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Average Price: $2,100

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$2499

$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.

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

    Source

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.

    Source
  • 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.

    Source

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.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 12 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Mac Miller uses Fender Rhodes (General)

Mac Miller

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Time

The Time article features a photograph of Mac Miller with a Fender Rhodes, highlighting its use during the creation of his album "Circles."

(RIP Mac Miller)

See how Tony Banks uses Fender Rhodes (General)

Tony Banks

Singer, Keyboardist

Genesis

...
Verified via YouTube

In the YouTube video "Genesis - Your Own Special Way," Tony Banks can be seen playing a Fender Rhodes, showcasing its distinctive sound as part of the band's performance.

See how Dean Ween uses Fender Rhodes (General)

Dean Ween

Guitarist

Ween

...
Verified via YouTube

At 0:29 you anc see the rhodes with a blue keyboard on top

See how Jimmy Smith uses Fender Rhodes (General)

Jimmy Smith

Guitarist, Keyboardist

Foals

...
Verified via Photo

In this picture from a live performance, Jimmy Smith is playing on a Fender Rhodes.

See how Floating Points uses Fender Rhodes (General)

Floating Points

Music Producer, DJ

Floating Points Ensemble

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video you can see Floating Points playing the Fender Rhodes

See how Mike Oldfield uses Fender Rhodes (General)

Mike Oldfield

Guitarist, Bassist

The Sallyangie

...
Verified via Photo

The image here is from the inner sleeve of Oldfields "Discovery" album. The Fender Rhodes piano is in the foreground (with the Roland VP-300 on top). It's most likely the 88-note model. The listing on tubular.net is not specific, however, it's obvious that he used a Rhodes of some description. http://tubular.net/instruments/#PIANO

See how KiNK uses Fender Rhodes (General)

KiNK

Music Producer, DJ

...
Verified via YouTube

"KiNK session with...Rhodes piano." "Rhodes piano as a sound source."

See how Jon Foreman uses Fender Rhodes (General)

Jon Foreman

Singer, Guitarist

Switchfoot

...
Verified via Photo

As can be seen at his official Instagram account (about making some music) you can see him using this item in the picture / video.

See how Paul Arthurs uses Fender Rhodes (General)

Paul Arthurs

Guitarist

Oasis

...
Verified via YouTube

It is a fact that Arthurs was a multi-instrumentalist. He played the Fender Rhodes for Oasis' performance of "Whatever" and "Live Forever" for MTV's Most Wanted show, which aired on August 18, 1994.

See how Charly García uses Fender Rhodes (General)

Charly García

Singer, Guitarist

Serú Girán

...
Verified via Photo

In the album booklet for "La Máquina de Hacer Pájaros," Charly García is credited with playing the Fender Rhodes, highlighting its use in the band's music.

See how Cameron Winter uses Fender Rhodes (General)

Cameron Winter

Singer, Guitarist

Geese

...
Verified via YouTube

At 13:19 you can see Winter use a Fender Rhodes on “Domoto” from “alive and in person”

See how Sam Kiszka uses Fender Rhodes (General)

Sam Kiszka

Bassist, Keyboardist

Greta Van Fleet

...
Verified via Soundonsound

Mentioned by mix engineer Al Sutton in this January 2019 Sound on Sound interview.

"We set up at Blackbird with the drums in the centre of the main room. Sam and Jake were in the same space, but their amps were isolated. Sam also had a full keyboard rig set up, with a piano, B3, Wurlitzer and Fender Rhodes, and so on, which mostly were overdubbed. But he played the B3 and bass pedals live during the tracking of 'Age Of Man'. There's no bass guitar in that song."

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.

Community setups

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dazedjames

dazedjames

Gear IQ 126

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