2009

Table Of Contents
Attack Piano
The Metal Piano and Attack Piano models feature “idealized” sound qualities that could
only be aimed at with the original Rhodes instruments. Although these models may not
sound realistic, they have at least partially achieved the ideals that the Rhodes technicians
might have had in mind when preparing their keyboards.
Wurlitzer Piano
This well-known manufacturer of music boxes and organs also built electric pianos—which
helped write pop and rock music history. The 200 series Wurlitzer pianos are smaller and
lighter than the Rhodes pianos, with a keyboard range of 64 keys (A to C) and an integrated
amplifier and speakers.
The Wurlitzer action resembles that of a conventional acoustic piano, and it is velocity
sensitive, just like the Rhodes. Its sound generation system is based on spring steel reeds
that can be tuned with a solder weight. The Wurlitzer has electrostatic pickups: The reeds
are supplied with a 0-volt current and move between the teeth of a comb, connected to
a 150-volt current. The tone of the Wurlitzer, which was first manufactured in the early
1960s, features a number of odd harmonics.
The Wurlitzer is best known as the signature piano sound of the band Supertramp, as
heard on their “Crime of the Century album. You might also recognize the Wurlitzer
sound when listening to Pink Floyd’s The Dark Side of the Moon,” or “I Am the Walrus”
by The Beatles.
Wurlitzer Models:
Wurlitzer 200 A
Wurlitzer 240 V
Soft Wurlitzer
Funk Piano
The EVP88 Funk Piano model offers a special synthetic piano engine sound, with an
exaggerated bass. This is not based on any real-world Wurlitzer instruments, but it can
be a very useful sound, nonetheless.
Hohner Electra Piano
Not to be confused with the all-electronic RMI Electrapiano, the extremely rare Hohner
Electra Piano offers striking hammers like those of the Rhodes, but a stiffer keyboard
action. It was designed to resemble the look of a conventional acoustic upright piano.
Led Zeppelins John Paul Jones played it on “Stairway to Heaven,” “Misty Mountain Hop,”
and “No Quarter.”
Hohner Electra Model:
Electra Piano
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