Well. I was unable to get the latches for my Rhodes Mark V case. Apparently, Penn Fabrication will only sell in quantities greater than 500 to their distributors, and my distributor won’t place such an order when I only want 3. No problem. I suppose I could always loop a giant leather belt around it. If the situation changes, I’ll let you know. There must be /someone/ out there who needs the same part! If we find enough of us, we could place an order.

I came across a webpage that tells you how to add MIDI to a Fender Rhodes piano. I think this would be really cool. I’ve heard that Chick Corea used his Rhodes Mark V with MIDI (one of 3 prototypes built at the factory) on some recordings.

But I wonder if the MIDI installation would work the same with a Rhodes Mark V as it would with an earlier Rhodes which has a wooden case. Something worth investigating.

UPDATE: replacement latches for the Mark V can be found here: http://www.dblittle.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=29&products_id=108

I found a dealer of Penn Fabrication parts, who is willing to order the replacement latches for my Rhodes Mark V piano. This is great, because Penn Fabrication had a minimum order restriction of $75. Parts Express has been very responsive to my requests for these parts. Also, if you have a Rhodes Mark V that needs replacement latches for the case lid, this is the only source that I have found that can get adequate replacements.

Once I recieve the latches and get them installed, I’ll take some pictures and post them.

UPDATE: replacement latches for the Mark V can be found here: http://www.dblittle.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=29&products_id=108

When I bought my Rhodes Mark V, some of the case latches which secure the lid to the piano were bent, or missing. I want to replace them, and I only found one source for the specific type of latch I need. Penn Fabrication calls it a “Medium Extrusion Mount Twist Latch“. Here is a diagram of it. Unfortunately, they only sell in orders over $75. Their consumer supplier doesn’t carry the latches either. So, for now, I’m going to try checking at our local hardware stores. I’ll let you know what I find.

Attention:

I am wanting to buy a Fender Rhodes Mark V electric piano. Ideally, I would like to buy the Mark V, but a Mark I, 88 key, suitcase would be great too!

I would be willing to drive a great distance if it’s worth it, so please contact me regardless of your location.

Thanks for helping!