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Latest from The Workshop Blog

Feb242022
Mavis Staples’ Rhodes Auction — Auction Ended
By Mike Novak
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Mike Novak
Feb042022
Nigel Hall Trio performs “Intimate Friends” Live at CEPCo
By Max Brink
The Nigel Hall Trio performs an arrangement of Eddie Kendricks’ “Intimate Friends”. Featuring Erick “Jesus” Coomes on bass, Adam Deitch…
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Max Brink
Jan032022
Walnut Rhodes 88 – Refined Elegance
By Mike Novak
A long time vision finally realized, this piano is truly a show stopper. This is an idea we had been…
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0

Mike Novak
Dec232021
Happy Holidays from CEP!
By Mike Novak
We would like to wish all a happy holiday season! Please enjoy this live performance by our “in house” trio…
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1

Mike Novak
Dec172021
Now Streaming: CEPCo’s Holiday Playlist on Spotify
By Kellen Boersma
Are you completely sick of “All I want for Chrismas (is you)”? Do you hollar at the very mention of…
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0

Kellen Boersma
Dec082021
2022 Calendar is Live!
By Mike Novak
Looking for a unique gift for the vintage music aficionado in your life? The CEPCo 2022 wall calendar checks all…
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0

Mike Novak
Nov042021
Combo Organ Feature: The Philips Philicorda
By Max Brink
Rare Organ: The Philips Philicorda The 49 note Philips Philicorda was first launched in Holland in 1961. Early versions feature…
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Max Brink
Oct112021
Chevy Boogie Van + Forest Green Rhodes
By Mike Novak
Green with Envy: 1976 Chevy van and 1977 Rhodes Suitcase One of our favorite Rhodes custom builds, this Suitcase piano…
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Mike Novak
Sep302021
Custom Shop: Wurlitzer 200 in Metallic Bronze
By Max Brink
Have a look and listen to the latest from the CEPCo Custom Shop: the “Metallic Bronze” 200. This Wurlitzer has…
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0

Max Brink
Sep282021
Wurlitzer 207a with Keynote Visualizer
By Mike Novak
Class is in session! Imagine walking into a piano lab in the late 70s, then picture this beautiful Wurlitzer piano…
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Mike Novak
Aug202021
1973 Fender Rhodes Suitcase: Ostrich Edition
By Mike Novak
Ostrich tolex accented by shades of brown give this custom Fender Rhodes a distinct and classy look. Our client selected…
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2

Mike Novak
Jul172021
Alabaster Helpinstill
By Mike Novak
New road case for this Road Master – a stunning finish for this portable acoustic/electric piano. As you can probably…
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0

Mike Novak

FULLY RESTORED PIANOS AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE

Upcoming Restorations For Sale

Chicago Electric Piano

Welcome to the Chicago Electric Piano Company, the premier source of vintage electric piano restorations.

With out a doubt one of our favorite restorations from last year. Check out this gorgeous Wurlitzer 206a with a custom cloud paint job, originally commissioned by Chet Faker. This arrangement of Mr Blue Sky by Electric Light Orchestra was recorded onsite at the Chicago Electric Piano Co.

Performance/arrangement: Matt Blocher
Audio/video/photo: Mike Novak
Editing: Justin Howe

For more info on our custom shop builds, check out our site at https://chicagoelectricpiano.com/custom-shop/

Our favorite Wurlitzer?? Mr Blue Sky 206a

YouTube Video UCRcRxofjfX9O7ieH7dTkrhw_ZuZU1mfPJ9A

Daniel Villarreal and band stopped by for an intimate in-shop performance of Farfisa forward psychedelic and vibrant jams. Here is "Ofelia", off his new record "Panama 77" out now on International Anthem!

Daniel Villarreal - drums
Cole DeGenova - Farfisa organ
Nathan Karagianis - guitar
Danjuma Gaskin - congas and perc
Gordon Walters - bass

Rudy Rubio - director of photography and editor
Michael Weldon - camera operator
Mike Novak - audio recording and mix
Recorded live at the Chicago Electric Piano Company.

