MK-80 Rhodes sounds

[marciopombo]

A friend is selling his MK-80 and I´d like to ask you what do you think about its rhodes sounds and the action. Do you think it´s a good buy if I´m looking for a good sounding rhodes and a good piano action or are there better products on the market?

[S_Gould]

I think it's great. Very customizable (I hope the manual is with it). I wouldn't give mine up for anything.

 

Scott

[coyote]

It really depends on many factors. I own one and think it's fantastic! Here are my considerations:

 

1. price. I got mine for $400. US. No way I would have paid more than $500, but for that price or less I like it.

 

2. it's big & heavy. If you have the means to transport it, this is not a problem. It has a very large top deck, just like the old MKII Rhodes models - great for putting another synth on.

 

3. the action is great IMO. A number of newer, more expensive boards don't have as good an action.

 

4. 16 voice polyphony. I only have 10 fingers so it's generally not an issue - but I guess if you did lots of open sustained tones it could be a problem.

 

5. The sounds themselves. Its Rhodes sounds hold up pretty well in comparison to many current sampled Rhodes, and it lacks the velocity-switching problems which plague so many of those samples. Its acoustic piano sounds are good too; one of the blessings of the MK80 is that the presets are not cloaked in silly effects. What you hear is what you get with this board. The clav & vibes sounds are usable, and the electric grand is also decent.

 

6. And speaking of effects, there are some very good ones on the MK80. The tremolo is superb, even in mono. The phase shift is very good also, and the chorus is good enough.

 

Here's a link to check out:

http://www.fenderrhodes.org/rhodes/supersite/models/mk80.html

 

Good luck on your decision!

[DSears]

I really like mine. The action is great and the sounds are quite useable. I agree on moving it, it's a pain. If I could afford it I'd just leave the MK80 in the studio and buy something lighter for taking to gigs.

 

- David

[coyote]

Actually I insist on taking it with me! Its benefits outweigh the weight/size factor (and IMO actually contribute to making it a great gig board)

 

Originally posted by DSears:

I really like mine. The action is great and the sounds are quite useable. I agree on moving it, it's a pain. If I could afford it I'd just leave the MK80 in the studio and buy something lighter for taking to gigs.

- David