Introducing the MK8 Earth Edition Piano
​Fashioned from American Walnut, the piano’s sandblasted wooden base and hand turned legs accentuate its natural grain, showcasing the unique, inherent beauty of each instrument. Metal parts are adorned with a custom stable rust effect coating, ensuring a distinct pattern on each component for a truly one-of-a-kind look. Custom inlays and side panels, enhanced with black dial inserts, add a touch of sophistication to the aesthetic. Exclusive to the Earth Edition, the piano’s unique forest green lid and pedal cover infuse a natural style into its design.

Additionally, the integrated FX section comes standard with the Earth Edition, enhancing its sonic capabilities. This includes a VCA compressor for dynamic control, a 4-stage phaser for added depth, and a bucket brigade chorus and delay for rich, expansive audio textures. Each feature is designed to extend the instrument’s versatility, perfect for both live performance and studio use.

In support of sustainable practices, the piano incorporates eco-conscious elements throughout its construction. The piano lid, crafted from sustainable, recycled ABS material, ensures durability while minimizing environmental impact by being re-grounded and reused. Additionally, all wood used in the piano’s construction is FSC certified, promoting forest preservation and sustainable forestry practices.

Unite in Harmony with Nature
​As part of this launch, Rhodes Music commits to planting 500 trees for each of the 50 MK8 Earth Edition Pianos sold, totaling 25,000 trees to support global reforestation efforts. This limited edition not only showcases exceptional craftsmanship but also offers musicians and environmental enthusiasts an opportunity to contribute to environmental preservation.

“Our mission goes beyond creating exceptional musical instruments; it extends to creating positive change in the world,” says Rhodes CEO Matt Pelling. “With the MK8 Earth Edition, we invite musicians and environmental enthusiasts alike to join us in harmonising music with conservation.”

Stand with Rhodes: Make a Difference
The impact of human-caused climate change is increasingly apparent, with deforestation a primary contributing factor. According to a recent study, humans cut down 15.3 billion trees annually, amounting to 29,000 every minute, with the rate of deforestation estimated at 10 million hectares per year between 2015 and 2020.  

Trees play a pivotal role in sustaining life on our planet and are fundamental to our pursuit of a sustainable future. They purify our air and water, provide habitats crucial for fostering biodiversity, and contribute to the global health and well-being of ecosystems. Despite witnessing the detriment caused by climate change, we possess the power and knowledge to effect transformative impact. Stand with Rhodes to make a difference.

Pricing and Availability
​The MK8 Earth Edition Piano is priced at $13,495.00 in the US, £10,995.00 in the UK, and €12,995.00 in the Eurozone. It will be exclusively available for purchase on the Earth Edition Page starting Thursday, April 25th, at 9 PM BST (4 PM EST). The purchasing page will be password-protected until precisely 9 PM BST. At that time, customers should refresh the page, add the Earth Edition to their cart, and complete the checkout process to ensure they secure one of the limited 50 units.

One Tree Planted: Guardians of Global Reforestation
​One Tree Planted is at the forefront of global reforestation efforts, addressing critical needs by planting trees where they are most needed. Engaging in projects across the globe, One Tree Planted strives to repair the damage caused by natural disasters and deforestation, facilitating a way for individuals and businesses alike to contribute towards a healthier, greener world. Learn more about their mission and how to get involved at One Tree Planted.

Plant Change Today. On sale Thursday, April 25th, at 9 PM BST (4 PM EST).

To register your interest, email hello@rhodesmusic.com, with the subject ‘Earth Edition – Register my Interest’.

The post Unveiling the Rhodes MK8 Earth Edition: Crafted with Nature in Mind appeared first on Rhodes Music.