Check out Daniel's full album here:
https://intlanthem.bandcamp.com/album/panam-77

Daniel Villarreal - Ofelia - Live at Chicago Electric Piano Co

YouTube Video UCRcRxofjfX9O7ieH7dTkrhw_hgSgdGSNFlY

Live jam at the workshop featuring a Hohner Clavinet E7, Fender Rhodes Piano Bass, Moog Model D and Korg Rhythm 55B drum machine. Check out this arrangement of "Redbone" by Childish Gambino!

Matt Blocher: Clavinet
Kellen Boersma: Piano Bass, Moog
Mike Novak: Audio, Video
Justin Howe: Editing

For more info on our restorations, check out https://chicagoelectricpiano.com/

Clavinet E7 + Mini Moog + Piano Bass - "Redbone" Childish Gambino

YouTube Video UCRcRxofjfX9O7ieH7dTkrhw_uD5QaDdn3sI

Curious about how MIDI can be integrated into an electric piano? Check out this demo of a 1974 Fender Rhodes piano with onboard optical MIDI. The Rhodes becomes a controller generating a separate MIDI signal. For our demonstration, we are adding sounds from a Nord Stage 3. This system is completely unobtrusive to the Rhodes action and opens up a whole new world of sonic blending.

Performance: Matt Blocher
Audio/Video: Mike Novak
Editing: Justin Howe

Learn more about our custom shop restorations here:
https://chicagoelectricpiano.com/custom-shop/

1974 Fender Rhodes + MIDI + Nord Stage demo

YouTube Video UCRcRxofjfX9O7ieH7dTkrhw_OQdb569a1yY

We had to clone Matt a couple times to get this performance on video, but it was worth it! Featuring these three beautiful pastel Wurlitzer electric pianos:

Wurlitzer 206a Seafoam Green
Wurlitzer 200a Periwinkle
Wurlitzer 206a Baby Blue

Original composition and performance: Matt Blocher
Video and audio: Mike Novak
Editing: Justin Howe

Wurlitzer trio - "Live" at Chicago Electric Piano

YouTube Video UCRcRxofjfX9O7ieH7dTkrhw_6eQo_r4tcRI

Here is the latest custom shop creation by the Chicago Electric Piano Company. This Rhodes is rehoused in a hand built walnut enclosure with matching blocks and legs and capped off with a cream metallic lid. This arrangement of Brian Wilson and the Beach Boys "God Only Knows" showcases the wonderful tone of this piano!

Performance/arrangement: Matt Blocher
Video: Lenny Gilmore
Audio: Mike Novak

Bridging the gap between piano and furniture, learn more about our walnut builds here:

https://chicagoelectricpiano.com/custom-shop/walnut-rhodes-88-refined-elegance/

1977 Custom Shop Walnut Rhodes - "God Only Knows"

YouTube Video UCRcRxofjfX9O7ieH7dTkrhw_tYsqX97cfRE

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electricpianoco

#CEPCo

✨✨1974 Fender Rhodes Stage 73 in shellacked tw

✨✨1974 Fender Rhodes Stage 73 in shellacked tweed with walnut blocks ✨✨Loving these sparkle tops in the sunlight!
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#tweed #fenderrhodes #electricpiano #vintagekeys #shellac #goldsparkle #1974 #customshop #chicago #cepco

1977 Rhodes Stage 73 in ivory tolex with a stunnin

1977 Rhodes Stage 73 in ivory tolex with a stunning candy apple red top and matching cheeks. Our client requested a “50s diner vibe” on this custom shop build, so in addition to our top shelf mechanical overhaul this Rhodes also features a bead of red piping imitating the upholstery of classic diner benches. This is our first time adding piping to a Rhodes, and requires routing a precise channel into the case to accommodate the bead.
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#customshop #rhodes #diner #1950s #candyapplered #electricpiano #vintagekeys #madeinchicago #cepco

