Reviews

"The Rhodes is awesome and mighty. We are astounded by your handiwork, Dave. The sustain, up and down the board, is impressive and fills us with a sense of pride in the instrument. The precise and reliable action of the keys is therapeutic for any Rhodes player accustomed to false starts and weak endings. And by way of your masterful stretch tuning technique, we can now voice majestically tall chords without grimacing. It chimes and it barks. It soothes and it conjures ecstatic utterances. We've played numerous dog-eared Rhodes and even own a few. We are immediately making plans to bring them to you despite your far-flung location. Pianists are advised to care for their digits. Super models come to terms with their insurance companies. Take care of yourself Dave, so you may rescue many a Rhodes from ruin and that you can vouchsafe to us another perfect Rhodes." —Paul Johnson & Aubrey Scarbrough of Young & Foolish

"The Rhodes sounds fantastic. Just wanted to say thanks again for doing such an amazing job on it and giving me such a fair price. I will definitely be coming to you in the future." —Aaron Krenkel

"Under all the smoke-stained tolex, rusty latches and broken tines is an instrument begging to be brought back. David Ell hears that instrument and does everything in his power to set it free. Never have I played a Rhodes that responds to touch the way his Rhodes do and never have I heard a Rhodes with the clarity and definition that his do. His new preamp is nothing short of amazing. Want the old Rhodes tone? It's there... Want the new Dyno sound? It's there... Want the Chick, Herbie, bell tone? Boy is it there. All at your fingertips. It's worth twice the price. And I heard it next to a well known, more expensive preamp (no names): It smoked it, no question. I now own two of the most amazing Rhodes that I have ever played. I will own these forever and if anyone asks where to get thier Rhodes fixed there will be no hesitation in my answer: The RhodesMan!"—Wayne Thompson

"What a great sound! I am really glad I had the chance to meet you and have the work done. It made this Rhodes sound like a million bucks. It's amazing how much difference it makes to have an action that responds so well to the subtleties of touch. It makes the experience that much better. Thanks again for your expertise!"—Mike Bailey

"People often come to me for advice on purchasing, maintaining and restoring their Fender Rhodes piano. Any more there's only one person I point them to: Dave Ell in Kennewick, WA. Since
discovering Dave a few years back I will now only allow him to work
on my Rhodes pianos. I own three currently (two Mark I models and an Eighty Eight) and Dave has restored, regulated and adjusted all
three into world-class condition. Dave is one of a handful of
superior Rhodes technicians on the planet today. Not only a talented technician, he is a one-stop source for Rhodes history, model info and modification advice. You name it, Dave Ell knows it. I consider Dave as much an artist as the musicians that go back to him time and again to repair, adjust and breathe new life into the instrument we all love. I don't just recommend Dave Ell for everything Rhodes related, I simply can't imagine maintaining my Rhodes pianos without Dave's incessant pursuit of perfection. Every gig I play with my Rhodes I have Dave Ell's work at my fingertips and I'd have it no other way."—Daniel Spils, Maktub

"For the first time I realized what a Rhodes could truly be... The action was consistent and responsive, and the Rhodes sang all the way across the keyboard with no perceptible transitions... My Rhodes piano was making music with me, not fighting me anymore. All in all, I couldn't be happier with David and with my "new" Rhodes. It's a night and day difference and it's some of the best money I've ever spent. I'd recommend David Ell to anyone. "—Ravi Gadad

"Dave does a high-quality, detailed, thorough job with a true desire to achieve the best rhodes sound for each piano! Always tries to out-do himself and always listens to what the customer wants. Best tech I've ever been to. Worth every penny. Highly recommended!"—Dave Whipple

"I took my Rhodes out this past weekend for a couple of gigs and MAN.... it sounded great. I can't believe I thought it was good before! It's like a whole new piano. Thanks for working on it with such short notice. I appreciate it, my band appreciates it, and I'm sure the fans appreciate it being in tune, finally. Thanks again."—Brian Perez

"In my experience and IMHO David Ell is a very generous gentleman, and he probably knows more about the Rhodes piano than I know about ANYTHING."—Carl E. Linder

"Thank you again for the work you did on my Rhodes. I've had it home and been playing it for two weeks now and it's great to 'have it back.' I look forward to many more years of enjoyment from this fine instrument. Thank you for your work, and best of luck to you in the future!"—Jeff Bauman

"I got [my Rhodes] from Rhodes tech David Ell. What can I say but it's the best I have played and I played a lot of them in my 25 years as a pro. The best thing about it is the even and dynamic response. Much smoother than others I have played. The action is lighter than I remember too. This guy knows what's up and I would recommend him to anyone! I have since installed his active pre-amp and now I am in heaven. The best, period. I believe this man is one of the best when it comes to interacting with his customers. I think he should charge more for his work. Yes, this guy rocks! I checked out two other Rhodes before I made the drive and I am glad I got one from him. He is the best Rhodes tech I have seen."—Anonymous posting on www.harmony-central.com

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