Does anyone know when the new Rhodes Mark 7 might come out and how to get one? I've been to this site www.rhodespiano.com/index.htm

but it doesn't really answer my questions. Does anyone know how I might go about getting a used Rhodes electric piano? Is Craig's List my best bet? Thx

I don't know about dates for release of the new models, but it was at NAMM 2007 and predictions then of its release seem to have been optimistic . If it were me, I'd contact Rhodes and ask them.

As for used Rhodes, ebay is another source - although it's maybe pot luck finding one near enough to you to check out before buying - which I'd say is pretty much mandatory.

This seems like a quixotic quest, trying to bring
back the original electromechanical Rhodes
piano. They might be able to hand-build
a few for the top rock groups, but to mass produce
them for the public seems impractical, so
don't wait up for a new one. Where is
the market for this? Digital instruments
can already can reproduce the Rhodes sound.

Found a couple of used Rhodes in my area on Craig's List. So, what would you look for in a Rhodes? What are some red flags when checking out the instrument? Any advice?

Gyro: You're right, since digital instruments can reproduce the sound there may not be a market for the Mark 7. I guess I might be a bit of a purist in this, but I think of digital keyboards as computers, really. The technology is certainly amazing and getting better all the time. But I guess I'm really a acoustic pianist and I'd like to experiment with a Rhodes. I don't want sampled sound, I want the real deal. It's kind of like asking an electric guitarist to just play a computer shaped like a guitar that reporoduces an electric guitar sound, isn't it?

Here\'s a good spot for advice ...

SSB: Looks like an excellent site! Thanks so much!

You're welcome. I'd be interested to hear how you get on - I'd love a Rhodes myself and noted the news about the new models with a mixture of excitement and optimism (the latter as I thought I might pick up an old Rhodes for a knock down price as everyone upgrades ).

You know I'm in!!!

I sure wish I had kept my 56 key Rhodes sparkletop celesta.

B

I have a mark 2 rhodes and a studio setup. The best sound modules or giga sampled rhodes never sounds anything like a real one sitting in front of you. They cannot compare!

They are so heavy! Strictly for recording or performers with a road crew. Classic sound.

I used to gig with a digital piano. Now I'm back to my old Rhodes. I found my back got just as tired moving an 88 weighted key board and amplifier as it did moving the Rhodes but I didn't enjoy playing it as much. A hand truck and proper use of leverage makes moving the thing MUCH easier.

Damn, do I want one of those!

Yeah they're heavy, but in recent years I've decided not to compromise on my sound or musical enjoyment. I already gig/tour with so much gear, that I might as well add a few more pounds. I figure that having the best possible sound will help bring me to a higher level of pay where I might actually be able to afford a road crew someday!

I take inspiration in this from a guy I know who brings a Hammond, a Leslie, a Rhodes, and a Clavinet to gigs. No compromises. wow.