1975 Rhodes Stage 73

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  • Опубліковано 12 січ 2025

КОМЕНТАРІ • 104

  • @ThePianoforever
    @ThePianoforever  4 роки тому

    If you like music, you might want to check out my second channel "Milan Recording Studios". Feel free to subscribe and hit the bell icon if you want to!
    ua-cam.com/channels/u1LrpmWwK1ztTvIayRar9w.html

  • @chrisdeterman3247
    @chrisdeterman3247 4 роки тому +45

    I'm a guitar player, I don't even know how to play piano. However I always watch Fender Rhodes videos because the instrument is so cool.

    • @JedoArts
      @JedoArts 4 роки тому +1

      Same here. I think about buying a midi keyboard and use a virtual instrument that has a rhodes sound.

    • @nickpilgrim1966
      @nickpilgrim1966 3 роки тому

      I play saxophone but I love videos on the Fender Rhodes

  • @jackmeeker6194
    @jackmeeker6194 6 років тому +55

    Boy, did your video bring back memories. Those Rhodes were a beast, and weighed a ton. I played one in a 17 piece stage band in the 70's during music studies and remember lugging that thing around on a dolly to gigs. Sometimes I would get lucky and have some poor soul help me to move and set it up. What a pain to move, but man, once it was set up and plugged into a Fender amp, the funky sound it created was fantastic. I remember playing a solo with the band backing me up _ the tune was called "Bluesy Basie" - and the Rhodes turned the piece into something right out of a Maynard Ferguson concert. You got yourself a great instrument. Congrats.

    • @Lalairu
      @Lalairu 5 років тому +1

      Wow what an awesome story. There was a ton of wonderful music in the 70s, soul and jazz...❤
      I wish I could play one someday. I am going to learn how to play keys (I know how to play guitar) and I feel fascinated by the Rhodes. I also love synths, the Roland Juno is wonderful. Fortunately midi keyboards exist so I will be able to emulate the sounds...despite is not the real thing, I will enjoy it for sure. Thank you for sharing this story, is always cool to read nice things like these.

    • @carlbowles1808
      @carlbowles1808 5 років тому +1

      I remember too with pleasure 😊.

  • @carlbowles1808
    @carlbowles1808 5 років тому +6

    My growing years were during the Rhodes golden era of the 1970's. Everyone seemed to use it making it the sound of that era. This is more than just an instrument it's a living time capsule still in use today. Samples do a good job but "ain't nothing like the real thing baby. I love the growly bass and bell like highs. The Rhodes is still my favorite there is nothing like it. Thank you for the video now I know the whole story.

  • @peterharrison5833
    @peterharrison5833 6 років тому +8

    James--the plastic piece inside the storage compartment is for storing the legs and the sustain pedal rod. It was one way to keep those pieces from aging too fast if you were on the road a lot.
    Also, FYI, in the late 1970s, Fender made a model that was a Stage Model 54. Yes...as in 54 keys. Believe it or not, it would fit inside a VW Beetle in the back seat. (Just barely, LOL!) That was the car I had in the late '70s and early '80's, so it was important to be able to get to a gig and not have to borrow transportation. Additionally, I had a couple of different amps that I could fit into the passenger seat up front. (Again, just barely.) The range of the 54 was from the C two octaves below middle C to an F about 2 1/2 octaves up. It had one slider for tone, and one for volume and that was it. But the feel and tone were the classic Rhodes sound, so if you were on a budget, you could gig pretty well with that kind of set up, and not have to pay as much in car insurance as the guys who had station wagons and vans. Oh, and by the way, it weighed 100 pounds, so you were still having to lug this thing around that was pretty heavy. But, as I like to joke about nowadays, the days of walking into the club and finding a tuned baby grand every place you played are long gone.

    • @ThePianoforever
      @ThePianoforever  6 років тому

      Peter Harrison
      Thank you for my omission about the 54 key version. I have seen them around, but always as the later version from the late 70''s with the flat grooved top.It's great to hear someone's experiences playing the Rhodes back when they were new.

