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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.

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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.

    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.

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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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5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 12 Ratings

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Artist usage

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See how Tim Rice-Oxley uses Fender Rhodes (General)

Tim Rice-Oxley

Keyboardist

Keane

...
Verified via YouTube

In the "Strangeland" bonus video, Tim Rice-Oxley is shown using a Fender Rhodes in his home studio.

See how Neal Morse uses Fender Rhodes (General)

Neal Morse

Singer, Guitarist

Flying Colors

...
Verified via Radiantrecords

Neal uses a Fender Rhodes 88 as can be seen in the Gear List of his own studio.

See how Toby Smith uses Fender Rhodes (General)

Toby Smith

Keyboardist, Composer

Jamiroquai

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video, we can see Tobi using a Rhodes.

See how Matthew Tavares uses Fender Rhodes (General)

Matthew Tavares

Keyboardist

BADBADNOTGOOD

...
Verified via AllMusic

In the credits section for their album IV, it states Matthew Tavares used a Fender Rhodes while recording the album

See how Adam Holzman uses Fender Rhodes (General)

Adam Holzman

Keyboardist, Music Producer

Adam Holzman & Brave New World

...
Verified via Adamholzman

On his website Adam Holzman lists the gear he uses, including this one.

See how Taylor McFerrin uses Fender Rhodes (General)

Taylor McFerrin

Music Producer

R+R=NOW

...
Verified via Photo

Taylor McFerrin is pictured here with a Fender Rhodes electric piano.

See how Roger Troutman uses Fender Rhodes (General)

Roger Troutman

Guitarist, Keyboardist

Zapp

...
Verified via Photo

Roger Troutman is credited with playing the Fender Rhodes on his first solo album The Many Facets of Roger.

C

Candida Doyle

Singer, Keyboardist

Pulp

...
Verified via Soundonsound

Candida Doyle switched between Minimoog, Farfisa Compact Professional II organ, Fender Rhodes, Roland Juno 6, Ensoniq ASR10 and Korg Trident II.

See how Alfa Mist uses Fender Rhodes (General)

Alfa Mist

Keyboardist, Music Producer

...
Verified via Photo

Alfa Mist is confirmed to use a Fender Rhodes, as evidenced by an Instagram post where he shared a photo featuring the instrument while on tour for his album "Roulette!"

See how Gregor Salto uses Fender Rhodes (General)

Gregor Salto

Music Producer

...
Verified via Photo

In this picture gregor is playing this item

See how Jason Lindner uses Fender Rhodes (General)

Jason Lindner

Keyboardist, Composer

...
Verified via burning ambulance

My main instrument on Earth Analog is the Wurlitzer electronic piano (its original name). I played Fender Rhodes on “Drift.” I also used two different Minimoogs and a Subphatty, Dave Smith Instruments’ Prophet 08 and Mopho x4, and a Casio CS01, I believe. And last but not least, my first love, the piano!

See how DJ Harrison uses Fender Rhodes (General)

DJ Harrison

DJ

Butcher Brown

...
Verified via BandCamp

DJ Harrison is associated with the Fender Rhodes, as seen in the background of his studio in the Reeverb Entertainment track "My Fender Rhodes" on BandCamp.

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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