ElmerJFudd Posted July 9, 2021 Share Posted July 9, 2021 ' A New Chapter for Rhodes Musical Instruments Rhodes is back and under the management of a completely new team of world-leading music instrument technology specialists. The new company, based in the United Kingdom, is called Rhodes Music Group Ltd. Our mission is to continue founder Harold Rhodes" development of the highest quality musical instruments.' https://mailchi.mp/a54f80f3a58c/rhodes-a-new-chapter-4932402?e=%5BUNIQID https://www.rhodespiano.com/ Quote Yamaha CP88, Casio PX-560 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Morrissey Posted July 9, 2021 Share Posted July 9, 2021 We've seen the Rhodes reboot attempt once or twice before. Does anyone know if this Matt Pelling fellow has a better chance to succeed? I wish him all the luck. Competition from a new Rhodes company and Vintage Vibe might pressure prices down to where I can buy one or the other! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ElmerJFudd Posted July 9, 2021 Author Share Posted July 9, 2021 I"m betting perhaps they do a Mk VIII or whatever they are up to, and use the brand name to launch other keyboard instruments and amplifiers and license to VI"s and such. With the right people anything is possible. Quote Yamaha CP88, Casio PX-560 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moonglow Posted July 9, 2021 Share Posted July 9, 2021 Wasn"t there a Rhodes VII prototype several years ago? I wonder what happened to that attempt. The Crumar Seven Rhodes experience is uncanny. Quote "We don't stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing." - George Bernard Shaw Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Al Coda Posted July 9, 2021 Share Posted July 9, 2021 Wasn"t there a Rhodes VII prototype several years ago? I wonder what happened to that attempt. The Crumar Seven Rhodes experience is uncanny. Not only prototypes,- Rhodes mk VII models were in the market,- passive, active, suitcase in 73 and 88 versions. But expensive ... Vintage Vibe is expensive too. The new company has to find a way manufacturing a good build quality and reliable Rhodes piano for an affordable price,- more or less affordable for the average joe musician,- and not only for big income earners. Most, if not all, go bancrupt because they don´t sell enough items. When I ran such company,- I´d only make 1 model 1st,- the passive 73, but great build quality and excellent sounding in the sense to get that warm "Herbie" tone,- which I guess was early Fender Rhodes mk I (suitcase). And it should get a flattop lid. I´d consider a Kemper modelling amp for the various amplification tones, EQ and such. It should fit on existing keyboardstands and can come w/o retro legs and gimmicks to keep cost low. A.C. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Delaware Dave Posted July 9, 2021 Share Posted July 9, 2021 Could be a tough road to hoe here. A lot like Hammond, where perhaps the best emulations aren't the hammond brand name. So many good rhodes emulations that this could be difficult if they're moving to a digital solution. Quote 57 Hammond B3; 69 Hammond L100P; 68 Leslie 122; Kurzweil Forte7 & PC3; M-Audio Code 61; Voce V5+; Neo Vent; EV ELX112P; GSI Gemini & Burn Delaware Dave Exit93band Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marzzz Posted July 9, 2021 Share Posted July 9, 2021 Could be a tough road to hoe here. Uh, that's row to hoe... There was a Mark VII about ten years ago, and I remember that the guy who was heading it up (name?) was a bit of a douche- causing problems on vintage Rhodes websites and threatening lawsuits over just saying "Rhodes." They had a MIDI'd version that had polyphonic aftertouch, of all things. It was kinda weird, and you know how I feel about PolyAT. They were demonstrating them at NAMM back then, and I actually came by and had to show them how to set up Logic ES2 so that they had a polyAT sound source. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
16251 Posted July 9, 2021 Share Posted July 9, 2021 I hope they do well. My best experiences with Rhodes is hearing them played by Herbie, Chick, Max, Patrice, Duke, etc. My worse experience was owning them. For me, they were sluggish, heavy, tine, rubber, etc replacement regularly, (this includes stints with Satellite speakers, Chuck Monte eq's and had him personally working on one of them.) Quote AvantGrand N2 | ES520 | Gallien-Krueger MK & MP | https://soundcloud.com/pete36251 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ElmerJFudd Posted July 9, 2021 Author Share Posted July 9, 2021 Acquiring a good one, transporting and maintaining, not being stuck with the limited timbre possibilities - all things we"ve largely said farewell to with digitalis. That said, like an acoustic piano - it"s really nice to have one at home or pleasantly surprised when walking into a venue or studio. Quote Yamaha CP88, Casio PX-560 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reezekeys Posted July 9, 2021 Share Posted July 9, 2021 These are the topics that always come up now that we have good sampling and modeling available. IMO, it all boils down to "user experience." Is there a psychological component to sitting down in front of the real thing, knowing that you're actuating a mechanical excitation of a vibrating object, versus simply closing switch contacts that send numbers down a wire to be interpreted by software? I can understand why someone might feel that way, as much as I know I don't! I wish this new endeavor luck; it sounds like a tough sell, given today's mostly digital landscape. Maybe one day I'll encounter one of these, or an older but well-maintained Rhodes, and eat my words. PS - I've owned (and moved!) two Rhodes in my lifetime. I think that quota has been reached. