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514 Chapter 28 EVP88
The Rhodes piano was also made available as a suitcase piano (with pre-amp and two-
channel combo amplifier) and as a stage piano, without amplifier. Both of these 73-key
“portable” versions have a vinyl-covered wooden frame and a plastic top. In 1973, an 88
key model was introduced. Smaller “Celeste” and bass versions were less popular. The
Mk II (1978) had a flat top instead of a rounded one. This allowed keyboardists to place
extra keyboards on top of the Rhodes. In 1984 the Mark V was introduced, and even
sported a MIDI output. Around this time, Rhodes production decreased as most
keyboard players invested in the more flexible (and lighter) digital synthesizers
available. These keyboards could emulate the sound of older pianos, like the Rhodes,
and also had the bonus of a range of great new piano sounds.
The individual characteristic sound of each Rhodes piano depends more on the
adjustment and maintenance of the instrument than on the model. Early models had
hammers covered with felt, resulting in a smoother sound than the newer models,
which had neoprene-covered hammers. The suitcase piano featured a pre amplifier
which could create a sound with a very dominant mid range. But appropriate pre
amplifiers and equalizers can make a stage piano sound the same. The stage piano has
no power cord—just like an electric guitar.
The MkII has no resonance clamps in the treble range, unlike former models. This is
why it has a little less sustain in the treble range. The most significant differences in
terms of sound depend on how “deeply” the tine is adjusted. In cases where it is in a
deep position—closer to the pickup—the bell characteristic becomes more prominent.
In the eighties, many Rhodes pianos were adjusted so that they had more “bell”—the
taste of the time.
There is little use in naming the most prominent Rhodes players and styles. Practically
every keyboard player of the electric jazz, jazz rock, crossover, soul pop, and rock styles
used to play it, at least in the seventies. Many still do. One of them is Ray Charles, who
played the role of a blind music shop owner in the Blues Brothers movie. Negotiating
the price of a used Rhodes, the Blues Brothers mentioned the lack of keyboard “action”.
In the ensuing furious—and famous—Rhodes solo, Ray Charles proved that this
particular Rhodes had plenty of “action”. For those of you who have never played the
original instrument, the keyboard action feels a little smooth in travel and sticky when
fully depressed. This makes its “feel” a little unusual for many players unfamiliar with it.
Obviously, though, its feel is good enough for Ray Charles!