Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $2,900

Standard/Professional

$2499

$4500+

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Description

The Fender Rhodes Mark II Stage 54 is a classic electric piano that captures the iconic sound of the late 1970s and early 1980s. Known for its warm, bell-like tones and dynamic range, this instrument is a staple in both live and studio settings. Its 54-key layout makes it compact yet substantial, offering the perfect balance for players who need portability without sacrificing musical expression. The Mark II Stage 54 is built with signature tines and pickups, delivering an authentic vintage sound that continues to inspire musicians across genres.

Crafted with gigging in mind, the Mark II Stage 54 features a robust construction designed to withstand the rigors of touring life. Its simple yet effective controls allow players to shape their sound with ease, offering both vibrato and volume controls to adjust the piano's expressive voice. The smooth action of the keys ensures a responsive touch, making it ideal for both rhythmic comping and melodic solos. Whether you're a seasoned professional or an aspiring musician, the Fender Rhodes Mark II Stage 54 is a versatile instrument that will add a touch of vintage magic to your performances.

Key Features:

  • 54-key layout for a compact and portable design
  • Authentic Fender Rhodes tines and pickups for classic sound
  • Vibrato and volume controls for sound customization
  • Robust construction suitable for live performance
  • Smooth key action for expressive playability

Reviews

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 54.

Setup and maintenance

  • The 78-79 Rhodes with factory bumped pedestals is highlighted as a sweet spot for ease of maintenance post-restoration.

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  • Tuning a Rhodes can be challenging and they frequently go out of tune; minor adjustments may be needed every 3-4 months due to seasonal changes.

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  • Checking for buzzing or hum, crackling potentiometers, and uneven volume can indicate potential mechanical issues that may need addressing.

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Mods and upgrades

  • The Miracle Mod from Vintage Vibe is recommended to address sluggish action in a Rhodes, enhancing playability.

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  • Vintage Vibe offers a restoration kit with damper and stop felts and hammer tips for a couple hundred dollars, useful for maintenance projects.

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Comparisons

  • The Yamaha Reface CP is favored by some owners for its portability and ease of use, contrasting the heavy and maintenance-intensive nature of the Rhodes.

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  • The Korg SV-1 is praised for replicating the Mk1 Rhodes sound with superior key action, and is much lighter for gigging compared to a real Rhodes.

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  • Keyscape is highly recommended for achieving pristine Rhodes sounds due to their use of mint condition samples and expert processing.

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Use cases and applications

  • A Fender Deluxe Reverb amp is said to deliver excellent sound for a Rhodes, though a Twin Reverb is preferred for avoiding potential damage.

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  • Users often default to digital samples for background or textural roles in recordings to avoid noise from direct input or amp setups.

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User experience

  • Owners describe a sense of acoustic instrument-like vibration and feedback, distinct from digital pianos, enhancing the tactile playing experience.

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  • The Mk V is considered one of the rarer models, with around only 2,000 made, suggesting it could hold its value well over time.

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Build quality

  • The Mk V model is noted for its bright tone, which may not suit those seeking classic Mk I sounds, such as those in "Riders On The Storm."

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Value and pricing

  • Market prices for the Mk V can vary significantly; some owners report prices as low as $500, making $2.5k seem steep unless in mint condition.

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5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 4 Ratings

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1 star
bluesboyrules

might be small but sounds huge!

my little buddy for jazzy/fusion gigs, perfect for traveling it's little brighter than the MKII probably due to the smaller case. I love it! I use some eft on it: Roland DC10, dunlop stereo vibrato, mutron phaser, boss CE1 chorus

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Mac DeMarco uses Fender Rhodes Mark II Stage 54

Mac DeMarco

Singer, Guitarist

Mac DeMarco

...
Verified via YouTube

This video was uploaded by Mac Demarco. He says is playing a Rhodes 54 https://gyazo.com/a0fa27a5a854c697b74fb07ea95f3146

See how Pretty Lights uses Fender Rhodes Mark II Stage 54

Pretty Lights

Bassist, Music Producer

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Verified via Photo

Pretty Lights used a Fender Rhodes Mark II Stage 54 in the creation of "A Color Map of the Sun," as evidenced by the album credits shown in the user-uploaded photo on Imgur.

See how Francisco Durán uses Fender Rhodes Mark II Stage 54

Francisco Durán

Singer, Guitarist

Los Bunkers

...
Verified via YouTube

Francis en el 2007 se compró este piano Rhodes. Lo ocupa en varias canciones, pero la más característica es Llueve Sobre La Ciudad

See how RAC uses Fender Rhodes Mark II Stage 54

RAC

Music Producer

RAC

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Verified via Facebook

In a Facebook video, RAC showcases his Fender Rhodes Mark II Stage 54, highlighting its role in his setup.

See how Marco Benevento uses Fender Rhodes Mark II Stage 54

Marco Benevento

Keyboardist

Garage A Trois

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video, Benevento shows off the Rhodes 54 he is using on tour with Joe Russo's Almost Dead.

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 54, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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