RHODES
Mk
I Suitcase Piano
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Although Harold Rhodes first conceived the Rhodes piano as a practice piano for the U. S. Army Corps in 1942, it did not see the public until 1959, as the Fender Rhodes Piano Bass. Ray Manzarek of the Doors made the Piano Bass popular in the 1960's. It wasn't until 1970 that the Rhodes Piano made it's way to the marketplace. Then marketed by Fender, the MK I Stage piano became the most used electric piano on recordings of the day. The Stage Piano had four legs supporting the piano with a mechanical sustain pedal. The Suitcase Piano was introduced soon after, containing an amplifier and speakers in the suitcase section, with the piano set on top.
After Rhodes broke from Fender CBS Instruments, the MK II was released. By the time the MK III, and MK V versions began to become available, digital keyboards began to replace the electro-mechanical instrument.
My Rhodes MK I Suitcase Piano is a 1975 model, and plays exceptionally well. It has a thick hardy sound with just the right amount of that crystalline tine sound. One feature of the suitcase piano that is quite unique is the stereo tremolo. The sound moves back and forth from left to right to create a stereo field, a feature only available on the suitcase version. Another version of the Rhodes, the Stage model, is dependent on an external amplifier.
As of January 28, 2006, my restoration project is complete. New tolex, grill cloth, hardware and new logo plates have been added which can be seen in the restoration pictures.