The unmistakable Mellotron M400, the original tape

The unmistakable Mellotron M400, the original tape sampler! This one resides on our showroom floor and is a highlight of any shop visit. In order to make it easier to demonstrate, we added some plexiglass panels on the top and front to get a view of the tape moving. Stop by for a tour and give it a whirl 💫
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If you’ve been searching for a restored ‘tron, hit us up! We have a few available for purchase.
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#mellotron #m400 #plexiglass #customshop #vintagekeys #strawberryfields #kingcrimson #tapemagic #analog #cepco

Another look at our latest walnut Rhodes build, sh

Another look at our latest walnut Rhodes build, shot by @stratostones on his medium format Mamiya film camera 😍😍
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#rhodes #customshop #mamiya #mediumformat #shootfilm #kodakgold200 #vintagekeys #cepco

Our latest custom shop Walnut Rhodes! This 1978 St

Our latest custom shop Walnut Rhodes! This 1978 Stage 73 has been rehoused in a custom hand built case featuring a stunning deep blue sparkle top with matching sustain pedal and a Peterson style preamp for lush tremolo😱
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We got a video of this one and some vibey photos coming up soon, stay tuned!
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#rhodes #customshop #walnut #carpentry #electricpiano #madeinchicago #vintagekeys #1978 #cepco

🌥🌥Here’s a look back at one of our favorit

🌥🌥Here’s a look back at one of our favorite Wurlitzer builds from last year. Commissioned by @chetfaker , the cloud paint job really sets this piano apart. @riskwatch came up with this cool arrangement of Mr Blue Sky by @electriclighto performed in two passes.
Audio by @novakshreds and video editing @hustinjowe
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#wurlitzer #electricpiano #vintagekeys #clouds #mrbluesky #elo #electriclightorchestra #customshop #cepco

The latest CEP custom piano: this vibrant red top

The latest CEP custom piano: this vibrant red top Wurlitzer 200a is now on its way to Belgium!
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#fullyrestored #wurlitzer #200a #customshop #madeinchicago #belgium #🇧🇪 #redtop #cepco

A trio of freshly restored Rhodes pianos from 1974

A trio of freshly restored Rhodes pianos from 1974. This was a transitional year for the company with a number production changes. Most notably, “Fender” was dropped from the branding. It is not uncommon to see instruments from this era with both “Fender Rhodes” and “Rhodes” logos. Other changes include more robust latching hardware and a simplified case design without the notched side panels (zoom in on the tweed piano by the cheekblocks to see an example of the notched case).
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#fenderrhodes #rhodespianos #rhodes #1974 #tweed #customshop #fullyrestored #madeinchicago #vintagekeys #pianogram #cepco

Daniel Villarreal and band stopped by for an intim

Daniel Villarreal and band stopped by for an intimate in-shop performance of Farfisa forward psychedelic and vibrant jams. Here is "Ofelia", off his new record "Panama 77" out now on International Anthem! Check out the full cut on our YouTube channel (link in bio).

Daniel Villarreal - drums
Cole DeGenova - Farfisa organ
Nathan Karagianis - guitar
Danjuma Gaskin - congas and perc
Gordon Walters - bass

Rudy Rubio - director of photography and editor
Michael Weldon - camera operator
Mike Novak - audio recording and mix
Recorded live at the Chicago Electric Piano Company.

