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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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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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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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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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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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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.

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

The Farfisa FAST series was produced in the late 60s, implementing the revolutionary silicon transistor. Here we have a FAST 3 combo organ that received a comprehensive service in our shop to bring it back into playing shape. Before sending it home, we had a little fun with this "all hands on deck" arrangement of Dancing Days by Led Zeppelin. Performance led by Keegan Meuris and accompanied by Matt Blocher and Kellen Boersma.

Farfisa FAST 3 demo - "Dancing Days"

YouTube Video UCRcRxofjfX9O7ieH7dTkrhw_EsGet0j7pKo

Custom Wurlitzer 200a from 1976. In addition to our complete electronic and mechanical restoration, this piano features a one-of-a-kind teal and rainbow paint job.

Arrangement of Kermit the Frogs "Rainbow Connection" from the Muppet Movie filmed onsite at the Chicago Electric Piano Company.
Performance: Matt Blocher
Audio/Video recording: Mike Novak
Editing: Justin Howe

Teal Wurlitzer 200a - Rainbow Connection

YouTube Video UCRcRxofjfX9O7ieH7dTkrhw_uGjVw3JGOlQ

Neal Francis takes our latest funk machine for a spin, guided by the pulse of the Roland TR-66 Rhythm Arranger. This custom built Hohner Clavinet D6 with a one-of-a-kind walnut enclosure was assembled and restored by the Chicago Electric Piano Company.

For more information on our clavinet restorations, please check out our website here: https://chicagoelectricpiano.com/hohner-service/

Video: Jeff Marini
Lighting: Ryan Segedi
Audio: Mike Novak
Direction: Jacqueline Cantu
Editing: Justin Howe

Hohner Clavinet D6 in Walnut - Neal Francis Performance

YouTube Video UCRcRxofjfX9O7ieH7dTkrhw_leIcGcVqzbw

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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 🔜🤍🖤🤍

Our featured calendar image for March is this beau

Our featured calendar image for March is this beautiful Hohner Clavinet D6 in a walnut case. Swipe for a sample video of our man @nealfrancismusic laying down a wah heavy groove on this clav with accompaniment from a vintage Roland TR-66 Rhythm Arranger drum machine. Full video on our YouTube page (link in bio!).
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In the spirit of all things #clavinet we’ve added 15 fresh jams to our ever growing Clav playlist! Link in story and bio.
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Photo/video: @jeff_marini
Lighting: @ryansegedi
Art direction: @jacquelinecantu
Video editing: @hustinjowe
Audio: @novakshreds

Our latest custom Rhodes piano! In addition to a c

Our latest custom Rhodes piano! In addition to a comprehensive mechanical overhaul, this 1976 Suitcase 73 features teal tolex, white sparkle lid and blocks, resurfaced key tops, custom fabricated mirror polished accents, upgraded Jensen speakers and an optical MIDI system!
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The QRS PNOscan system adds a whole new layer of functionality to the Rhodes, enabling the user to have a separate MIDI signal that is unobtrusive to the Rhodes sound and action. Swipe to hear a video sample showcasing the Rhodes blended with a string patch on the Nord!
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Photo Lighting: @bassealec
Video Performance: @riskwatch
Video/audio: @novakshreds
Video editing: @hustinjowe
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#customshop #customkeys #vintagekeys #1976 #electricpiano #rhodes #suitcase #madeinchicago #fabrication #teal #turquoise #cepco

Here’s a nice example of the legendary Gibson G1

Here’s a nice example of the legendary Gibson G101 organ, fully restored by CEP. This video demo showcases the iconic repeating percussion circuit. Swipe for photos!
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Original composition and performance by @riskwatch
Audio/video: @novakshreds
Editing: @hustinjowe
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Fresh picks have been added to our ever growing combo organ playlist! Link in story and bio.
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#comboorgan #gibson #g101 #comboorganheaven #transistorized #vintagekeys #greenmachine #repairshop #madeinchicago #cepco

