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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

What type of sound can I expect from the Fender Rhodes Mark II Stage Piano 73?

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.

How does the weighted action of the keys on the Rhodes Mark II Stage Piano 73 affect playability?

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.

Is the Fender Rhodes Mark II Stage Piano 73 suitable for live performances?

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.

What is the primary difference between the Rhodes Mark II and traditional acoustic pianos?

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.

How many keys does the Fender Rhodes Mark II Stage Piano 73 have, and are they full-sized?

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.

Jack Rownes

Jack Rownes

Fender Rhodes MkII Electric Piano Demo

Video thumbnail for Fender Rhodes MkII Electric Piano Demo by Jack Rownes

Fender Rhodes MkII Electric Piano Demo

Jack Rownes

Jack Rownes

Video thumbnail for Awesome Vintage Rhodes MkII Stage 73 electric piano! by PTD Unlimited Vintage

Awesome Vintage Rhodes MkII Stage 73 electric piano!

PTD Unlimited Vintage

PTD Unlimited Vintage

Video thumbnail for Super Clean Vintage Rhodes MkII Stage 73 Electric Piano by PTD Unlimited Vintage

Super Clean Vintage Rhodes MkII Stage 73 Electric Piano

PTD Unlimited Vintage

PTD Unlimited Vintage

Video thumbnail for Fantastic Vintage Rhodes Stage 73 Mkii Electric Piano! by PTD Unlimited Vintage

Fantastic Vintage Rhodes Stage 73 Mkii Electric Piano!

PTD Unlimited Vintage

PTD Unlimited Vintage

Video thumbnail for Rhodes Mark II 73 at Collar City Guitars by Collar City Guitars

Rhodes Mark II 73 at Collar City Guitars

Collar City Guitars

Collar City Guitars

Reviews

PROS

  • Unique vintage sound that distinguishes it from other electric pianos

  • Great piece of musical history with a nostalgic appeal

  • Ideal for studio recordings, offering a distinctive tonal quality

  • Comparable to the legendary Mark V, just slightly less refined

  • Perfect for at-home use, adding character to personal music spaces

CONS

  • Design flaws that some users find unavoidable

  • Not the best option for touring due to its size and weight

  • Sound quality may not match earlier vintage models

  • 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

  • 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.

    Source
  • Adjusting the magnetic pickup position can easily fix uneven key volume issues, referred to as "voicing a Rhodes."

    Source
  • Factory bumped pedestals in '78-'79 models are considered optimal for smoother action.

    Source
  • 1980s models may suffer from bad pickups; owners recommend testing with a multimeter to identify problematic units for replacement.

    Source
  • Owners note that rewinding pickups is labor-intensive but rewarding, potentially restoring full functionality in a neglected Rhodes.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Adding a custom preamp circuit into the "name rail" significantly enhances sound when running through tube amps or pedals.

    Source
  • Replacing worn rubber buffers greatly improves sound quality if the instrument hasn’t been restored.

    Source
  • Vintage Vibe's Miracle Mod is recommended for addressing sluggish action issues.

    Source
  • For pickup replacements, Vintage Vibe is frequently recommended as a reliable source for quality parts.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Ideal for studio settings where its nuanced playing response and aftertouch significantly outperform emulations.

    Source
  • Owners suggest a 73-key model over the 88 for better portability and avoiding a "mucky" lower register.

    Source

User experience

  • Transporting the Rhodes for gigs is challenging due to its weight, making it more suitable as a stationary studio instrument.

    Source
  • Tone differences between Mark I and II are mostly attributed to manufacturing variances rather than model differences.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Mark II models often have plastic keys, unlike the wooden keys of Mark I, impacting the preferred classic sound and feel.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • A 1980 Mark II in poor condition can still be a good deal at $700, often requiring repair but valued higher online.

