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I just had a look at this Rhodes Mark 7 E-piano at their website.

I won't be buying it in any near future, but it does seem nice.

Just out of curiosity I have a few questions regarding it, that I could not find any answer to at the website. I hope someone here can answer:

1) If needed, can it be played without electricity ?
2) Does it have internal speakers, and/or does it need external amplification and speakers ?
3) Is the keyboard piano-like or is it more synth-like ?

Its a electric piano not a digital they require electricity but they do make a sound if the keys are pressed when turned off.


Yes and know you can get a speaker amp stand designed for them just like the old school Rhodes


Its a electric piano, nothing like either of them. It feels like a real Rhodes.



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jens, I've played various models of the New Rhodes and considering the cost and the fact that it's still a one trick pony ... and considering the fact that there's a 25% VAT in Denmark, wouldn't it make more sense to buy a stage piano with a Rhodes sample that you like or buy a module with a Rhodes sample? A stage piano would have just about everything you need in one package.

I personally cannot see that new business succeeding but that's just my take on this.

I do not have fond memories of the Rhodes. I do remember having to open it up during concerts and making adjustments. I also do not miss vinyl records or electric typewriters.

Heretic !

I do have fond memories of my Wurlitzer (200A). And I didn't mind opening that up to replace tines, file the tips, and melt extra solder onto others - it just used to happen rather too frequently. I had always hankered after a Rhodes, but couldn't afford one. Funnily enough, when I first got to play one I was disappointed - sounded wooly and felt incredibly stodgy. Eventually, I did manage to find one cheap enough to buy; it was the suitcase model, and that was again a completely different animal with a very bell-like tone. I didn't keep it long - ridiculously heavy.

There is a lot of blinkered nostalgia surrounding these archetypal electric pianos, and yet there was something vital about playing them. Given that in 2011, even the best DPs struggle to give us an accurate representation of a Rhodes or Wurlitzer, I think there is a place for the new Mark 7. I gather they had a little trouble with quality control early on, but if they can sort that out it should be a worthy successor. Ironically, the biggest problem they may face is the ready supply of old Rhodes pianos on the secondhand market that are available at a fraction of the cost. However, the useful reduction in weight along with the small but well-heeled market of enthusiasts and top-echelon performers may be enough to keep the new Rhodes company in business. I wish them well.

While you can't transport real grand piano on each concert, you can have authentic Rhodes, and this beast have soul. Though it's also beast to carry, even with other person.

I thought the purpose of using samples was to avoid carrying all the authentic instruments .... and just how authentic can an electro-mechanical instrument be?

Thanks for the answers and opinions. I can see, that it might be too much of a hassle to own one, but they do really look cool :-)

Maybe their new MIDI controller is more interesting: Rhodes RPC-1 MIDI controller

Rhodes are similar to electric guitar when you look at the way they produce sound - vibrating metal and electromagnetic pickups. So how authentic can electric guitar be? I'd rather want to listen to CD recorded with true guitar, rather than made with samples, even accurate.

But you are right, Clavia's emulation sounds damn good. Still, you have DP instead of true Rhodes; one may say it doesn't matter, others are fond of this retro shape, legs, strange feel. It's similar to 100% identical replica of old car and the authentic one. Maybe replica drives even better, sounds and looks same way... but some may say there is no soul. Soul in a car? Yes, some people know what I mean.

Though still I'm the one who can't afford and carry real one, considering the fact I use piano and organ sounds.

About 10 years ago I bought Wizoo's Magnetica sampled CD which was full of Hammonds, Rhodes and Wurlitzer's. I believe I paid €60. Later I saw it offered for €20. What a bargain even at €60!

I grew up playing a B3. While on vacation in Germany last year I stumbled onto a little music store that sold the new Hammond\Suzuki B3's. If I had a tad more space and a tad more money I would have bought one. I really don't think I would notice the lack of the supposed soul in the newer models.

If I were a recording artist I would certain consider buying the New Rhodes, or as I call it, a much too expensive one trick pony. Let's say you buy one. Your next purchase would be a €400+ flight case, a specially made flight case.

I wish that company well but if their stock were sold on the stock exchange, I wouldn't buy it.

I agree that I am not sure of how well Rhodes will do. I ahve a 1973 Fender Rhodes 88 Mk 1 Stage. I am now rebuilding the action and adding an active preamp from Vintage Vibe. This will cost me in total about $500 to rebuild it up to a "suitcase" stage. I will have active electronics and the suitaces vibrato. considering you are looking at 5K US for a new Rhodes and you can buy a suitcase 73 off of ebay for $1500-2500 in great shape. I may be wrong....

That's true

The problem with Rhodes is when you get one ...you need more ...then you end up like me ...I've got errrrrr ....9 of them.

You have ___nine___ Rhodes? Are they all playable or are they used for parts?

LOL that's just the working, restored and playable ones I've got a few non runners as well .... then there are the wurli's .... when it comes to electric pianos and old analog synths I'm a bit of a greedy whore.