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Morrissey Posted July 9, 2021 Share Posted July 9, 2021 Interesting that the new management took over the old Rhodes Facebook page. The page still includes content circa 2014 showcasing the new Rhodes models released at that time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mate stubb Posted July 9, 2021 Share Posted July 9, 2021 Could be a tough road to hoe here. Uh, that's row to hoe... There was a Mark VII about ten years ago, and I remember that the guy who was heading it up (name?) was a bit of a douche- causing problems on vintage Rhodes websites and threatening lawsuits over just saying "Rhodes." Joe Brandstetter Quote Moe --- Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MikeT156 Posted July 9, 2021 Share Posted July 9, 2021 I wonder if there is a market for even a original Rhodes, clone or not. Musicians want the sound but don't want the weight. Sure, a recording studio would be a place for a Mark one suitcase piano, but making a modern Rhodes that is light weight, SOUNDS like Rhodes, and doesn't cost of fortune is a very tall order. Mike T. Quote Yamaha Motif ES8, Alesis Ion, Prophet 5 Rev 3.2, 1979 Rhodes Mark 1 Suitcase 73 Piano, Arp Odyssey Md III, Roland R-70 Drum Machine, Digitech Vocalist Live Pro. Roland Boss Chorus Ensemble CE-1. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Morrissey Posted July 9, 2021 Share Posted July 9, 2021 I wonder if there is a market for even a original Rhodes, clone or not. Musicians want the sound but don't want the weight. Sure, a recording studio would be a place for a Mark one suitcase piano, but making a modern Rhodes that is light weight, SOUNDS like Rhodes, and doesn't cost of fortune is a very tall order. Mike T. Vintage Vibe has proven there is still a (niche) market for new tine pianos. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MikeT156 Posted July 9, 2021 Share Posted July 9, 2021 Who can afford Vintage Vibe Pianos? They are REALLY expensive. So they don't meet the criteria in my Post. Sound, lightweight, and AFFORDABLE. I rest my case. Quote Yamaha Motif ES8, Alesis Ion, Prophet 5 Rev 3.2, 1979 Rhodes Mark 1 Suitcase 73 Piano, Arp Odyssey Md III, Roland R-70 Drum Machine, Digitech Vocalist Live Pro. Roland Boss Chorus Ensemble CE-1. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GovernorSilver Posted July 10, 2021 Share Posted July 10, 2021 Of course there's a market. Well-financed/profitable touring acts who can afford to hire roadies. Musos whose backs can still take the punishment of carrying such things night after night and love the vintage stuff. I saw a young man who didn't look a day over 25 play a show at Black Cat Backstage (the smaller room) in DC with vintage Mellotron and either a Rhodes or Wurly. I dunno how the logistics of touring with those electromechanical beasts were managed or how the financials worked. Maybe he belonged to one of the European noble families and/or had rich parents. This gig was within the 2010-2015 time frame. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OB Dave Posted July 10, 2021 Share Posted July 10, 2021 I wish them the best of luck. Considering how the previous CEO had a truly remarkable capacity to antagonize suppliers, vendors, customers, and the fan base, I don't see how the new management could do things any worse. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
adamcz Posted July 10, 2021 Share Posted July 10, 2021 Who can afford Vintage Vibe Pianos? Don't you have instruments totaling more than the cost of a Vintage Vibe in your forum signature? They're certainly not cheap, but in a world where saxophone players buy vintage Mark VIs, trumpet players buy Monettes, bass players buy Fodera or Alembic, a $5k-9k piano doesn't seem so unreasonable to me. I'm beyond excited for mine to arrive in a couple months. Quote Yamaha CP73, Prophet 6, Moog Grandmother, Vintage Vibe Deluxe 73 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Morrissey Posted July 10, 2021 Share Posted July 10, 2021 Another data point: a 73-key 1973 Rhodes Stage piano new cost $720 USD. In 2021 dollars, that'd be $4,365. If they could sell new ones at that price point, they'd come in underneath several Nord Stage models. The Rhodes and the Nord are totally different beasts, to be sure. But point is the high-end keyboard market is already pushing 5 grand as a viable price point. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ElmerJFudd Posted July 10, 2021 Author Share Posted July 10, 2021 At the same time Korg isn"t updating their $3900 Kronos, but rather focusing on a derivative Nautilus to make the $2700 mark. And you"ve got Behringer making analogue synths and bringing them to market at unheard of price points. Getting the word out and getting the website up will let the new Rhodes people know what the interest is. There"s for sure going to be people who want a real electro mechanical Rhodes in brand new condition. The questions are⦠how many people and at what price point. If they have some innovative ideas on reduced weight, amplification, modern features, etc. We"ll have to wait and see. Quote Yamaha CP88, Casio PX-560 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doerfler Posted July 10, 2021 Share Posted July 10, 2021 Who can afford Vintage Vibe Pianos? Well, they can't build them fast enough, always a 2 to 6 month backorder. They moved to a larger location about 6 or 7 years ago. I have been to both locations. Actually, they are not terribly far from you, Mike. If the stars align properly I will be visiting them in New Jersey one week from today. I'll ask Chris Carroll the question you posed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MAJUSCULE Posted July 10, 2021 Share Posted July 10, 2021 I'd love a VV, or a well-built and reliable new Rhodes. Dan Goldman (JD73) is on board as the Chief Product Officer. I take that as a positive sign, though it's obviously much too early to tell if they'll succeed in the long run. Quote Eric Website Gear page Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ProfD Posted July 11, 2021 Share Posted July 11, 2021 As Rhodes EP is my primary sound, I appreciate the endeavor these folks are undertaking. However, considering that there are fewer folks interested in a boutique Rhodes and/or they are totally satisfied with their facsimile EP sounds, I do wonder if there's a viable market for a new Rhodes. Quote PD "The greatest thing you'll ever learn, is just to love and be loved in return."--E. Ahbez "Nature Boy" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Delaware Dave Posted July 11, 2021 Share Posted July 11, 2021 As Rhodes EP is my primary sound, I appreciate the endeavor these folks are undertaking. However, considering that there are fewer folks interested in a boutique Rhodes and/or they are totally satisfied with their facsimile EP sounds, I do wonder if there's a viable market for a new Rhodes. that's how i see it as well, boutique. not enough units will be sold to maintain profitability then the company disappears, owners will be left with scrambling to deal with parts sourcing and repairs. Quote 57 Hammond B3; 69 Hammond L100P; 68 Leslie 122; Kurzweil Forte7 & PC3; M-Audio Code 61; Voce V5+; Neo Vent; EV ELX112P; GSI Gemini & Burn Delaware Dave Exit93band Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
linwood Posted July 11, 2021 Share Posted July 11, 2021 This is the one you want... https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/105899580_chick-corea-s-1972-fender-rhodes-suitcase-model?fbclid=IwAR00WZwOCLF9fBsnWol8zaHEDwxp1FVMAipMLOz0iZckPJbBJqpeBD5A1LA Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reezekeys Posted July 11, 2021 Share Posted July 11, 2021 Except for the VV (one bid so far), zero bids on any of Chick's other gear there. I see his trenchcoat starting at $400. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marzzz Posted July 11, 2021 Share Posted July 11, 2021 So the thing about a Rhodes is that it was originally a more portable (and amplified) alternative to a piano. Back in the 70s I had a 73 Stage for just that purpose, and I wasn"t fond of it. Extremely heavy and awkward to move, the Tolex tore if you looked at it funny, and I worked on the touch and sound like crazy to get it to not sound so much like a vibraphone. When the Yamaha CP-70 came out (out of my price range) I thought it was a great step forward and a lot of bands I liked used it, but when I hear it now I really prefer piano- lately I have been listening to the Phish Channel on SiriusXM, and you can hear Page McConnell using a CP-70 live in their early days, but now that he tours with an acoustic grand it just sounds so much better. So, I am happy to use Pianoteq, and even though I have emulations of the Rhodes, Whirly and CP-70, I don"t find myself yearning for the Rhodes experience. FWIW Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GovernorSilver Posted July 11, 2021 Share Posted July 11, 2021 Guys who have decent income and are happy to just play at home, stumble across videos like this, and can't get a e-piano from VV because of their backlog - that's a market for new Rhodes [video:youtube] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
drawback Posted July 11, 2021 Share Posted July 11, 2021 Man, that is TONE. Quote ____________________________________ Rod Here for the gear. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
linwood Posted July 11, 2021 Share Posted July 11, 2021 Mine plays that nice, but I don't. lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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