At Suburban Pro Studios, we pride ourselves on offering a diverse array of high-quality instruments that bring unique sounds and textures to our clients’ projects. One such prized possession is our 1977 Fender Rhodes piano, an iconic instrument with a rich history and an unmistakable sound. Acquired from our good friend Approach in Lawrence, Kansas, this Rhodes piano has a story to tell and continues to inspire artists and producers who walk through our doors.
Our journey with the Fender Rhodes began through a connection with Approach, a talented musician we were introduced to by our mutual friend, Steddy P. Approach had acquired the Rhodes from a studio he worked at in Kansas and had kept it in his home studio for six years. In 2016, he hinted on Facebook about possibly selling it. We expressed our interest then, and after some anticipation, we finally purchased it in February of 2018.
The Rhodes was in pretty good shape when it arrived. It included its original legs and sustain pedal, though we did have to replace the connecting rod for the pedal to ensure it was fully operational. Recently, we’ve focused on fine-tuning its action, adjusting the dampers, and checking the keys and pickups to maintain its best playability. Additionally, we’ve been expanding our collection of effect pedals to offer more textures and sonic options with the Rhodes.
Technical Specifications and Features
Our Fender Rhodes is a Stage Mark I model, a classic in the world of electric pianos. To enhance its functionality in our studio, we added a heavy-duty stand from LiquidStands. This stand not only makes it easy to roll the piano around but also allows us to rack a second keyboard above it, optimizing our studio space and setup. We currently have our Triton keyboard on the top rack, giving a variety of sounds to choose from while running with the Rhodes.
The sound of the Rhodes piano is unparalleled. When paired with our vintage silver-face Fender Super Reverb 410 amplifier, the combination is magical. This amp, with its built-in vibrato and spring reverb, perfectly complements the Rhodes, enhancing its natural warmth and adding a lush, ambient quality to the sound. From the moment you start playing, the vibe is unmistakable, transporting you to the golden era of music.
The Rhodes’ versatility shines across various genres. It’s a staple in soul and funk music, which form the backbone of many hip-hop and rap tracks. Its rich, harmonic low end and lush overtones make it a fantastic choice for R&B and pop records as well. Whether you’re looking to add a warm, organic texture to a track or want that classic 70s vibe, the Rhodes is a go-to instrument.
Usage in the Studio
Since adding the Rhodes to our upstairs studio, its usage has increased significantly. It’s now available to all our producers and freelance engineers, providing 24/7 access to this legendary instrument. Notable artists like The Soul Passengers and Hey Joshie! have been using it extensively, and we couldn’t be more thrilled with the results.
The Fender Rhodes stands out among electric pianos for several reasons. Compared to the Wurlitzer, another popular electric piano, the Rhodes has a softer, bell-like tone, while the Wurlitzer is known for its sharper, more aggressive sound. This difference makes the Rhodes ideal for smooth, mellow tracks, whereas the Wurlitzer might be better suited for rock or blues.
The Pre-Piano, an earlier version of the Rhodes designed for children, was more portable and simplistic. However, it lacked the full, dynamic range and depth of the later models like our 1977 Suitcase Mark I. These early instruments paved the way for the sophisticated electric pianos we cherish today.
Personally, I have always been captivated by the Rhodes’ rich harmonic low end. It’s so thick and lush, adding a depth to tracks that is hard to replicate with digital plugins. Our clients appreciate the variety of quality instruments we offer, and the Rhodes is a standout addition that aligns with our goal of continually enhancing our studio’s capabilities.
At Suburban Pro Studios, we believe in the power of real instruments to bring authenticity and vibe to music that no plugin can match. Our Fender Rhodes piano is a testament to this belief, offering a unique sound that has shaped countless recordings. If you’re interested in experiencing the magic of the Rhodes for yourself, or if you have any questions about our services, feel free to shoot us an email or give us a call. We’d love to help you make your next project truly special.
By integrating our vintage Fender Rhodes piano into your music, you tap into a rich history and sound that can elevate your work to new heights. Join us at Suburban Pro Studios and let the timeless charm of the Rhodes inspire your creativity.