Swipe for a fresh video to kick off the weekend! “Redbone” by Childish Gambino featuring a Clavinet E7, Rhodes Piano Bass, Moog Model D and Korg Rhythm 55b drum machine performed by @riskwatch and @kellenbeanzma. Link in bio to check out the full video on YouTube
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#vintagekeys #electricpiano #childishgambino #redbone #awakenmylove #explorepage #liveperformance #moog #korg #clavinet #hohner #cepco

Sonic blue 1977 Rhodes Stage 73 with maple accents

Sonic blue 1977 Rhodes Stage 73 with maple accents and a shiny mirror name rail✨✨
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#rhodes #electricpiano #1977 #sonicblue #carolinablue #babyblue #maple #customshop #fullrestoration #madeinchicago #cepco

Swipe to hear a sample of how the optical MIDI ret

Swipe to hear a sample of how the optical MIDI retrofit on this beautiful 1974 Fender Rhodes can open up a new world of sonic blending! Full video link can be found in our bio (headphones recommended for maximum vibe 😎)
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Performance @riskwatch
Audio/video @novakshreds
Editing @hustinjowe
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#rhodes #electricpiano #opticalmidi #candyred #sparkletop #1974 #fenderrhodes #customshop #liveinshop #knowyourtone #chicago #cepco

Our latest Stereophonic Satellite build! Love how

Our latest Stereophonic Satellite build! Love how this red top and sparkle tolex combo turned out.
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This 1974 Fender Rhodes has been restored inside and out. In addition to our mechanical overhaul, we added an optical MIDI system, Peterson era preamp and our own custom stereo amplifier design housed in a vintage Rhodes satellite cab. Stay tuned for a video showcasing the MIDI functionality of this piano!
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#fenderrhodes #rhodes #1974 #fullyrestored #customshop #MIDI #redsparkle #candy #satellite #vintagekeys #electricpiano #chicago #cepco

Cats and electric pianos: what’s not to like?! T

Cats and electric pianos: what’s not to like?! This months calendar image features a lovely Wurlitzer 200 we restored in the early days of quarantine. We just added some hot new jams to our ever growing playlist (link in bio and story).
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#catsofinstagram #pianocat #wurlitzer #electricpiano #vintagekeys #playlistupdate #cepco

Coupla small but mighty Ace Tone Top-5 combo organ

Coupla small but mighty Ace Tone Top-5 combo organs that recently passed through our shop for servicing. As the predecessor to the Roland corporation, Ace Tone produced a variety of amplifiers, organs, drum machines and effects pedals. Check out that shelf behind the workbench for more upcoming projects - there’s a lot 😅😅
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#electricorgan #vintagekeys #top5 #acetone #comboorgan #madeinjapan #fullyrestored #cepco

We had to clone Matt a couple times for this video

We had to clone Matt a couple times for this video but it was worth it. 💙💚💜Swipe to hear a sample of these three Wurlitzer’s and check out the full cut on our YouTube channel (link in bio)!
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Performance (3x!!) @riskwatch
Audio/video @novakshreds
Editing @hustinjowe
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#liveinshop #clonewars #wurlitzer #electricpiano #vintagekeys #triplethreat #200a #206a #customshop #madeinchicago #cepco

A closer look at the last of our three pastel Wurl

A closer look at the last of our three pastel Wurlitzers: the Seafoam Green 206a! Swipe to the last slide to see what keeps us going on set 😏
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Lighting and studio @bassealec
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#seafoamgreen #surfgreen #customshop #wurlitzer #topochico #grapefruit #pastel #spring #madeinchicago #vintagekeys #electricpiano #cepco

Periwinkle Wurlitzer 200a for a client in Hawaii 💜 💜 Very stoked with how this color turned out! We got one more special Wurlitzer to share so stay tuned 😏
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Studio and lighting @bassealec
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#Wurlitzer #200a #customshop #periwinkle #pink #💜 #electricpiano #vintagekeys #madeinchicago #cepco

Let’s keep these spring colors going! Here we ha

Let’s keep these spring colors going! Here we have a Wurlitzer 206a done up in baby blue 💙💙 In addition to our top shelf mechanical overhaul, this piano also features cane grill cloth, ivory accents and resurfaced keytops. We’ll have some sound samples coming soon!
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Studio and Lighting @bassealec
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#wurlitzer #customshop #studentpiano #vintagekeys #babyblue #carolinablue #retro #pastel #madeinchicago #cepco