​The narrative of Jean Kapsa’s musical voyage reached a pivotal moment recently when he was honored as the chosen recipient of the Rhodes MK8/75AE, bearing the serial number 0. This instrument is not just any piano; it’s a symbol of heritage and innovation, with only 75 exquisitely crafted gold and black models ever produced. This acquisition is not merely an addition to his instrument collection; it’s a testament to his enduring dedication and a reflection of the enduring legacy of Rhodes artisanal excellence. For Jean, receiving this rare and coveted instrument marks a significant milestone, intertwining his personal odyssey with the storied history of Rhodes pianos—a journey that echoes the essence of his musical pursuits and aspirations.
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​Jean Kapsa’s musical journey began in the picturesque south of France, where his early exposure to jazz set the foundation for a lifelong pursuit. Influenced by masters like Keith Jarrett and Brad Mehldau, Jean honed his skills, adopting elements of their intricate improvisation and unique compositional styles. His journey led him to the vibrant jazz scene of Paris, a city synonymous with artistic flourishing. Here, Kapsa’s talent for improvisation and his unique approach to composition have made him a prominent figure. His collaborations with various musicians both in Paris and internationally have seen him perform at esteemed venues and festivals across Europe, further cementing his reputation.

​Kapsa’s discography as a co-leader reflects a diverse range of influences, underpinned by a commitment to exploring different musical styles. His work extends beyond performance; Kapsa has also lent his compositional skills to film and theatre productions, showcasing his versatility as an artist.
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​Kapsa’s career has entered an exciting new phase with his recent signing to LEITER, the label founded by renowned German musician and composer Nils Frahm and his long-time manager Felix Grimm. His latest work, ‘Syncline’, released on digital platforms on November 24, 2023, is a testament to his artistic integrity. Recorded in the intimate setting of his Parisian home, this collection of six solo pieces captures the essence of Kapsa’s connection to his craft. The album draws inspiration from the natural beauty of the Saou forest near his hometown, blending subtle piano melodies with ambient soundscapes. Each track invites listeners to engage with the music on a personal level, fostering a space for individual interpretation and reflection.

​For Jean Kapsa, the Rhodes MK8/75AE has opened new avenues in his musical exploration. Reflecting on his experience, Jean says, “It’s funny because usually, I work on the piano and I start to improvise to find ideas. Now I start on the piano and then move to the Rhodes to hear how the idea sounds. It leads me to other pieces because you cannot play exactly the same thing. It is a different instrument and its unique sound ​ inspired me to play with it.” This intimate connection with both his traditional piano and the unique qualities of the Rhodes underscores how the latter has become a significant part of his artistic expression.
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​Jean’s first impression of the Rhodes also speaks volumes about his appreciation for the instrument’s tactile and authentic experience. “I could feel the vibrations of the tines on the keyboard,” he recalls, noting the unique physical sensation distinctive to Rhodes. This experience, for Jean, enriches his engagement with music, allowing him to connect with an instrument that complements his passion for real, tangible musical expression.

​Jean Kapsa is set to mark a new milestone in his musical journey with the release of a new track on March 8, 2024, featuring his Rhodes piano. This upcoming piece, an integral part of LEITER’s annual Piano Day compilation, highlights the depth of Kapsa’s artistry and his dynamic use of the Rhodes piano. This release is a significant addition to his repertoire, showcasing the continued evolution of his music and his collaboration with an iconic instrument.
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​Jean Kapsa’s journey with the Rhodes MK8/75AE is not merely an addition to his musical arsenal; it’s a gateway to an exhilarating realm of artistic possibilities. “This Rhodes isn’t just inspiring; it’s transformative. I can already feel new compositions emerging, fuelled by its unique sound and design,” Kapsa reflects. This deep engagement symbolizes a harmonious fusion of innovation and heritage, where Kapsa’s exploratory musical style intersects with the timeless quality of Rhodes music. This collaboration underscores how Rhodes continues to be a pivotal force, spurring artists like Kapsa to craft music that resonates across generations.
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​Explore Jean Kapsa’s musical journey and stay up-to-date with his latest endeavors by visiting his official website or follow him on Instagram @jean.kapsa.

​Listen to Jean Kapsa’s music on:
​Spotify
​Apple Music
​Bandcamp

The post Jean Kapsa: Echoing Jazz Innovation with the Rhodes MK8 appeared first on Rhodes Music.

