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Fender Rhodes Electric Piano (Sparkle Top)

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Fender Rhodes Electric Piano (Sparkle Top)

^# 13

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5.0 (1)

This product is Vintage or Discontinued

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Fender Rhodes Mark II Stage Piano 73

$1,699.99

5.0 (24)

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Page last updated Jun 12, 2026

Pricing and availability

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Price

Average Price: $2,900

Standard/Professional

$2499

$4500+

Price Tier

In the Vintage & Electric Pianos category, Fender Rhodes Electric Piano (Sparkle Top) is priced in the Standard/Professional range. This is quality gear at a fair price point, suitable for beginners, hobbyists, and pros alike.

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Description

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This line of Fender Rhodes pianos, identified by their sparkly silver harp cover, was manufactured from 1965 to 1969. They are much rarer and considered more collectable than later Rhodes models like the Mark 1 Stage Piano.

The piano featured 73 keys, a 50W amplifier base, and built-in EQ (treble/bass) and tremolo effects. These pianos had felt hammer tips that were darker and mellower in attack than the later pianos. When you dig in, it has a bark that’s entirely different from the later 1970’s models because of the differences in the hammer tips and most importantly the Raymac tines. This gave them a wonderful and unique tone that’s featured on many records from the era.

The suggested retail price of a seventy-three-key sparkle-top Rhodes piano was $895 in 1967.

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Vintage Vibe

Fender Rhodes Silver Sparkle Top Piano

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Owner Insights

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

Setup and maintenance

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Replacing grommets and screws is crucial for stability; older Rhodes models often suffer from rubber degradation, impacting playability.
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Owners report that replacing hammer tips and leaf springs can significantly enhance action and sound quality.
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Bent tines are a common issue, and it’s suggested to inspect them for potential replacement to maintain optimal sound.
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Comparisons

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A Yamaha Reface CP is noted for both its portability and quality Rhodes sounds, making it an appealing alternative to the heavier, vintage Rhodes.
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Mods and upgrades

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Installing a refurb kit or miracle mod kit from Vintage Vibe can significantly improve playability, even for those with minimal experience in electronic pianos.
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Installing a Peterson preamp or a Vintage Vibe replacement can drastically improve the tonal character, making it sound closer to a suitcase model.
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Use cases and applications

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Rhodes pianos, while heavier and requiring more maintenance, are preferred for their unique feedback and tonal qualities, favored by purists over digital simulations like the Nord.
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The Rhodes' ethereal sound, especially when paired with a suitcase amp, is highlighted as unmatched for deep psychedelia and other genres needing rich tonal depth.
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Value and pricing

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Average prices for a playable but cosmetically poor Rhodes range from $2100 to $2700, with the potential for substantial savings on refurbishment-ready models.
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Prices have risen significantly, with $2000 being fair for a well-maintained unit; however, it should be noted that vintage instrument prices are currently decreasing.
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User experience

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Owners highlight the weight of a Rhodes as a significant factor, noting that it can be a struggle to transport, even for physically strong individuals.
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The physical connection and creative mindset from playing a real Rhodes are emphasized, despite the availability of high-quality digital alternatives.
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