[sdiy] (OT?!?) Fender Rhodes Pickup/electrical questions...

[Ron Malleis]

Hi all,

I'm in the process of restoring a Rhodes "Fifty-Four" suitcase Electric
Piano.  I've thoroughly cleaned and adjusted the entire instrument and have
reassembled everything; the only remaining task is to adjust the system
actions and get the electrical rolling.  The pickup/electrical system is
currently dead. The circuit leading from the 1/4" output to the pickup
network on the harp board checks out, and I have checked the resistance on
each individual pickup coil, and all appear to be ok (also, all connecting
wires continuous, etc).  The rivet points at the end of each coil, i.e. -the
part closest to each vibrating tine -are quite rusted.  Any recommendations
for a good cleaner/method of getting these up to snuff?  Could this be the
reason there's no signal generated by playing a key? Also,  a select few
tines themselves are slightly rusted.  How about cleaning these as well?

Also, can anybody recommend a good replacement "foil" for the 2 strips of
metal that run underneath all of the pickups on one side, and all of the
tines on the other side (this LOOKS like aluminum foil with adhesive on the
mating side)? It seems OK electrically, but I'm going to rewire the output
circuit, so I might as well replace this at the same time...

Any other words of wisdom, hints, or advice regarding this thing?  Maybe I'm
missing something here as well -TIA for any replies :^P

-R