For the first time, the hallowed sound and feel of the acclaimed Rhodes MK8 electric piano at your fingertips in any recording studio or live performance. The V8 is a deeply multi-sampled and modelled, hyper-realistic version of the Rhodes MK8, capturing all the nuance and character of the flagship electric piano. The only official software to carry the Rhodes name, the V8 is the final destination for musicians looking to augment their productions with the timeless beauty of ‘The True Rhodes Sound’.

For audio voyagers that seek ultimate control, Rhodes has created the V8 Pro Edition, expanding the V8’s vast sonic palette, tweakability and nuance – offering a forensic level of control and customisation. For the V8 Pro Edition, Rhodes has deeply modelled the intimate behaviour of the MK8 FX board – featuring a VCA Compressor and Phaser paired with Bucket-Brigade Chorus and Delay.

The V8 is a hyper-realistic re-creation of the Rhodes MK8 electric piano and the first official plug-in by Rhodes.

Encompassing 30,000 samples directly sampled from Rhodes’ flagship MK8 piano, including up to 127 velocity layers, 14 articulations and mechanical noise – the V8 additionally employs a hyper-real modelling engine, providing a level of sonic authenticity never before heard in any other electric piano virtual instrument.

Main View

The ‘Main’ view is the place to make broad tone-shaping adjustments to the V8’s pre-amp board. The V8 pre-amp and FX (Pro-edition only) appear in the exact MK8 configuration – making it effortless to dial-in sounds. Taking centre stage is the stereo Vari-Pan effect, featuring four waveforms.

Setup View

The V8 Pro’s ‘Setup’ view is a per-note editor for piano setup parameters. Featuring editable Timbre, Damper, Tuning and Level lanes – this view enables a forensic level of control over the characteristics of every single note.

Detail View

The ‘Detail’ view offers deep adjustments to tuning and timbre, with the option to add ‘mechanical’ and ‘pedal’ noise. In addition, you can find an array of amp/cab simulations here, such as the ‘Rhodes® ’79 Suitcase’ and ‘Twin Tube’ Combo, augmented by ‘condenser’ and ‘dynamic’ microphone choices. Also, additional tone-sculpting options for Profile EQ and FX wait for you here.

Created for musicians passionate about the Rhodes sound, the Rhodes V8 plugin features presets designed by an array of industry leading artists and producers.

The Rhodes V8 Plugin, built by Rhodes, defined by you.

The post The First Official Rhodes Plugin – The Rhodes V8 Series appeared first on Rhodes Music.

Legendary engineer and record producer Steve Levine is known primarily for his groundbreaking work in the ’80s. As a ‘producer’s producer’ that cut his teeth as a Tape Op for CBS Studios in the mid ’70s, with bands like The Clash, XTC, The Jags, The Vibrators and many others, his breakthrough moment as a producer came with “Do You Really Want To Hurt Me,” Culture Club’s hit that rocketed to the top of the charts in 1982. Levine has always remained abreast of technology changes in the industry, particularly as it relates to studio recording and musical instrument tools.

Levine’s latest project, Baltic Jazz Recordings, saw the producer reacquainting himself with the familiar sound of a legendary brand. Having acquired a new Rhodes MK8 — an entirely new instrument that is sonically faithful to the original Rhodes electro-mechanical piano but with modern improvements — Levine set out to create a classic sounding jazz recording, using the new Rhodes MK8 as a foundational building block.

No stranger to the classic Rhodes sound, Levine was excited to add the MK8 to his arsenal of creative tools: “A Lot of the stuff I recorded in the ’70s was with a Fender Rhodes, and I was always a Rhodes man,” he says. “I rarely used the competitors’ keyboards, because they were always more trouble than it was worth and tended to sound quite poor. For me, growing up with Stevie Wonder and the Isley Brothers, this was the sound that I loved and adored. I had never ever owned one, and even during the original Culture Club sessions we used to rent one.” 

When Levine heard about Rhodes being acquired and a new electro-mechanical keyboard being re-imagined and manufactured in nearby Leeds, UK, his interest was piqued: “I thought that this would be a perfect investment for the studio,” he says. Soon thereafter, he contacted the manufacturer and made the purchase. “It’s one of the first ones, and I absolutely love it to bits.” Since taking delivery, the MK8 has become a staple in Levine’s studio, and he appreciates many of its updated design features: “For me, the audio quality has been absolutely top notch, and I love the fact that it has both ¼” Jack and Balanced ​ XLR outputs as well as the Jack “Send & Return” found on the original Rhodes.”