It’s beginning to look a lot like spring around

It’s beginning to look a lot like spring around here…stay tuned for more details on these three custom Wurlitzers coming soon 💜💚💙
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Thanks to @bassealec for studio + lighting!
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#customshop #easteregg #periwinkle #seafoamgreen #babyblue #trio #wurlitzer #springtime #madeinchicago #cepco

Live from the wood shop! Check out this arrangemen

Live from the wood shop! Check out this arrangement of “God Only Knows” by The Beach Boys performed on our 1977 Walnut Rhodes. Full video available on YouTube, link in bio!
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Performance: @riskwatch
Video: @lennygilmore
Audio: @novakshreds
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#beachboys #brianwilson #livevideo #godonlyknows #electricpiano #customshop #vintagekeys #cepco

Some detail shots of this beautiful 1977 Rhodes St

Some detail shots of this beautiful 1977 Rhodes Stage 73. In addition to our complete mechanical overhaul we rehoused this piano in a custom built walnut case, bridging the gap between music instrument and high end furniture. Check out that joinery! Rounding out this custom job are matching walnut end blocks and legs. The legs were particularly a challenge, and required specially fabricated mounting plates. Stay tuned for a video!
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Photos by @lennygilmore
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#walnut #woodworking #boxjoint #jig #showmeyourworkspace #tonecity #rhodes #1977 #vintagekeys #electricpiano #cepco

Walnut Wednesday! Here is a Rhodes from 1977 rehou

Walnut Wednesday! Here is a Rhodes from 1977 rehoused in an elegant walnut case with matching turned legs and a metallic white top. Stay tuned for more from this shoot 😎
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Photos by @lennygilmore
Thanks to @joshuaivantruman for hosting this shoot (and building the case!).
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#woodshop #walnut #customshop #madeinchicago #rhodes #electricpiano #vintagekeys #cepco

Having some fun with this cute lil Farfisa FAST 3

Having some fun with this cute lil Farfisa FAST 3 before sending it home. “FAST” stands for Farfisa All Silicon Transistor, although this one actually had mostly germanium’s onboard 🤔
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#ledzeppelin #dancingdays #farfisa #comboorgan #vintagekeys #repairshop #transistorized #organ #cepco

A potent pair! Our featured calendar image for Apr

A potent pair! Our featured calendar image for April: Seafoam green Rhodes and Clavinet C. 💚💚
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We’ve added 13 hot new cuts to our Rhodes playlist - link in bio and story!
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#rhodes #clavinet #seafoamgreen #surfgreen #vintagekeys #electricoiano #hohner #customshop #chicago #cepco

Going through the video archive. Here’s a look b

Going through the video archive. Here’s a look back at one of our favorite Wurlitzer builds from earlier this year: the Teal/Rainbow 200a from 1976!
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Rainbow Connection performance/arrangement: @riskwatch
Video/Audio: @novakshreds
Editing: @hustinjowe
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#vintagekeys #wurlitzer #rainbow #muppets #rainbowconnection #🌈 #electricpiano #video #cepco

1972 Fender Rhodes Suitcase in ivory white with ma

1972 Fender Rhodes Suitcase in ivory white with matching pearlescent top and blocks. When light hits this lid just right, a hidden layer of blue/purple flakes are revealed. In addition to our top shelf mechanical and electronic overhaul, this build also features custom fabricated mirror polished legs, name rail, kick plate and sustain pedal.
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#fenderrhodes #rhodes #suitcase #1972 #vintagekeys #electricpiano #pearlescent #metalwork #fabrication #customshop #madeinchicago #cepco

New work to share on this custom 1972 Fender Rhode

New work to share on this custom 1972 Fender Rhodes Suitcase piano. More pics 🔜🤍🖤🤍

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