Fender Rhodes Stage Piano MkII

[Sui_City]

Hi All,

I have done a bit of searching and read many of the threads that relate to this subject, but still just want some piece of mind.

I have the option of purchasing a Rhodes Stage Piano MkII 73.

It seemed to be a fairly late model MKII, with plastic keys. One note seemed to be a bit out of tune, and one note seemed to be a bit softer than the others. But all in all it seemed to be in good shape. Definitely had the sound, although not as much bark as i'd like, but still sweet.

Those of you with Rhodes experience, any direct opinions of this particular model?

Thanks in advance.

[robot gigante]

The softer note should be a pretty easy fix unless the tine is bad. Basically you would just pop the top and adjust the distance from the pickup to the tine. Super simple. Tuning it isn't amazingly difficult either.

If you don't mind that it doesn't bark as much and the plastic keys, you will probably be fine with a MKII. If the bark is something you really want, hold out for an earlier MKI.

[RKrizman]

The distinction between Mark I and Mark II is not meaningful. For the "bark" you need a pre-1975 Rhodes before they replaced the wooden hammer shanks with all plastic and went to an aluminum frame instead of wood. I think Mark I changed to Mark II at a later, more arbitrary point.

-R

[Stevil]

i've got a mark2 88 & i love it. might try tweaking on some fx & amp options to draw the "bark" out of it. theres a great rhodes forum @ :
The Super Site Electric Piano Discussion Forum :: Index

[roger]

if it's a good price then you have gotta get it....you will just fall in love with it. i got my first mkI for 55$ (aussie) from an old lady before they became 'hip' again and i bought my mkII on ebay from a warehouse in california where it had sat pretty much since the day it was born - i paid an absolute crapload for it but you know what.....it is so beautiful....i don't care. you really cannot go wrong man! get it and EVERY time you play it you will smile and feel warm inside.......even if it dosn't 'bark' the big bitch will give you a bone!!!

[walth]

Mark IIs are awesome. I have two mark Is and am thinking of adding a mark II.

[freestyle tromb]

i don't even play that much piano, but i've wanted to start playing more (both to help my overall musicianship, esp. jazz, and to help my composition chops), and so i've started considering buying a rhodes. where is a good place to start looking for a decent fixer upper for not too much money?

i'm thinking craigslist and ebay.
anything in particular i should look for?

[robot gigante]

Originally Posted by RKrizman

The distinction between Mark I and Mark II is not meaningful. For the "bark" you need a pre-1975 Rhodes before they replaced the wooden hammer shanks with all plastic and went to an aluminum frame instead of wood. I think Mark I changed to Mark II at a later, more arbitrary point.

-R

That's right.

Still working on getting the action to be a little less stiff on my '73 Mk I... but it's a barking machine- especially after I set it up the way I wanted it!

[James Lehmann]

The Stage 73 MkII is nice, with a lovely clean bell-like tone and a lighter 'feel' than the earlier models no doubt due to the plastic keys.

And of course if you're taking it onstage it's rather a no-brainer unless you have paid roadies to haul your...

Suitcase 88 which is an altogether different sounding beast - much thicker, warmer sound with a bass end to die for and a heavier feel. (My model is from 1976).

Real Gearslutz and Rhodes afficionados know that you need to own both!

[robot gigante]

I'd still be happy with my '73 MK I, even though I do own both. You can set it up so that you really have to hit the keys hard for it to bark, so clean bell tones are still possible with it if you want them (though I don't usually).

Of course having both models gives you instant access to both sounds without having to change your playing style or setup, and a true Rhodes slut will want that of course.

[Sui_City]

Thanks all

[chymer]

oh, I just got my suitcase 88 back and its fully restored to its original sound and frik me it sounds amazing....fat fat fat bottom end and its creamy and the vibrato kicks ass............just buy it dude, you gonna lurve it.

[RKrizman]

Originally Posted by Sui_City

Hi All,

I have the option of purchasing a Rhodes Stage Piano MkII 73.


Those of you with Rhodes experience, any direct opinions of this particular model?

Thanks in advance.

Personally, I'd hold out for an older one. I've owned about 7 in my career and never really found any soul in the post 1975 pianos. Better off with eulations.

Just my opinion.

-R