With a current focus on collaborating with emerging young talent, Levine’s Baltic Jazz Recordings — which began just over one year ago and has since spawned three hits on the Jazz FM playlist — features rising vocalists and instrumentalists. “There are a lot of great jazz players in the northwest of England, so the project was a way to introduce many of these great musicians through Baltic Jazz Recordings.” He says that in addition to an upright bass and an electric guitar running through a Fender Deluxe Reverb, the MK8 has been the foundational building block of the new project, and its sound is present on every track: “The Rhodes MK8 is all over it, the sound is quite rich and lovely,” he states.

To record the new MK8, Levine used (2) Sennheiser e906 microphones on a Roland JC-40 amplifier going into a Neve 1073 mic pre. He also took the XLR outputs of the MK8 and ran a stereo signal into his console. Levine says that the natural bleed from the Roland Jazz Chorus was a key element in the recorded sound: “This gave us a really interesting swirling chorus sound in the room, and it was picked up by the other live mics – including the Neumann fet U47 that we had on the upright bass,” he says.

While the new album heavily features the MK8, Levine says that he also used the Rhodes V8 plug-in extensively as well. “If I’m doing my own piano parts, sometimes I will use the Rhodes V8 plug-in because I’m not such a great keyboard player.” On a few tracks, he says he played a simple piano part using the V8 plug-in, and his keyboardist Jack Hymas played a more intricate piano part alongside it using the MK8. “We said to each other ‘that’s actually pretty good.’ The combination of both the MK8 piano and V8 plug-in worked really well. It’s a great plug-in, and probably the best plug-in out there that emulates the sound of a Rhodes,” Levine says.

Levine says that while the Baltic Jazz Recordings album is now wrapped up and all set for a release in August, he continues to use both the MK8 and V8 on a myriad of other current projects. ” I am very proud to have it in my studio,” he says. “During the jazz sessions Culture Club came to my studio in Liverpool because they had a few days off. Roy [Hay, member of Culture Club] saw the MK8 and said, ‘Oh my god you’ve got a Rhodes’. It sort of was a complete circle.”

To learn more about Steve Levine and his Baltic Jazz Recordings project, please visit https://balticjazzrecordings.co.uk/. ​

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Integrating the Vari-Pan section from the V-RACK, Rhodes cutting-edge multi-effects plug-in, the V-Pan stands alone as a dedicated module. Representing the third installment in Rhodes respected line of software solutions, the V-Pan serves as a testament to Rhodes unwavering dedication to legacy, while simultaneously providing contemporary tools tailored for today’s discerning producers and musicians. This addition empowers creators to enhance their production toolkit with a versatile and powerful resource. 

Whether you’re enhancing the depth of your keyboard or synth, creating mind-bending textures for your guitar, infusing ethereal FX sounds, or giving your vocals a unique twist, the V-Pan plugin is your gateway to limitless creative possibilities. Its user-friendly interface seamlessly integrates with your preferred DAW, allowing you to shape and customize your sonic landscape effortlessly. 

Key Features: 

• Directly modeled from the distinctive Rhodes MK8 hardware Vari-Pan circuit. 
• Equipped with precision Left/Right panning LED indicators. 
• Variable rate, ranging from super-slow to audio rates, allowing for versatile synth and ring mod-like effects. 
• Deep depth control for nuanced sound manipulation. 
• Provides a clear parameter value readout for precise adjustments. 
• Includes Waveform Slew and Smooth controls, enabling further customization of the panning waveshape. 
• Seamlessly integrates BPM sync functionality for synchronized and rhythmic effects.

Try the Rhodes V-Pan today.

The post The Rhodes V-Pan Plugin: Elevate your Sonic Landscape appeared first on Rhodes Music.