⚡️🎹⚡️ Appreciation post!! Thanks for h

⚡️🎹⚡️
Appreciation post!! Thanks for helping us grow this account to 10k followers. We will keep the restorations coming 🙏🙏

Nigel Hall performs an original arrangement of “

Nigel Hall performs an original arrangement of “What a Wonderful World”. This solo performance showcases Mavis Staples’ 1976 Rhodes Suitcase piano, which is available for purchase. Check out the full performance on our YouTube channel (link in bio).
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We’ve extended the @mavisstaples Rhodes auction through the weekend. Don’t miss an opportunity to bid on a truly special piano!
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Video: Liina Raud
Audio: @novakshreds
Editing: @hustinjowe

In case you missed it, we are helping @mavisstaple

In case you missed it, we are helping @mavisstaples sell her 1976 Rhodes Suitcase 73. We’ve completed a thorough restoration and the piano is ready for sage and studio use! Check the link in bio, there’s just a few days left to bid!

Here’s a video of one of our favorite recent Wur

Here’s a video of one of our favorite recent Wurlitzer restorations, an original red top 200 from 1968. This is an arrangement of John Lennon’s “How Do You Sleep”, originally performed by Nicky Hopkins on a similar red top Wurli for the “Imagine” album.
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If you want to hear more Wurlitzer’s in action, we just dropped some fresh tunes on our ever growing playlist. Check the link in bio or story to give it a spin!
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Arrangement/performance @riskwatch
Audio @novakshreds
Video edit @hustinjowe
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#wurlitzer #1968 #electricpiano #redtop #rarebreed #vintagekeys #johnlennon #imagine #howdoyousleep #cepco

Here’s a clip of The Nigel Hall trio performing

Here’s a clip of The Nigel Hall trio performing “Silence is Samba” by Adam Deitch. Featuring @jesuscsuperstar on bass, @deitchadam on drums and @thenigelhall on electric piano. Full performance is on our YouTube channel. Check the link in bio!
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Nigel is playing Mavis Staples’ Rhodes piano, which we are in the process of auctioning off. For more details and to place a bid, please follow the link in our bio.
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Video: Liina Raud
Audio: @novakshreds
Editing: @hustinjowe

Helpinstill Roadmaster 64 done up with a plexiglas

Helpinstill Roadmaster 64 done up with a plexiglass front panel and Wurlitzer style chrome legs. Our client dreamed up these modifications because he has a couple curious kids so the key frame needed to be extra secure. We removed the piano from its casters and added the legs for extra stability. We think they fit pretty nicely as well 😎
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#helpinstill #roadmaster #uprightpiano #cutsomshop #plexiglass #madeinchicago #vintagekeys #cepco

We are thrilled to have had Nigel Hall stop by our

We are thrilled to have had Nigel Hall stop by our shop for an intimate performance. Featuring @jesuscsuperstar on bass and @deitchadam on drums, here is their arrangement of Eddie Kendricks’ “Intimate Friends”. Scroll for a clip and check out the whole performance on our YouTube page (link in bio)!
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Nigel is playing on Mavis Staples’ 1976 Rhodes Suitcase Piano. In case you missed it, we are auctioning this piano! Take a look at the link in our bio for more details.
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Video: Liina Raud
Audio: @novakshreds
Editing: @hustinjowe

1973 Fender Rhodes Super Satellite in Ivory tolex

1973 Fender Rhodes Super Satellite in Ivory tolex with a black sparkle top. This one is on its way to Athens, Greece!
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Offered as an add on from the Rhodes factory, the satellite speakers run off the same Peterson preamp that is found on Suitcase pianos before 1977. When the tremolo is engaged, the player is treated to a huge stereo field between the two cabinets. As this restoration is going overseas, we swapped out the power transformers to make sure it runs on 220V.
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We’ve just added some fresh jams to our ever growing Rhodes playlist. Follow the link in bio to tune in!
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Lighting by @bassealec #rhodes #electricpiano #vintagekeys #athens #greece #supersatellite #customshop #1973 #cepco

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