    • @peterharrison5833
      @peterharrison5833 6 років тому

      James---you're welcome. Also, of course you know about the Fender Rhodes piano bass. Thanks to a number of rock bands in the '60s, and mainly Ray Manzarek of the Doors, that little number was the bass instrument in a lot of bands. Of course it didn't sound like an acoustic bass or and electric bass, but it was one way to go, if a band's keyboard player had a good left hand and there was no bass player. A bit of a stylistic niche that didn't last too long, but it was pretty cool for those bands that used it.
      Here's a link to a Wikipedia article on it:
      en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keyboard_bass
      Keep up the good work. Your videos are very entertaining and educational!

    • @ThePianoforever
      @ThePianoforever  6 років тому +1

      Yes, I do know about the piano Bass, and own one from late 72. I picked it up a couple of months ago. It had not been played since the mid 70's, and needed a lot of work to get it back in order. It's starting to sound really good! I would like to do some videos on it, but would also like to have a Vox Continental to go with it. I think the two of them would really bring out the best of both.

  • @rodtompkins
    @rodtompkins 3 роки тому +2

    I bought this exact model brand new back in the day, 1977 maybe. Played it nearly constantly at home and on the road for a few years. Even took it with me once when I flew and American Airlines baggage folks scuffed it up a bit. It was really cool how the legs and pedal stored inside the lid. I was always messing around under the hood to make it sound just a little better. Occasionally had to tune a few notes and at one point did an active EQ retrofit. I sold it many years ago, but I still feel my heart flutter when I see one.

  • @Renatodonadio
    @Renatodonadio 6 років тому +18

    13:44 The end of the piano solo in "Riders on the storm" ;-D

  • @Daveinet
    @Daveinet 4 роки тому +2

    I had a 88 Rhodes in what I called was time warp condition. It was used for a short time for a band that never went anywhere. The instrument never left the guys house. We got it and used it for recordings for a couple of years. It had very few hours of use. Then it just sat in a living room with the cover on it. Sold it on Craigslist - they flew 1000 miles to pick it up, rented a van, and drove it back home.

  • @patrickgallagher1161
    @patrickgallagher1161 6 років тому +12

    Also, for when you find a suitcase 88, (maybe you already know this) but look out for a piano that was made from mid-1977 or before, because these pianos had what was know as the Peterson preamp (three knobs), which have a smoother and more lush vibrato than the Janus preamp mid-1977 - 1981(knobs with eq sliders) which have a more robotic, jarring vibrato. Just beware because sometimes the tungsten vibrato bulbs in the Peterson preamp may be faulty causing the vibrato to be out of shape. Anyway thank you so much for the video and I wish you luck with your upcoming endeavors!

  • @SoundsOfMusik
    @SoundsOfMusik 6 років тому +1

    I have a variation of one if these puppies and its goes, beautiful sound. Recieved it free from my Church and it's been a great experience. Awesome and very informative video

  • @oubrioko
    @oubrioko 2 місяці тому

    7:01 The metal angled components James is pointing to are *_tone bars_*
    7:30 The metal rod mounted beneath the tone bars are *_tines._* Functionally similar to an acoustic piano string, the tines are struck by hammers and muted by dampers.

  • @courag1
    @courag1 6 років тому +6

    Great demo, really enjoyed that you took the cover off and explained the workings of the innards. On the keys with the stickers: once the stickers are removed, the residual glue seemed to have discolored the key underneath. You might try a whitening toothpaste and work at it with an ear swab. Be aware it is damp and you don't want the moisture getting into the mechanism.
    Very cool old keyboard, looks like you scored a really good deal. When you get your 88 Rhodes, can hardly wait to hear that demo. Love your playing. You are gifted but have done the practice and it is clear you have such joy when you play. Pure delight to listen to.

  • @pamelaarescurrinaga3295
    @pamelaarescurrinaga3295 6 років тому +1

    I'm not a musician, but I thoroughly enjoy your interesting and informative videos.
    Thank you.

  • @bradstith4123
    @bradstith4123 6 років тому +2

    Hi James. Nice looking Stage 73. I have a 1975 Stage 73 Mark I, also in excellent shape. Purchased it brand new in '75. It was built five weeks after the one you have. The date stamp on your pickup rail (0675) indicates the build began during the 6th week in 1975. The date stamp on the tonebar rail (1051) indicates the build was completed on March 3, 1075. 10=10th week, 5=1975, 1=day of the week (1- Monday through 7 - Sunday). My date stamps are 1275 and 1552. I had mine setup by Buz Watson, a Rhodes tech known for his ability to dial-in the perfect sound through some of the adjustments you mention.