New York, NY, December 14, 2023 — Rhodes Music, the premier electric piano and software brand, is delighted to announce a collaboration with the iconic Blue Note Jazz Club, a cornerstone of live jazz musicianship in the heart of New York City. Commencing in early 2024, the Rhodes MK8 piano will take center stage as the official piano of the Blue Note. ​ 

New York City stands as a central hub for jazz, steeped in a history where legends like Miles Davis and Charlie Parker graced iconic venues such as the Cotton Club and Café Society. Since 1981, the Blue Note has kept that history alive, showcasing daily acts from today’s jazz greats to exciting young musicians launching their careers.

In a similar vein, the Rhodes electromechanical piano, championed by luminaries like Stevie Wonder, Herbie Hancock, and Patrice Rushen, boasts its own respected roots. The MK8, the latest instrument from Rhodes, serves as a testament to the brand’s past while propelling full tilt into the future. The MK8 is equipped with a stereo analogue effects section, featuring a VCA compressor, bucket brigade chorus, phaser and delay. These effects can be dynamically adjusted using an expression pedal, creating magical moments during a performance. 

“Rhodes is the premier electric piano for any musician. The artists who perform at the Blue Note understand the legacy of Rhodes, and they want to perform using that equipment. Being able to use it within the Blue Note is a win-win situation,” states Blue Note Marketing Director Earl Peterson. 

Blue Note, with its rich history and commitment to bridging the gap between legacy acts and new talent, embodies the spirit of jazz in New York City. The collaboration with Rhodes Music further underscores Blue Note’s dedication to musical excellence and providing an unparalleled live jazz experience.

“Rhodes is a key part of ensuring our artists have everything they need musically,” continued Earl. “This isn’t just someone’s garage that they are performing in; this is the Blue Note, so we want to make sure that we have the top equipment available for them. There is nothing more superior than Rhodes,” emphasizes Peterson. 

The partnership with Rhodes Music adds a new dimension to the Blue Note experience, enhancing the already intimate setting and contributing to those spontaneous moments of greatness that define live jazz.

About Blue Note 
​A cultural institution since 1981, the Blue Note Jazz Club in New York City has become one of the premiere venues in the world. While jazz is at its core, the Blue Note continues to broaden its offerings with a mission to spotlight contemporary artists across all musical styles, backgrounds and cultures. The club and its sister institutions worldwide continue to draw massive household names with frequent surprise appearances from superstars like Stevie Wonder, Tony Bennett, Quincy Jones, Dave Chapelle, Chris Rock and more. 
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​Blue Note owns and operates New York’s Blue Note Jazz Club, Sony Hall and Arthur’s Tavern; D.C.’s The Howard Theatre; and Blue Note Jazz Clubs Worldwide, which includes venues in Milan, Italy; Honolulu, HI; Beijing and Shanghai, China; Tokyo and Nagoya, Japan; Napa, CA; and Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, Brazil.

The post Rhodes & Blue Note Jazz Club Unite for a Jazz Revolution appeared first on Rhodes Music.

The V-RACK houses seven distinctive effects modules, faithfully capturing the sonic essence of the analogue effects section found in Rhodes’ acclaimed MK8 piano, making them readily available for users working in a DAW-based studio or live environment. ​

The V-RACK presents the ultimate degree of flexibility for users, with an advanced feature set that’s only possible in this plug-in format. Each of the seven unique stereo analogue effects can be used in any combination and applied to any sound source within your DAW based productions, whilst the effects can also be used live within your DAW on your laptop to process instruments on the fly. The V-RACK includes three types of Drive, parametric EQ, compression, advanced stereo panning, delay and extended modulation effects, opening up a vast range of sonic possibilities for musicians, composers, engineers and producers. ​ 

“We are excited to be extending our range of plug-ins with the introduction of V-RACK,” commented Dan Goldman, Chief Product Officer at Rhodes. “The V-RACK is a highly flexible plug-in that faithfully recreates our classic, yet forward thinking effects found in our flagship MK8 piano, whilst creatively extending their functionality so that instrumentalists and producers can utilize them for a wide range of creative applications.”

