Fender Rhodes Electric Piano (1965–1985)
An electro-mechanical keyboard with a warm, bell-like tone, produced under the Fender Rhodes brand and used a lot in jazz, funk, and rock.
Overview
The Fender Rhodes Electric Piano is an electro-mechanical keyboard invented by Harold Rhodes and later produced in partnership with Leo Fender. CBS acquired Fender Musical Instruments in 1965, and after that the full 73- and 88-note models went into mass production. The Mark I came out in late 1969. The Rhodes became a staple of 1970s music, in jazz-rock fusion, funk, and pop. There are two main variants, the Stage piano and the Suitcase piano. The Suitcase has a built-in 80-watt stereo amplifier. Players liked the expressive, piano-like touch and the mellow, sustained sound, and Herbie Hancock, Stevie Wonder, and Miles Davis all championed it. Original production ended in 1985. The brand started making them again in 2022 with the MK8.
Specifications
| Keyboard span | 73 or 88 keys |
| Key count | 88 full-size keys |
| Weight (example) | The 73-key stage model weighs approximately 59–65 kg |
| Weight (Suitcase Top shipping) | 48 lbs |
| Dimensions (Suitcase Top) | 9\" H, 22.75\" W, 21.75\" D |
| Sound generation mechanism | Depressing a key activates a hammer that strikes a thin metal tine, causing it to vibrate in front of an electromagnetic pickup |
| Tine material | High-carbon steel wire, often piano wire |
| Tine frequency range | Approximately 41 Hz to 2.6 kHz |
| Damper operation | Depression of the key lifts the damper arm away from the tine within 1/8 to 1/4 inch of key travel |
| Amplifier power (Suitcase model) | Stereo 80W amp |
Design
The Fender Rhodes has a responsive, piano-like action. Early models use felt hammer tips. Later models, from around 1970, use neoprene. The body is sturdy wood, often covered in protective Tolex vinyl so it survives the stage. The early WWII prototype was a 29-note lap piano built from aluminum tubing from B-17 bombers.
Context
Harold Rhodes developed the instrument in the 1940s as a portable piano for music therapy with injured soldiers. He partnered with Leo Fender in 1955 to produce a 32-note bass model. The Fender Rhodes Electric Piano itself was born in 1965 after CBS acquired Fender, which led to mass production of 73- and 88-note models. The Mark I was introduced in late 1969 and was everywhere in rock and jazz from then on. The 73-key model was renamed the Fender Rhodes Suitcase Piano in 1969. Stage models are passive and need external amplification.
Market
A restored Fender Rhodes 73 Mk1 has been noted in listings. A 1974 88-key Suitcase model with sparkle top is listed for $3,000. Collector forums have threads asking about fair pricing, such as whether $2,000 is reasonable for a Rhodes in good condition.
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