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Average Price: $4,200

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$4500+

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Description

The Fender Rhodes is a quintessential electric piano that has shaped the sound of countless genres, from jazz to rock. Known for its distinctive, warm tone, the Rhodes has an unmistakable, bell-like sound that can't be replicated by any other instrument. Whether you're a seasoned professional or an aspiring musician, the Rhodes offers an expressive playing experience that resonates with music lovers worldwide.

Equipped with 73 weighted keys, the Fender Rhodes provides a tactile feel akin to acoustic pianos, making it ideal for performers seeking dynamic control. Its compact design and robust build make it a reliable choice for both studio sessions and live performances, where its legendary sound can truly shine.

This vintage instrument is celebrated for its unique tine-based sound generation system, which combines mechanical and electrical components to produce its signature tones. Since its introduction, the Rhodes has remained a favorite among musicians for its ability to seamlessly blend into a wide range of musical styles while retaining its own character.

For those looking to recreate iconic sounds or explore new musical territories, the Fender Rhodes is an instrument that offers endless possibilities.

Key Features:

  • 73 weighted keys for authentic acoustic piano feel
  • Unique tine-based sound generation system
  • Signature bell-like tone ideal for jazz, rock, and more
  • Compact design suitable for studio and live settings
  • Durable construction for reliable performance
J3PO

J3PO

catching a vibe with my 1973 Fender Rhodes Mark I

Video thumbnail for catching a vibe with my 1973 Fender Rhodes Mark I by J3PO

catching a vibe with my 1973 Fender Rhodes Mark I

J3PO

J3PO

Video thumbnail for Fender-Rhodes Mark 1 Stage Piano | Reverb Demo Video by Reverb

Fender-Rhodes Mark 1 Stage Piano | Reverb Demo Video

Reverb

Reverb

Video thumbnail for Complete Restoration 1973 Fender Rhodes Electric Piano (In English) by soundlutions

Complete Restoration 1973 Fender Rhodes Electric Piano (In English)

soundlutions

soundlutions

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fender Rhodes (General).

Setup and maintenance

  • Factory-bumped pedestals on '78-'79 models are preferred for smoother action, making these years a sweet spot for restoration projects.

    Source
  • Inspect for mechanical issues like bent chassis, stuck keys, buzzing, and hum. Check for crackling potentiometers and low note volume indicating pickup issues.

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  • Tone bars and pickups often require replacement; missing pieces can drastically affect functionality, requiring extensive repairs.

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Use cases and applications

  • A Fender Rhodes typically sounds best when amplified through a tube guitar amp like a Fender Twin Reverb, which is believed to match the factory voicing.

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  • The Mark V is not considered highly collectible; potential buyers are advised to look inside for damage from overplaying, such as broken or bent tines.

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  • When testing pickups, note that one dead pickup can affect an entire octave due to series wiring.

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User experience

  • Owners emphasize the uniqueness of each Rhodes, suggesting a hands-on trial before purchase due to varied action and tone between units.

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  • Owners describe the Mark V as having a bright tone not suitable for darker, classic Rhodes sounds like "Riders On The Storm".

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  • Vintage Rhodes are heavy and not practical for frequent transportation, often leading owners to alternative solutions like Nord keyboards.

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Mods and upgrades

  • The Miracle Mod by Vintage Vibe is recommended to address sluggish action, enhancing playability significantly.

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  • Vintage Vibe offers a refurb kit for replacing worn rubber tips and grommets, allowing for DIY restoration to improve playability.

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  • Tines and Reeds in Germany and EP Service in the Netherlands are recommended for sourcing parts and services.

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Comparisons

  • The Yamaha Reface CP is favored for its portability and simplicity, offering effects and ease of use compared to the heavier, maintenance-intensive Rhodes.

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Value and pricing

  • The Mark V is rare, with only about 2000 made, but prices can be high. Ensure condition justifies cost, especially if repairs are needed.

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  • A 1977 Fender Rhodes in poor condition with missing parts may require an additional €2000 in parts for restoration.

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Artist usage

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See how Daft Punk uses Fender Rhodes (General)

Daft Punk

Music Producer

...
Verified via Photo

Per this March 2001 interview with Keyboards Magazine (FR), Daft Punk employed a Fender Rhodes during the recording of Discovery.

See how Billie Joe Armstrong uses Fender Rhodes (General)

Billie Joe Armstrong

Guitarist, Singer

Green Day

...
Verified via YouTube

At 39:21 minute mark, Armstrong can be seen using Fender Rhodes por some parts on "Give Me Novacaine".

See how Calvin Harris uses Fender Rhodes (General)

Calvin Harris

Music Producer

...
Verified via Photo

Calvin Harris is shown using a Fender Rhodes electric piano in an Instagram post related to the track "Slide," featuring Frank Ocean and Migos.

See how Nicky Romero uses Fender Rhodes (General)

Nicky Romero

Music Producer, DJ

...
Verified via YouTube

In the video titled "Nicky Romero Studio Tour | Part 1: Production & Live Room" on YouTube, a Fender Rhodes Signature piano is clearly visible in the vocal room at 4:23. Nicky Romero further discusses this instrument at 6:17.

See how Josh Klinghoffer uses Fender Rhodes (General)

Josh Klinghoffer

Singer, Guitarist

Red Hot Chili Peppers

...
Verified via YouTube

When Josh was touring with Gnarls Barkley in 2006 he used among others a Fender Rhodes for their live performances. Pause the video at 17:32 - Josh in the background 17:38 - Close up 17:49 - Again, Josh with the Rhodes 21:37 - on the left side

See how Ed O'Brien uses Fender Rhodes (General)

Ed O'Brien

Singer, Guitarist

Radiohead

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo, we can see O'Brien playing a Fender Rhodes.

See how Charlie Puth uses Fender Rhodes (General)

Charlie Puth

Singer, Keyboardist

...
Verified via YouTube

In the "Mother" Genius Deconstructed a Rhodes can be seen in the background of Charlie Puth's studio.

See how Tyler, The Creator uses Fender Rhodes (General)

Tyler, The Creator

Singer, Rapper

Odd Future

...
Verified via Photo

Tyler can be seen playing a Fender Rhodes in this Instagram post.

See how John Deacon uses Fender Rhodes (General)

John Deacon

Bassist, Composer

Queen

...
Verified via YouTube

In This clip Brian Says John composed You're My Best Friend on a Fender Rhodes

See how FKJ uses Fender Rhodes (General)

FKJ

Guitarist, Bassist

...
Verified via YouTube

In the YouTube video titled "SKILLS: the secret technique of FKJ" by Trax Magazine, FKJ is shown using a Fender Rhodes.

See how Mateus Asato uses Fender Rhodes (General)

Mateus Asato

Guitarist

Silk Sonic

...
Verified via Photo

Here Mateus is seen playing a fender rhodes.

See how Nils Frahm uses Fender Rhodes (General)

Nils Frahm

Composer, Music Producer

...
Verified via MusicRadar

"I've an upright piano, which has been slightly modified with felt and other things, and which I've had a pickup built into. Then there's usually a Fender Rhodes with some delay pedals, and a Roland Juno 60 analogue synth on top, which is connected to a tape delay. Then there's the grand piano, which has also been modified, in a way that I think sounds right for a grand piano. It's pretty chaotic sometimes to sound check on a busy festival schedule.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Fender Rhodes (General), it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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dazedjames

dazedjames

Gear IQ 126

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