Each V-RACK suite includes: 

• 3 Drive modes including including MK8, Saturation and Overdrive 
• Resonant 3- band Parametric EQ/Multimode Filter with resonant LP/HP/BP/ Peak modes
• Vari-Pan circuit with Rate/Depth, 4 preset waveshapes, audio-rate modulation + continuously variable wave shaping with BPM sync     
• VCA Compressor with Amount and Makeup Gain  
• VCA 4-stage Phaser with Rate/Depth and BPM Sync 
• Bucket Brigade Chorus with Rate/Depth and BPM Sync 
• Bucket Brigade Delay with Time/Feedback/Mix, clipping, EQ, jitter Tap Tempo and BPM sync 

Extended parameters 
​Each effect unit on the V-RACK is equipped with extended parameters to enhance sonic capabilities while working within a DAW. For instance, the VCA compressor is equipped with attack, threshold and release faders, as well as a side chain input to help control the mix dynamics or to facilitate creative ducking and triggering. The parametric EQ features selectable center frequencies and a multimode filter to facilitate wah-based and enveloped, filtered effects.

Meantime, the resonance and spread of the phaser effect can be automated to suit your mix — or the feedback on the delay can be adjusted to add life to transitions within a composition or performance. The V-RACK conveniently organizes each of these effects into a single plug-in, eliminating the need to overpopulate your channel strip with any number of disparate plug-ins instances — making for a more efficient workflow and saving precious CPU. ​

Choose the Rhodes V-Rack today and elevate your productions and performances.

The post The Rhodes V-Rack | Analogue-Modelled Effects Plugin. appeared first on Rhodes Music.

The Rhodes MK8 is a wholly reimagined and painstakingly designed instrument that builds on the integrity of a long line of universally loved and now classic instruments. The MK8’s new stereo analogue effects section, which delivers the same premium, tactile experience as other groundbreaking features on the instrument, features a classic VCA compressor, 4-stage VCA phaser and bucket brigade chorus and delay — all controllable via the front panel or by using up to two expression pedals simultaneously. Notably, the MK8-FX can also function as a standalone stereo analogue FX processor for external sound sources connected via the included FX loop. ​ ​

“The MK8 builds on the quality and legacy of previous Rhodes instruments, taking them to the next level,” commented Matt Pelling, CEO of Rhodes. “The analogue effects section vastly extends the sonic palette of this instrument in a highly customized way. Each effect delivers the rich sound and control one would expect from analogue circuitry, and is crafted to map to the specific timbral and sonic parameters of the MK8. This ultimately delivers a uniquely creative playing experience for each and every player — whether they be composers, live performers or studio musicians.” ​

VCA Compressor: smooth it out or pump it up ​ 
​Useful for evening out the dynamics of a performance or for achieving creative pumping effects, the VCA compressor is highly adaptable so users can adjust the levels in a way that compliments his or her own playing style. The compressor control is equipped with an LED light that increases in brightness as the player applies more compression. 

Phaser: add shimmer, movement or sonic depth ​ 
​With the MK8’s built-in phaser, users can manipulate the MK8’s sound by modulating notched filters applied to the audio signal. By adjusting the rate and depth knobs, performers can also manipulate the speed and amount of the phase effect being applied. This use of creative comb filtering can be used to spice up a phrase or add funk to a performance. ‘Alternative mode’ also allows user control over phaser frequency. 

Bucket Brigade Chorus: an integrated classic ​ 
​On older Rhodes instruments, a classic ‘trick’ was to run the piano’s output through a chorus pedal for smooth modulation and expanded stereo width. Now, with the new built-in chorus module, users can seamlessly add the effect to their sound by turning an integrated knob. Push the depth and rate knobs clockwise to further the pitch modulation — adjust on the fly to add color to your performances. ‘Alternative mode’ also allows user control of chorus time.

Delay: flexible timing variation and control ​ ​ 
​With a range of 60ms to 0.8 seconds, the integrated Stereo Delay section can add depth and character to the sound along with pitch-modulated and reverb-esque effects too. Create interesting grooves that are perfectly synced by using the “tap tempo” feature. Play with the mix knob or assign an expression pedal to time and mix while performing to create movement and add variation to a track. Whether embellishing a jazz solo or creating ethereal textures, the delay module brings sounds to life, no matter what the genre. ‘Alternative mode’ also allows user control of delay spread and jitter. 

