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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.

    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

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See how Kamaal Williams / Henry Wu uses Fender Rhodes (General)

Kamaal Williams / Henry Wu

Keyboardist, DJ

...
Verified via YouTube

Playing several keyboards in this video the fender rhodes is one of them.

See how Anthony Marinelli uses Fender Rhodes (General)

Anthony Marinelli

Keyboardist, Composer

...
Verified via YouTube

Anthony Marinelli is confirmed to use the Fender Rhodes, as it is featured at 17:48 in his studio tour video titled "My Synth Studio Revealed | Studio Tour 2025," authored by Anthony Marinelli Music on YouTube.

See how Mark De Clive-Lowe uses Fender Rhodes (General)

Mark De Clive-Lowe

Music Producer

...
Verified via Photo

"one of my favorite sounds ever... the Fender Rhodes"

See how Dj spinna uses Fender Rhodes (General)

Dj spinna

Music Producer, DJ

...
Verified via YouTube

His 73-key Mark I is featured at 2:13 in this video tour of DJ Spinna's studio, released August 5, 2009 on High Water Music's YouTube channel. It was previously listed in this June 1, 2001 Remix article.

  • Akai MPC 3000
  • Akai S950
  • Alesis ADAT digital multitracks
  • Arp Odyssey
  • Arp String Ensemble
  • E-mu SP-1200
  • Fender Rhodes electric piano
  • Realistic (Moog) Concertmate MG-1
  • Roland Juno 60
  • Roland Juno 106

The liner notes of Intergalacic Soul specify its use on "Where's Your Love?", "Back 2 U", "Peace and Quiet", "Butterfly Girl", "Could It Be Too Soon", "We Can Change This World", "Show Us How You Fly", "Living My Life" and "Bye Bye Bye".

See how Patrice Rushen uses Fender Rhodes (General)

Patrice Rushen

Keyboardist

CAB

...
Verified via Patricerushen

Patrice Rushen is known to use both the Fender Rhodes 73 and 88, as noted on her official website.

See how Mirai Kawashima uses Fender Rhodes (General)

Mirai Kawashima

Singer, Bassist

Sigh

...
Verified via Photo

"Working on Clavinet and Fender Rhodes tonight."

See how Reese Wynans uses Fender Rhodes (General)

Reese Wynans

Keyboardist

The Allman Brothers Band

...
Verified via Inside Blackbird

In the video titled "Reese Wynans: B3 and Leslie Speaker 101" from Inside Blackbird, a Fender Rhodes can be clearly seen to the right of Reese Wynans at the 0:45 second mark, situated against the wall.

See how Rickey Pageot uses Fender Rhodes (General)

Rickey Pageot

Keyboardist

Madonna

...
Verified via Virus

My current set up has the Virus TI Polar 2; the Nord Stage 2 for all of those Rhodes, B3, Acoustic Piano, and wurly sounds; Apple Mainstage for all of the plug-ins, and sometimes two other generic keyboards for all the bread and butter stuff.

See how Jürgen Fritz uses Fender Rhodes (General)

Jürgen Fritz

Keyboardist, Composer

Triumvirat

...
Verified via Discogs

Jürgen Fritz is credited with playing a Fender Rhodes on the album "Pompeii" by New Triumvirat, as noted in the liner notes and documented on Discogs.

See how David Cook uses Fender Rhodes (General)

David Cook

Keyboardist, Music Producer

The Agency

...
Verified via Instagram

You can see a Rhodes in his Instagram

See how Kodak to Graph uses Fender Rhodes (General)

Kodak to Graph

Music Producer

...
Verified via Facebook

You can see his Rhodes along with other gear in this video.

See how Tommy Mars uses Fender Rhodes (General)

Tommy Mars

Keyboardist

Western Vacation

...
Verified via Zappasgear

Interview with Tommy Mars TM: Well it’s just amazing, when I did my audition and Frank said “You brought some gear with you?” I brought my Rhodes, and I brought my Electrocomp, and my Taurus bass pedals, and he said “what’s this?” and I undid it and I played something, and of course my signature sound was a French horn kind of brass sound that it did, it was my kind of signature, and his jaw dropped . I don’t think he’d had ever heard a synth kind of do that kind of sound in that kind of expression that it was able to have.

And I said “this E-mu you that you have?”, and he was just like so proud of his E-mu, this is so funny man!), and the only sound that he had on it , which is the easiest sound in the world to make, was a little pipe organ sound, an eight foot and a four foot, no envelope, no nothing, I said “you mean with all this that’s all you got?”(laughs), and he says “Yeah?” and I said “Well I don’t think you noticed that the Electrocomp is very similar, I could set this sound up exactly for you on the E-mu, and then you’d have five voices, you’d have complete polyphony”. And in those days that was like, you know, going to the emerald city, like follow the yellow brick road!”

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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