    Source
Add

5.0 out of 5

Based on 3 Reviews and 24 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
pharrmusic

Irreplaceable

Nothing else really does what a Rhodes does. Even though there are definitely design flaws, you have to live with them.

javiwins

love my rhodes

it's a great piece of history. It's not ideal for touring or anything because it's like...88 keys hahahaha.

but some people do that....

if you have studio space, it's great. Right now though, it just lives in my room.

clutchsound

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
See how Sly Stone uses Fender Rhodes Mark II Stage Piano 73

Sly Stone

Guitarist, Keyboardist

Sly & the Family Stone

...
Verified

Sly Stone is confirmed to have used a Fender Rhodes Mark II Stage Piano 73, as evidenced by its display at the National Museum of African American History and Culture under the caption "Rhodes Keyboard used by Sly Stone."

See how Page McConnell uses Fender Rhodes Mark II Stage Piano 73

Page McConnell

Keyboardist

Phish

...
Verified via Pagemcconnell

McConnell's official site states that he uses a Fender Rhodes Mark II.

See how Brian Aronow uses Fender Rhodes Mark II Stage Piano 73

Brian Aronow

Keyboardist

Crumb

...
Verified via YouTube

At 7:18 In this live video with crumb They can be seen playing a Rhodes mark 2 with two Korg minilouges on top. It is clear that it is a mark 2 due to the bumps on the top

See how Jordan Rakei uses Fender Rhodes Mark II Stage Piano 73

Jordan Rakei

Singer, Keyboardist

...
Verified via MusicRadar

“So, the big things for me are an upright piano and a Fender Rhodes, which were my main songwriting points for Origin.

See how Jerome Fontamillas uses Fender Rhodes Mark II Stage Piano 73

Jerome Fontamillas

Guitarist, Keyboardist

Switchfoot

...
Verified via Photo

A shot of Jeromes work station for Switchfoot concerts. Identifying it as a Mark I 73 is simple whenever considering the cursive Seventy Three scribed to the right of the piano, as well as the red strip along the keys, silver back plate above the keys, and what appears to be the simple 2 knobs placed to the left of the keyboard.

See how Graham Massey uses Fender Rhodes Mark II Stage Piano 73

Graham Massey

Guitarist, Keyboardist

808 State

...
Verified via 808state

Fender Rhodes MKII is included in the equipment list.

See how Jessy Lanza uses Fender Rhodes Mark II Stage Piano 73

Jessy Lanza

Singer, Music Producer

...
Verified via Photo

Jessy Lanza is seen using a Fender Rhodes Mark II Stage Piano 73 in her home studio, as shown in a photo she shared on Instagram with the caption, "Practicing .. Need fog machine."

See how Jonas Bjerre uses Fender Rhodes Mark II Stage Piano 73

Jonas Bjerre

Singer, Guitarist

Mew

...
Verified via Photo

In a photo from Jonas Bjerre's home studio, the Fender Rhodes Mark II Stage Piano 73 is clearly visible among his collection of keyboards. This image was featured in an interview with Martin Yam Møller.

See how Gregg Rolie uses Fender Rhodes Mark II Stage Piano 73

Gregg Rolie

Singer, Keyboardist

Journey

...
Verified via Keyboardmag

'When I started out in Santana, I played a Stage model Fender Rhodes 73 and a Hammond B-3 organ. I had a wah-wah pedal on the Rhodes, but that was it.'

See how Junie Morrison uses Fender Rhodes Mark II Stage Piano 73

Junie Morrison

Singer, Keyboardist

Funkadelic

...
Verified via Redbullmusicacademy

One of Junie Morrison’s principle keyboards was a Fender Rhodes piano.

See how Peter Broderick uses Fender Rhodes Mark II Stage Piano 73

Peter Broderick

Composer

Horse Feathers

...
Verified via YouTube

At 3:46 in the video "I've Tried (Live Studio Version)" by Erased Tapes, Peter Broderick is seen playing a Fender Rhodes Mark II Stage Piano 73, processed through a Moog effects pedal.

See how Roy Bittan uses Fender Rhodes Mark II Stage Piano 73

Roy Bittan

Keyboardist

E Street Band

...
Verified via New Jersey 101.5

On Bon Jovi's original Runaway studio recording Roy Bittan played the keyboards, and that we hear is a Rhodes piano.

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.

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