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Average Price: $2,950

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Description

Fender Rhodes introduced an 88-key version of the Stage Piano in 1972. Rhodes engineers had finally found ways to stabilize the tone and pitch of keys in the extreme registers of the piano, with the lowest bass notes not needing tonebars and the highest notes requiring wood-core hammer tips.

Product specs

Brand Rhodes
Model Mark I Stage 88-Key Electric Piano
Finish Black Rounded Top
Year 1975 - 1979
Made In United States
Categories Electric Pianos
Number of Keys 88 Keys

FAQs

What is the key action like on the Fender Rhodes Mark I Stage 88?

The Fender Rhodes Mark I Stage 88 features a weighted hammer action that provides a tactile, responsive feel, closely mimicking the dynamics of an acoustic piano. This makes it ideal for expressive playing styles.

How does the sound of the Fender Rhodes Mark I Stage 88 differ from other electric pianos?

The Rhodes Mark I Stage 88 is known for its warm, bell-like tones with rich bass and clear treble, making it a favorite for jazz, rock, and soul music. Its unique tine-based sound gives it a distinctive character compared to digital electric pianos.

Is the Fender Rhodes Mark I Stage 88 suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Stage 88 is designed for live performances, featuring a durable build and a full 88-key range. Its portability and classic tone make it a popular choice for gigging musicians.

What maintenance does a Fender Rhodes Mark I Stage 88 require?

Regular maintenance includes tuning the tines, adjusting the pickups, and ensuring the action is smooth. Occasional professional servicing may be needed to keep it in optimal condition.

Can the Fender Rhodes Mark I Stage 88 be connected to external amplifiers?

Yes, the Stage 88 has standard output jacks that allow it to be connected to external amplifiers and PA systems, enhancing its sound for larger venues.

eneonycity

eneonycity

One Hour Meditation Relaxation-Fender Rhodes Mark I Stage 88

Video thumbnail for One Hour Meditation Relaxation-Fender Rhodes Mark I Stage 88 by eneonycity

One Hour Meditation Relaxation-Fender Rhodes Mark I Stage 88

eneonycity

eneonycity

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fender Rhodes Mark I Stage 88.

Setup and maintenance

  • Mark I owners often replace hammer tips and tune tone bar springs for optimal sound; maintenance varies with the instrument's condition.

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  • Owners suggest replacing rubber grommets, dampers, and hammers for improved performance, with Vintage Vibe as the recommended source for parts.

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  • Direct connection of the RCA jack to a mixer or preamp is advised to diagnose and potentially resolve sound issues, especially on modified units.

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  • Owners suggest using Deoxit on pots to resolve static issues, but advise against using it on tines and tuning forks.

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  • Adjusting the sound by selecting midrange notes and achieving consistency across keys can enhance the overall tone, even without professional tuning.

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Features and functionality

  • The Mark I Stage 88 is noted for its wooden keys, which contribute to its classic tone, unlike the Mark II's plastic keys.

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Comparisons

  • The 88-key model is considered cumbersome to move; many prefer the Stage 73 for its portability and manageable size.

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Mods and upgrades

  • A '78-'79 model with factory bumped pedestals is highly recommended for its superior action and tone.

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  • Vintage Vibe preamps can utilize existing holes from previous suitcase model conversions, enhancing the instrument's capabilities.

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  • The Avion Studios "Retro Flyer" preamp is praised for its stereo tremolo and midrange EQ, providing a cleaner and louder signal than passive electronics.

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Use cases and applications

  • For optimal sound, connecting a Rhodes to a Fender Twin Reverb amp is highly praised, reflecting the original factory voicing.

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  • Owners note the Stage model's passive electronics make it easy to service, with RCA outputs useful for troubleshooting signal issues.

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User experience

  • Owners often find the action on some Mark I models to be heavy or sluggish, but mods like the Vintage Vibe Miracle Mod can improve this.

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  • On the 88-key models, missing wiring can lead to volume inconsistencies, particularly in the upper register, requiring careful inspection and potential rewiring.

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  • A 1977 Mark I model with no dead keys and slight corrosion is considered a good deal at $600, especially if action feels acceptable.

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Artist usage

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See how John Paul Jones uses Fender Rhodes Mark I Stage 88

John Paul Jones

Bassist, Keyboardist

Led Zeppelin

...
Verified via Photo

John Paul Jones playing a Fender Rhodes Mark 1 88-key Stage Piano with Led Zeppelin at Madison Square Garden on June 14, 1977. The Keyboards of Led Zeppelin & John Paul Jones website covers Jones's use of Rhodes electric pianos over the years:

The Rhodes Suitcase was used on the early Led Zeppelin tours from 1971 to 1973, often with a covering showing Jones's famous rune/symbol over the speaker box.

