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Rhodes MK8 specifications, photos, and video revealed

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Rhodes has released the first photographs and video of the MK8 electric piano, a much-anticipated reincarnation of the legendary instrument that was initially revealed in July.

They’ve also released a detailed set of technical specs, which builds on the previously revealed analog effects section, inbuilt preamp, three-band EQ, and Kluge Klaviature keyboard, offering greater details on the keyboard’s action, pickups, vari-pan, and much more.

Rhodes has stated that their whole website will be available to everyone who has signed up for their newsletter by Monday, November 1st. The property will be open to the public on December 1st.

Rhodes MK8 specifications

  • Tone Generation: Rhodes Custom Precision Steel Tines and Tonebars.
    Tine and pickup rails made from sustainably sourced Baltic birch.
  • Promotion: Rhodes Custom high impact black ABS hammers with built-in lubrication. Rhodes new design with a uniform height for four-zone hammer tips. Rhodes Custom Aerospace damper combs (bass, mids and treble). Rhodes Custom black wool damper felts.
  • Keyboard: 73-part (E8E80) Rhodes Custom spruce keyboard from Kluge Klaviaturen GmbH, key frame made of oak and beech.
  • Pickups: Rhodes custom precision-wound Alnico pickups with anti-slip adjustment for precise voicing and flattened pickup heads for precise volume adjustment.
  • Effect option: Rhodes custom precision-wound alnico pickups with anti-slip adjustment for precise voicing and flat-ended pickup heads for precise volume adjustment.
  • Front panel and rear grille: black / silver anodized aluminum.
  • UI panels: Brushed aluminum foil. Black with silver lettering or silver with black lettering.
  • Left connection panel: 2x balanced XLR outputs (L / R), 2x 1/4 ” jack outputs (L / R).
    1x 1/4 ” jack send, 1x 1/4 ” return. Direct pickup-out via send socket (can be operated next to the main outputs). 1x 6.3 mm headphone socket on the left cheek block with independent volume control for the headphones.
  • Right connection field: USB (reserved for future firmware updates). Expression control input jacks 1 and 2.
  • Power supply: 15 volt, 4-pin, lockable XLR supply with universal voltage.
  • Analog preamplifier section: Analog signal path from the pickup rail to the output. Volume, drive, envelope (auto-wah) controls.
  • Analog EQ section: Active EQ (low, medium, high, +/- 15dB). Voltage-controlled mid-filter frequency control, accessible via envelope and / or expression pedals, for real analog wah effects and keyboard-controlled slow-phase effects.
  • Vari-Pan: Rhodes custom vari-pan circuit with rate and depth controls. Four waveforms to choose from (square / cat’s eye, up ramp, triangle, sine). LFOs can be operated at audio rates and offer everything from classic Rhodes stereo panning to modulated soundscapes and polyphonic synthesizer-like layers. Use the bass slider to mix between dry Rhodes signals and audio rate modulation effects.
  • Stand: Rhodes Custom telescopic tripod made of polished steel in robust powder-coated black or classic high-gloss polished chrome. Height-adjustable front legs. Can be packed compactly for transport.
  • Lid: ABS black, special colors.
  • Housing: Light ply case with Tolex, aluminum base plate, option made of solid walnut.
  • Sustain pedal: Rhodes custom twist lock piano connection with flexi cable. Access to adjustment of the damper mechanism via the rear emblem. Chrome base plate. Aluminum shell. Rhodes folding anti-slip rubber protection mat. Standard matt black, special colors to match the lid.
  • Assignable pedal controls: volume, center frequency (wah), both (pedal 1). Pan rate, pan depth, both (Pedal 2). Phaser rate, chorus rate (Pedal 1, FX version). Delay time, delay feedback (Pedal 2, FX version).
  • Weight and Dimensions (approx): 75lbs / 34kg. 1153 (W) x 563 (D) x 225 (H).

Links of interest

Rhodes Piano
Website | Facebook | Instagram

Rhodes will release their MK8 really soon

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We now know that Rhodes will introduce the MK8 electric piano under a new ownership structure.

This is currently being developed in the company’s facility in Leeds and will be available soon.

However, the latest teaser shot confirms that the distinctive appearance of prior models has been maintained.

In the weeks leading up to the release, more information will be released in little doses. On the Rhodes website, you may find out more about the event.

Links of interest

Rhodes Piano
Website | Instagram | Facebook

Rhodes has released images of their new electric piano

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The Rhodes brand has only been under new ownership for a few weeks, but it appears the young company is almost ready to reveal its first electronic piano.

There’s been a lot of speculation over whether or not this is a real Rhodes, rather being a digital simulation of some type.

I can see why this would be the case – after all, there’s no use in owning a brand like Rhodes and then not using its legacy.

Two years of research and development have gone into this new Rhodes, and Dan Goldman, the new Rhodes Chief Product Officer (and demon Rhodes player) is not doing anything to temper the expectations of the Rhodes community.

To him, “the new piano has the same feel and character as a vintage piano, but everything that wasn’t perfectly made has been made perfectly and with enormous attention to detail.”

Links of interest

Rhodes Piano
Website | Facebook | Instagram

Rhodes is back with the promise of new keyboards

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The legendary electric piano brand Rhodes comeback with the promise of new keyboards. For far more than a half-century, Rhodes has been synonymous with the electric piano, with models carrying the brand helping to define the sound of soul, jazz, funk, rock, pop, and a range of electronic music forms.

While the Rhodes piano sound is still popular – there are plenty of hardware and software emulations on the market – the brand itself has faded in recent years.

However, that may be changing; Rhodes is now under new ownership, and it appears that new instruments are on the way.

The recently established Rhodes Music Group Ltd is based in the United Kingdom and is led by Loopmasters CEO Matt Pelling, who states, “We aim to continue founder Harold Rhodes’ production of the best quality musical instruments.”

The Rhodes brand survives because of the distinct sound of its keyboards and its devoted fan base. The enthusiasm for Rhodes electric pianos has resulted in large online communities of enthusiastic owners and fans, which we applaud. Dedication to advancement feeds its enthusiasm for music performance and creation, as well as our wish to see the Rhodes keyboard’s heritage live on far into the future.

Links of interest

Rhodes
Website | Instagram | Facebook | TikTok