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Average Price: $1,700
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Description
Step back into the golden era of electric pianos with the Fender Rhodes Mark II Stage Piano 73. This classic instrument captures the essence of vintage sound while providing modern reliability for both studio sessions and live performances. With its 73-note keyboard, the Mark II offers a full range of warm, bell-like tones that have been the hallmark of Rhodes pianos for decades. Its iconic action and unmistakable timbre make it a favorite among jazz, rock, and R&B musicians alike.
The Fender Rhodes Mark II stands out with its intuitive mechanical design, allowing for expressive dynamics and a natural playing experience. Its robust build and road-ready construction ensure it can withstand the rigors of touring, while the thoughtfully designed preamp provides the flexibility to shape your sound to perfection. Whether you're a seasoned professional or a passionate enthusiast, the Mark II delivers timeless quality and an unmatched playing experience.
Key Features:
- 73-note keyboard for a broad tonal range
- Classic Rhodes sound with bell-like tones
- Durable build for reliable performance
- Road-ready design for touring musicians
- Intuitive mechanical action for expressive playability
- Versatile preamp for sound customization
- Iconic choice for jazz, rock, and R&B styles
Product specs
| Brand | Rhodes |
| Model | Mark II Stage 73-Key Electric Piano |
| Finish | Black Flat Top |
| Year | 1979 - 1983 |
| Made In | United States |
| Categories | Electric Pianos |
| Analog / Digital | Analog |
| Key Size | Full Size |
| Keyboard Action | Weighted |
| Number of Keys | 73 Keys |
FAQs
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What type of sound can I expect from the Fender Rhodes Mark II Stage Piano 73?
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The Fender Rhodes Mark II Stage Piano 73 delivers a warm, bell-like tone with a distinctive, smooth sound that is ideal for jazz, rock, and soul music. Its analog design produces a rich, dynamic range that is favored by many professional musicians.
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How does the weighted action of the keys on the Rhodes Mark II Stage Piano 73 affect playability?
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The weighted action of the keys provides a more authentic piano feel, offering better control and expression for dynamic playing. This feature makes it suitable for pianists looking for a realistic and responsive electric piano experience.
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Is the Fender Rhodes Mark II Stage Piano 73 suitable for live performances?
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Yes, the Fender Rhodes Mark II Stage Piano 73 is well-suited for live performances due to its durable build and classic electric piano sound. It offers reliable performance and a distinctive tone that cuts through the mix on stage.
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What is the primary difference between the Rhodes Mark II and traditional acoustic pianos?
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Unlike traditional acoustic pianos that use strings, the Rhodes Mark II uses metal tines struck by hammers, creating its unique sound through electromagnetic pickups. This design provides a more portable option with a distinct tonal character.
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How many keys does the Fender Rhodes Mark II Stage Piano 73 have, and are they full-sized?
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The Fender Rhodes Mark II Stage Piano 73 features 73 full-sized keys, offering a broad range for versatile playing while maintaining a compact form factor compared to an 88-key piano.
Videos
Jack Rownes
Fender Rhodes MkII Electric Piano Demo
Reviews
PROS
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Unique vintage sound that distinguishes it from other electric pianos
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Great piece of musical history with a nostalgic appeal
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Ideal for studio recordings, offering a distinctive tonal quality
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Comparable to the legendary Mark V, just slightly less refined
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Perfect for at-home use, adding character to personal music spaces
CONS
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Design flaws that some users find unavoidable
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Not the best option for touring due to its size and weight
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Sound quality may not match earlier vintage models
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Requires frequent maintenance and tuning adjustments
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fender Rhodes Mark II Stage Piano 73.
Setup and maintenance
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Owners note that replacing broken tines on a Rhodes is as simple as unscrewing and screwing a new one on, comparable to changing guitar strings.
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Adjusting the magnetic pickup position can easily fix uneven key volume issues, referred to as "voicing a Rhodes."
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Factory bumped pedestals in '78-'79 models are considered optimal for smoother action.
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1980s models may suffer from bad pickups; owners recommend testing with a multimeter to identify problematic units for replacement.
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Owners note that rewinding pickups is labor-intensive but rewarding, potentially restoring full functionality in a neglected Rhodes.
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Mods and upgrades
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Adding a custom preamp circuit into the "name rail" significantly enhances sound when running through tube amps or pedals.
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Replacing worn rubber buffers greatly improves sound quality if the instrument hasn’t been restored.
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Vintage Vibe's Miracle Mod is recommended for addressing sluggish action issues.
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For pickup replacements, Vintage Vibe is frequently recommended as a reliable source for quality parts.
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Use cases and applications
User experience
Comparisons
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Mark II models often have plastic keys, unlike the wooden keys of Mark I, impacting the preferred classic sound and feel.
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5.0 out of 5
Based on 3 Reviews and 24 Ratings
102
Irreplaceable
Nothing else really does what a Rhodes does. Even though there are definitely design flaws, you have to live with them.
57
Old girls need love.
Worked on numerous times, I love it, but I hate it. So many things right, but when I record I use a VI. Boooooo.
Artist usage
Add artist
Jonny can be seen playing a Rhodes Stage Piano Mark I 73 in this live performance.
At his home studio, he had upgraded monitors acquired from after his move there, and various digital and analog instruments, including a drum kit, a Fender Rhodes piano, Wurlitzer electric pianos, Access Virus and Minimoog Voyager synthesizers,[20] a drum machine, three Mac Powerbooks, and a DSP unit.
The Fender Rhodes is shown on top of Toro Y Moi's Moog Voyager at the 6:52 mark of this video
In the "Pretty Lights - Tour Bus Studio" video, Pretty Lights is seen using the Fender Rhodes Mark II Stage Piano 73 during the creation of "A Color Map of the Sun."
At 1.32 of the video Goransson is shown using a Rhodes Stage Piano
In the ARTE Concert performance titled "Air en concert sous la Coupole Niemeyer à Paris," the band Air is seen using the Fender Rhodes Mark II Stage Piano 73, positioned beneath the Nord Lead 2.
Jimmy Smith of Foals is seen using the Fender Rhodes Mark II Stage Piano 73 in a photo shared by the band on their official Facebook page. The image, taken in Berlin, highlights the vintage piano as part of the band's setup.
Here's Numan pictured using a Fender Rhodes Stage MK1 during the recording of Tubeway Army's Replicas album at Spaceward Studio ...
Featured in two promotional photos for The Renaissance (the second can be found here).
Album Usage
The Fender Rhodes Mark II Stage Piano 73 has been featured on the following albums:
Origin (Deluxe Edition)
Jordan Rakei (2020)
A Color Map of the Sun (Remixes)
Pretty Lights (2013)
These Walls of Mine
Peter Broderick (2012)
The Renaissance
Q-Tip (2008)
Vida De Perros
Los Bunkers (2005)
Replicas (1998 Remaster)
Tubeway Army (1979)
Burnin'
Bob Marley & The Wailers (1973)
Catch A Fire
Bob Marley & The Wailers (1973)
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 Mark II Stage Piano 73, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
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