Custom Shop: Ostrich Rhodes Suitcase

Ostrich tolex accented by shades of brown give this custom Fender Rhodes a distinct and classy look.

Our client selected this show stopping finish with leather in mind. The ostrich tolex, in both appearance and feel, has a remarkable “leather” quality. The walnut cheek blocks, deep brown lid, cane grill clothe and polished steel legs (a CEP first!) tie together the cosmetic package. But there’s one final accent – the orange velour lining on the case top! Pure candy!

As always, our restorations start from the ground up. Long before any cosmetic plans are implemented, we overhaul the instrument leaving no stones unturned. Action, voice, tuning and electronics are all addressed to ensure this build sounds just as good as it looks. As you take a look through the photos, have a listen to some sound samples we recorded of this very piano:

 

Love and Peace by Quincy Jones

Thundercat Improv

Lush variable tremolo improv

Audio recorded onsite at the Chicago Electric Piano Company. Performance by Matt Blocher. All photos by Mike Novak