In 1973, the "Suitcase" model was replaced by a Stage 73 model -- a similar piano, but with no speaker box. Instead, it had chrome legs to support it. It was fed to two 1960's Fender Dual Showman amplifiers so it could be as loud as the guitar amps. The Stage 73 is the Rhodes seen on the famous "No Quarter" portion of The Song Remains The Same film. The Rhodes Stage 73 model was used on the 1973 and 1975 tours.

For the 1977 tour, a third Rhodes model was used -- the larger Stage 88. It too had chrome legs for a stand, but had a full-length keyboard with 88 notes (the same number of keys as a standard piano).

See how Dr. Dre uses Fender Rhodes Mark I Stage 88

Dr. Dre

Rapper, Music Producer

Soul Assassins

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Verified via Photo

In this photo, A Fender Rhodes Eighty-Eight can be seen behind Dr. Dre. Notice the lettering that says "Eighty Eight."

See how Francisco Durán uses Fender Rhodes Mark I Stage 88

Francisco Durán

Singer, Guitarist

Los Bunkers

...
Verified via Photo

Francisco Durán used the Fender Rhodes Mark I Stage 88 keyboard during the legendary finale of the "Ven aquí" tour at the Palacio de los Deportes in Mexico, as evidenced in this Instagram post: (https://www.instagram.com/p/C9ZI8MNuGGw/?img_index=2).

See how Donald Fagen uses Fender Rhodes Mark I Stage 88

Donald Fagen

Singer, Keyboardist

Steely Dan

...
Verified via YouTube

Mike over at Retrolinear restored all 3 of Donald Fagens 88 key Fenders, Lucy, Grace and Wilma. Lucy is demosntrated post-refurb in the video I linked but the otehr 2 pianos can be head on youtube as well as on documenting the process on Lucy (apparently Mike's favorite). You can read all about the restoration of Grace in 2011 and Lucy in 2013 in articles on teh Retrolinear website (http://www.retrolinear.com/new-stuff/you-go-back-jack-and-do-it-again.aspx http://www.retrolinear.com/new-stuff/steely-dan-round-2!!!.aspx).

See how Robert Glasper uses Fender Rhodes Mark I Stage 88

Robert Glasper

Keyboardist, Music Producer

Robert Glasper Experiment

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Verified via YouTube

As mentioned in 'Inside The Robert Glasper Experiment Band' at 02:22 one of his favourite instruments it's used on some of his favourite records 'Off the Wall' - Michael Jackson and Herbie Hancock - 'Sunlight'

See how Jesse Carmichael uses Fender Rhodes Mark I Stage 88

Jesse Carmichael

Singer, Guitarist

Maroon 5

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Verified via Photo

A Fender Rhodes with 88 keys is seen as part of Jesse’s rig for Maroon 5’s 2005 Headlining tour.

See how Edgar Winter uses Fender Rhodes Mark I Stage 88

Edgar Winter

Singer, Keyboardist

The Edgar Winter Group

...
Verified via Gettyimages

In a mid-70s studio photo, Edgar Winter is pictured with a Fender Rhodes Mark I Stage 88, highlighting its use in his music production.

See how Keith Godchaux uses Fender Rhodes Mark I Stage 88

Keith Godchaux

Keyboardist

Grateful Dead

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Verified via Photo

A Rhodes Mark 1 Eighty-Eight can be seen on the left as Keith Godchaux and The Grateful Dead rehearse at the Orpheum Theater in June 1976 in San Francisco, California.

See how Tonga Conga (Raúl Sotomayor) uses Fender Rhodes Mark I Stage 88

Tonga Conga (Raúl Sotomayor)

Drummer, Music Producer

Sotomayor

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Verified via YouTube

In the video titled "Timeless Rhythms in Mexico City | Raúl Sotomayor" by Ableton, at timestamp 0:38, a Fender Rhodes Mark I Stage 88 is clearly visible on the left side of the screen in Raúl Sotomayor's studio, confirming its use by the artist.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Fender Rhodes Mark I Stage 88, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

CAPI FC526-XFMR
CAPI FC526-XFMR Effects Processors
1
Ableton Live
Ableton Live DAW Software
1
Ableton Push 2
Ableton Push 2 MIDI Pad Controllers
1
Korg MS-20 Mini
Korg MS-20 Mini Synthesizers
1
Roland Juno-106
Roland Juno-106 Synthesizers
1
Neumann KH 310 Studio Monitor
Neumann KH 310 Studio Monitor Active & Passive Monitors
1
Ableton Push 3 Controller
Ableton Push 3 Controller MIDI Pad Controllers
1
Apple Mac Studio
Apple Mac Studio Computers & Peripherals
1

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