Rhodes Mark V Stage 73 1984..."holy grail" of Rhodes electro-mechanical pianos LAST one in stock! | Reverb (2024)

FAQs

How much did a Rhodes piano cost? ›

For instance, in 1973 a Fender Rhodes 73 key Stage piano sold for a retail price of approximately $720 (which in 2013 would have the same purchasing power of $3,764 according to the Consumer Price Index–which speaks to the craftsmanship that went into a Rhodes, which in still holds today–) and Suitcase models retailed ...

Many people name the Wurlitzer in the same context as the Rhodes. However, they are quite different from each other. The main difference is that Rhodes uses tines as their tone source, while a Wurlitzer uses reeds.

Harold Rhodes estimated that 250,000 pianos (a quarter of a million) were built during the lifetime of production at CBS from 1965 to 1984. Regarding specific models and eras, all that can be said is that as popularity grew throughout the 1970's, so did demand for the pianos.

Although Harold Rhodes died in 2000, the Rhodes piano has since been reissued, and his teaching methods are still in use.

Certainly it does not go generally out of tune over the entire Keyboard as does the traditional string piano. What may happen is that one or more notes may go out of tune because of a loose Tuning Spring or as a result of Tine fatigue under the stress of constant heavy blows.

Brands such as Roland and Kawai are considered to be the best brands for digital pianos, as their innovative, great-sounding instruments consistently deliver exceptional performance. However, the best brand for you will depend on your needs and preferences.

The good, more expensive, ones have properly weighted and touch responsive keys and better sounds - often several good piano sounds. The same as anything else - the cheaper one will contain cheaper components, cheaper materials, the synth that generates the sounds will likely be inferior.

Wurlitzers are often considered more comfortable to play than Rhodes. Wurlitzers have a more sophisticated mechanical action than the Rhodes, probably because Wurlitzers were made by a piano company while Rhodes were made by Fender, a guitar company.

1979 was perhaps the most popular year ever for the Fender Rhodes. The main changes were aesthetic, giving it a refined black look. The redesigned hood now contained a secondary instrument. In 1980 a 54-key version was added to the palette.

Who plays a Rhodes piano? ›

The Fender Rhodes piano became popular in the 1970s, and was especially employed in rock, R&B, and jazz. Some notable players include Ray Manzarek of The Doors, Stevie Wonder, Chick Corea, and Herbie Hanco*ck (born on this day in 1940).

Fender was the original manufacturer of Rhodes pianos, and they no longer make them. There is a company that started out making replacement parts for various vintage electric pianos, and now makes entire replicas of some of them, including the Rhodes.

One of the main reasons a piano will be offered for free is because it no longer has the value or quality for it to be sellable. Pianos hold their value for 30-50 years, depending on brand; after that, most pianos have become so worn that they experience multiple issues that make the piano valueless.

Fender Rhodes Stage models are passive instruments that require an amplifier.

The 73-key Electric Piano was renamed the Fender Rhodes Suitcase Piano in 1969, featuring a black harp cover and a stereo 80W amp, and by 1970 the Fender Rhodes Mark I Stage Piano was available. The Stage Piano was the piano top from the Suitcase model, modified for use with an external guitar or bass amplifier.

It is extremely rare for old pianos to have value. It comes down to if they are in good condition, are an extraordinary piano or if a famous person has played the piano. I know people will be upset to hear this but unfortunately most old pianos do not have any value.

These days a fair price is more like $500 to $750, depending on the condition of the piano. For $500 you should be getting a Rhodes where all of the keys play, and if it's a Suitcase, the amp should be included and functional.