Fender Rhodes Electric Piano (1965–1985)
An electro-mechanical keyboard with a warm, bell-like tone, produced under the Fender Rhodes brand and widely used in jazz, funk, and rock.
Overview
The Fender Rhodes Electric Piano is an electro-mechanical keyboard instrument invented by Harold Rhodes and later produced in partnership with Leo Fender. After CBS acquired Fender Musical Instruments in 1965, full 73- or 88-note models entered mass production, with the Mark I introduced in late 1969. The instrument became a staple of 1970s music, featured in jazz-rock fusion, funk, and pop. Two primary variants exist: the Stage piano and the Suitcase piano, the latter including a built-in 80-watt stereo amplifier. The Rhodes was celebrated for its expressive, piano-like touch and mellow, sustained sound, championed by artists like Herbie Hancock, Stevie Wonder, and Miles Davis. Original production ended in 1985, though the brand resumed manufacturing in 2022 with the MK8 model.
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 features a responsive piano-like action with hammer tips made of felt in early models and neoprene in later models from around 1970. It has a sturdy wooden body, often covered in protective Tolex vinyl for durability on stage. The early WWII prototype was a 29-note lap piano constructed from aluminum tubing from B-17 bombers.
Context
Harold Rhodes originally 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 was born in 1965 after CBS acquired Fender, leading to mass production of 73- and 88-note models. The Mark I was introduced in late 1969 and became ubiquitous in rock and jazz from that point forward. The 73-key model was renamed the Fender Rhodes Suitcase Piano in 1969. Stage models are passive and require external amplification.
Market
A restored Fender Rhodes 73 Mk1 has been noted in listings, and a 1974 88-key Suitcase model with sparkle top is listed for $3,000. Questions about fair pricing, such as whether $2,000 is reasonable for a Rhodes in good condition, appear in collector forums.
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Related Models
- Wurlitzer 200A (1974-1983)
- Casio MT-30 (1981-1983)
- Wurlitzer 200 (1968-1970)
- Casio VL-1 (1979-1984)
- Hohner Clavinet D6 (1971-1982)
- Rhodes Mark I Stage Piano (1969-1983)
- Wurlitzer 200A Electric Piano (1968-1982)