was trying to prove I was a man by working super hard to make a ton of $$$ (the ton of $$$ never came, and the time spent on it versus other things will never return). I wish the best to everyone on this forum as they approach retirement, or the younger ones on their planning and prioritizing for retirement. I do plan on breaking out all those jazz books I said I would get to "someday".... for me "someday" is right around the corner.

Since Beato typically covers rock oriented topics, I think this video is pretty cool. If some rockers (regardless of what instrument they play) listen to the video and get a better appreciation for jazz, for Oscar Peterson, for what a great instrument the piano can be (rock is a very guitar oriented world) then that is pretty cool stuff in my view.

adamcz - I use a low end Behringer mixer for my keyboards. The main output goes to the board, the monitor (Ctrl room output ) goes to a Behringer Powerplay P1. I get a monitor feed (same as would go into a wedge ) that goes into the second channel of the Powerplay P1. That monitor channel is for me (we each have our own mix) and has everything but keyboards. With the Powerplay, I mix the monitor channel (vocals, guitar , drums, etc.) with the monitor feed from the mixer that has just keyboards. This has worked well for me for a very long time. To use this technique you need your own monitor feed from the board that does NOT have keyboards.

My son decided new custom in ear monitors would be a great Father's day gift. This week I got fitted (they did the mold thing). I have been using Shure SE 215s. I've had no issue with them. Here are the choices that the folks that did the mold have (or I supposed I could go elsewhere). The lowest price model is $400. A step up from that is $600 (for dual driver), and then they go up to $1,500. Are dual drivers "all that" for a keyboard player? http://www.selectivesounds.net/custom-inear-monitors-earbuds-for-musicians.html My son is an adult with a good job, but I still don't want to spend a ton of his money since I am happy with the Shure s(non custom mold) that I use now. I have really enjoyed using in ears the past 8+ years or so as I can hear my voice well (I sing lead in my cover band) and at the end of the gig my ears are no worse for wear. Thoughts? Advice?

I would highly recommend Casio PX-5S. Around 24 lbs (I think). It has been my work horse for years and there is also a great community around it with sounds you can download and use. The stock sounds are great but the forum has some very nice Rhodes sounds (better than some of the built in). The Wurli's are good with some distorted sounds if you want it grungy.

Totally agree that it only makes to do things that are worth your time. Before COVID hit I got asked to play keyboards for a one time Simon and Garfunkle show. Would have been fun but so much time to invest for a one time show. I could not justify it. For my four piece cover band we just recently brought on a bass player and drummer and it is perhaps the best line up we have ever had. Learned a few songs but much of the dance/party music we had in the set list holds up. Everyone has to decide what brings them joy, and given limited time try to focus on that!

I do exactly the same thing for rehearsal. Just bring one keyboard, x-stand, cables. For gigs two keyboards, my own mixer, etc. etc. For rehearsal I forgo the perfect sound for some tunes so I can get in and out quick!

I've really enjoyed this thread and people sharing. A couple of days ago I attended the memorial service for the wife of a former work colleague (great guy). They have three kids. She got cancer and she passed away at 40. He will now (at least in the short term) be raising three kids himself. Things like that force you to reflect on life and how we are all passing through. I am 60 years old and started performing again in bands about 10 years ago. It has been an adventure. The first band was a classic rock band, and then the guitar player and I started a party rock/funk/current hits band. He and I are always on the same page, and we recently brought on a like minded bass player and drummer (we are a quartet). The first gig with the new lineup is Friday and I can't wait. We mostly play wineries and the hours are good for someone my age. We pride ourselves on playing some current hits and we've found that music has a lot going for it also (at least the material we choose). I took vocal lessons for several years with a very talented female vocalist. We formed a duo act that plays Pink, Lady Gaga, and also standards. I throw in some Ed Sheeran, Elton John, Billy Joel. Very demanding to play in a duo, but it has done wonders for my chops. I got approached a few years ago with a tribute band opportunity. Great bunch of guys and once I got the gear programmed I was good to go. Tribute bands pay better, and we play larger venues. I am more "hired gun" in this band, but I enjoy it and since I sing a lot in my other two projects, this one I focus on my keyboard playing (the band has a lead singer) and enjoy it as something to do. We do occasionally play serious bar gigs and t 1:30 AM I wonder what the heck am I doing? That said, the alternative is likely sitting at home watching TV. I will retire from my tech day job likely next year. I've been blessed to play with some very talented musicians and often wonder why they are happy to perform with me. I'll never be the monster player I would like to be, but I'm a better version of me than I was a few years ago. So I am thankful for that. A lot of great content and advice in this thread. As you get older, do the things that bring you joy and take care of yourself. I decided a few years ago I wanted to stay busy as I could with music as I don't have much runway. My wife is super supportive and goes to a lot of my gigs. I've met so many great people through music. But if the gigging/social aspect doesn't bring someone joy, ... play music at home, compose, record. We are fortunate to have a hobby that you can participate in your entire life. Appreciate everyone's sharing and openness on this thread.