Inputs and Interface ​ 
​The MK8 is a highly versatile future-facing instrument designed to plug directly into any modern or classic studio or stage setup. The piano is equipped with both ¼” jacks and balanced XLR outputs as well as the familiar send and return ¼” jacks for integrating external audio and FX pedals for even further flexibility. The MK8 features the most advanced preamp found in any Rhodes piano, as well as a 3-band equalizer providing the user with the ultimate degree of tonal control. The preamp also features an envelope knob, which allows users to create an auto-wah / touch-wah effect working in conjunction with the analogue mid-range filter of the EQ section. This wah-effect can also be assigned to an expression pedal for classic foot-controlled wah, negating the need for an external wah-wah pedal. ​

To achieve the classic Rhodes vibrato effect along with new synth-like textures, ring modulation and sound FX, the MK8 also includes a Vari-Pan section. There are two LED lights that are on by default, which flickers in and out in accordance with the rate and depth settings. This provides a lovely visual of the effect in action, as well as important visual feedback for the performer. Four waveshape presets — including square, upwards ramp, triangle and sine — can also be selected to achieve nicely varied textures.

Alternative Mode ​ 
​The MK8 also contains an extremely advanced analogue control system, providing the user with the ability to modify performance of both the onboard preamp and FX and the front panel. However, if the user wishes to change any parameters, they can do this in “alternative mode”, where features can be edited in real-time and saved even after powering off the instrument. ​ ​ 

While in “alternative mode”, knobs on the front panel are mapped to new functions not previously available. As an example, if a user wants to have control over the ratio of compression, they can adjust this by entering alternative mode and adjusting the amount knob. Now, the user has even more control to dial the specific amount of compression. ​ Similarly, when moving the “chorus rate” knob in “alternative mode” the user is actually adjusting the time of the chorus effect. These additional functions add more exact control and can lead to experimental and creative outcomes. ​

In a time when every DAW and VST developer offers a variation on the classic ‘electric piano’ preset sound, The Rhodes MK8 is a potent reminder of the power and mystique that analogue instruments can bring to recording and performing live. With this abundance of new sounds and features, the MK8 is set to redefine and confidently extend the sound of electromechanical pianos for a new generation of artists, producers, and recording engineers. ​ ​

The post The Rhodes MK8 – New World of Sonic Possibilities appeared first on Rhodes Music.

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A truly momentous occasion in Rhodes history, CPO Dan Goldman and industrial designer Axel Hartmann’s combined vision of the celebratory limited-edition MK8 is finally realised. After selling out within minutes to customers worldwide, the first-ever limited-edition MK8 piano, the MK8/75AE, now embarks on its onward journey.

Defined with the MK8 and further established with the MK8/75AE, our exacting standards run through the core of the Rhodes identity, as does our quest for perfection.  As such, during the re-evaluation of our production timeline, the product development department at Rhodes made huge advancements to a plethora of components within the MK8 as well as specialist parts exclusive to the MK8/75AE.

Over the past 12 months, the MK8 has undergone significant improvements in both its action and tactile experience. Through refining damper materials and production techniques, coupled with subtle adjustments to key lengths, balance points, and felt thicknesses, the action and feel of the MK8/75AE has evolved even further.

Standing back, taking in the first-ever finished MK8/75AE in all its glory, Rhodes CPO Dan Goldman explains the piano’s significance, “It represents the pinnacle of our collective technological and aesthetic prowess over the last 75 years, culminating in a truly unique, jaw-droppingly stunning piano.” Casting back to early 2023, Dan recalls the conception of this limited-edition MK8 “From the get-go, we sourced only the finest mechanical, electronic and cosmetic parts, and with Axel Hartmann’s industrial design expertise, we were able to bring this dream concept into reality and then some!”

Rhodes HQ in Leeds is bustling with activity, and with plenty to be proud of, production of the MK8/75AE symbolises added poignance for Dan, concluding, “For the whole team here in Leeds, seeing this piano come to life has been a hugely proud moment and proof that Rhodes is back for good! Here’s to the next 75 years!”

The post Celebrating 75 Years of Rhodes Pianos appeared first on Rhodes Music.