A lot of the content on this thread resonates with me. I have three projects going. And based on what I have read in this thread I consider myself lucky. 1. A cover band that I put together with a very talented guitar player (who also is a very schooled pianist, but he only plays guitar in the band). We mostly select material that has keyboards. When it doesn't we collaborate on what my part should be (you would be surprised how great the 2nd guitar part to "Highway to Hell" sounds with a distorted Wurli patch). We recently learned "No You Girls" by Franz Ferdinand and I play a funky clav part in the chorus that sounds great (reminds me of "Jeopardy" by Greg Kihn). So the band's set list has been engineered around having keyboards. I also sing lead on 70% of the tunes so some songs I focus on that. We recently got a new bass player and one of the reasons he joined the band is he wanted to be in a band with keyboards (likes the variety of sounds and song possibilities it opens up). 2. A tribute band. Most of the band's songs have prominent keyboard parts and when the band leader put it together he knew he wanted keyboards. My band mates appreciate what I do, and there are a couple of places that I take solos that are not on the original recording. The focus is primarily on the lead singer (which is to be expected) but we also do some covers and are a true "band" (not just backing music for the lead singer). 3. A piano duet act with a very talented female vocalist. So no issue there. Our duet is pretty unique (piano based instead of guitar) and we get a lot of feedback on how we bring something different to the audience. However, some of the challenges you mention I have experienced: - Some sound guys are not used to dealing with keyboards (too low in the mix, EQ not right) - Sound guys assuming I want to be behind the guitars/lead singer and stare at my band mates a$$es for the duration of a gig. I just move the mic/DI box etc. to the front where it belongs and set up my gear. - I tried joining a friend's band that had two guitar players. After a few rehearsals I just felt there wasn't much point to be being there. Not enough sonic space for me to contribute. - A Bon Jovi tribute band was interested in me. I looked at the set list, gave a listen and decided there just wasn't enough for me to do (some exceptions like "Runaway" but playing pads all night would suck). - One member of my cover band (no longer with the band) that consistently wanted to play material with no keyboards. For various reasons he left the band but the songs he picked sent a message. So I have experienced situations where the keyboard player is treated as some kind of second class citizen, but I would not put up with that treatment from band mates. I play music as a hobby so the pay would never make it worthwhile to put up with crap like that. When joining an established band that didn't have keyboards, I would ask the band members what they think keyboards can do for the band's sound. If the set list was primarily guitar based I would either take a pass or determine if they wanted me on board so they could move in a different direction.

I bought myself the "Classic Keys" coffee table book. It doesn't turn into a coffee table (or a playable keyboard) but it has a wealth of information and a lot of great pictures. I highly recommend it.

I've seen pictures of Wakeman with a Fender Rhodes in his rig, but perhaps only for his solo projects. Other than Patrick Moraz using a Rhodes for "Sound Chaser", was Fender Rhodes ever used for any Yes songs? I know Wakeman used RMI Electra Piano a fair amount, but can't point to much electric piano in Yes' music. Just curious as it was such an important sound for other genres, but seems Fender Rhodes wasn't much of a thing in prog.

I live south of San Jose in Morgan Hill. Two nights ago I was one street over from having to evacuate. All my gear is at a friends house (including my Rhodes 73, Roland SH-1000, and Juno 106 from "back in the day"). Hoping the warnings go away, and I don't have to worry till next time. When you pack up your car, your photos, your legal documents, .... it all starts sinking in. My heart goes out to those who have lost their homes and possessions that they can never replace. Hang in there till this awful year is a thing in the past.

Thanks for the suggestions. I hope you input helps others as they return to gigging. This gig is outdoors which is very good, and the owners of the venue couldn't be nicer people so I feel confident they have thought a lot of things through.

We can't afford to hire someone to handle sound. A band member owns the PA.

I searched the forum for COVID and found one thread ( "the bookings are coming in" ) that talked about playing in this COVID 19 environment. I have an outdoor gig Friday with my quartet, and I am looking more for practical advice for lowering risks of getting sick (or having band members get sick). One band member (not me) brings the PA but we usually help set up. We will be spaced far apart and plan on doing common sense stuff like wearing mask when we aren't performing. Maybe this is stupid, but since we don't have a sound crew I am wondering how those of you performing are dealing with stuff like this: Handling cables during set up (wear gloves, hand sanitizer before/after)? Reducing risk from the the venues patrons without being rude? Two person stuff like putting speakers on poles? Sharing PA set up/break down? I don't think it is fair to have the person who owns the PA be the only person to handle it. I thought some of you who have been gigging already might provide some guidance. I am so happy to perform again, but aside from cancelling the gig what are practical things I can do and my band mates can do? As I always end my post ... if I failed to find a thread similar to this my apologies in advance.

Sounds fun. Will you be posting the URL, meeting id, password etc. on this thread?

My son tells me "Blender" is a good free package for this. Maybe anyone with experience with "Blender" could post their experience (good or bad)? The treat audio and video separately looks to be a pretty consistent tip. Hoping others trying to do this stuff (there must be a lot of people) could get some benefit from this post when there is more info and collective experience posted.