    • @ThePianoforever
      @ThePianoforever  6 років тому

      Brad Smith, thank you for the comment about your Rhodes. I hope one day to have a early 1972-1973 Fender Rhodes 88 Suitcase, but they are in fact very hard to find, and even harder to find in excellent condition.

  • @patrickgallagher1161
    @patrickgallagher1161 6 років тому +2

    Holy moly that's great and thank you for the mention!!!!!!! I really enjoyed the in-depth look you gave. (You certainly didn't have to) but thank you for covering this great instrument!

    • @ThePianoforever
      @ThePianoforever  6 років тому +3

      Glad you enjoyed it! I do in-depth looks at all the instruments I find, it's really fun to look at all the little things that show how the equipment ticks and the odd little details that make them special.

    • @patrickgallagher1161
      @patrickgallagher1161 6 років тому +1

      ThePianoforever Oh yes! Especially in a world now where everything is circuits boards. Although the genuine article will always have a special place in music

  • @carlbowles1808
    @carlbowles1808 5 років тому +2

    The Rhodes has a special resonance that samples cannot equal. Modern artists recognize this and use it. The Rhodes is the real McCoy 👍❤️🎼😊👍 🌻. Thanks for the love💖💣🎼😇🌅.

  • @microwah
    @microwah 6 років тому +1

    I've never seen 'under the hood' before. Fascinating and very cool. Beautiful and iconic instrument. Great video

  • @nickhaldin8674
    @nickhaldin8674 5 років тому +19

    That date stamp actually means it was made the 6th week of 1975.

  • @patsstudio
    @patsstudio 3 роки тому

    Talented presenter. Not many people can make videos like this in one take. Lovely instrument too, bought one. :D

  • @Mrpoulenc1899
    @Mrpoulenc1899 5 років тому +1

    That was a gem of a Video James, a little bit of everything for everybody, personally enjoyed under the cover technical details and explanations, and all bar one of the musical offerings were enjoyable to hear on a Rhodes. yes you hit the nail on the head when you described the Bach as sounding weird too too weird, almost disturbing.
    On a slightly related topic, would it be possible to have a similar video detailing the very core of the sound generation on the Hammond B3, the tone wheels are a mystery to me, have seen a picture of a covered tone generator, and a picture with the cover off, but no great detail or explanation; having watched your B3 series i am more intrigued now that i was previously. hope this finds favour with you as a possible vlog subject ? though i imagine getting to the tone generator in a Hammond may be a sight more complex than lifting the lid off a Rhodes; "sorry" in advance
    With much appreciation, kind regards Simon.

  • @michael_caz_nyc
    @michael_caz_nyc 4 роки тому

    Nothing more Beautiful then the Sound of a Rhodes.

  • @rikspector
    @rikspector 6 років тому +9

    James, Kind of reminds me of a Celeste.. it has a whimsical sound.

  • @BurstupTV
    @BurstupTV 6 років тому +3

    Cool video again, James. You call your electric piano "Fender Rhodes" a few times, even though this particular instrument was not made by Fender. Harold Rhodes gave Fender the license from 1959-1965, but your piano here is from 1975. It was the genius of Harold Rhodes that made these instruments awesome, Rhodes electric pianos sounded great before Fender and after them, too.

    • @ThePianoforever
      @ThePianoforever  6 років тому +3

      These instruments were known as Fender Rhodes, and had that logo on them
      until just a few months before this particular instrument was made.
      Rhodes had the basic idea starting in about 1946 as I remember, but it
      was under Fender that they became the iconic instrument known as the
      Fender Rhodes. In 1975 Fender took off their name strictly for marketing
      reasons, although the best years are considered to be in the 71-74
      range. I have a 72 Piano Bass version that I will review in the future.

  • @radiorexandy
    @radiorexandy 6 років тому +18

    Was that "sneak-peek" an excerpt from "Riders on the Storm" by the late Jim Morrison?

    • @ThePianoforever
      @ThePianoforever  6 років тому +7

      Bingo!

    • @rikkey3k
      @rikkey3k 6 років тому +5

      Great UA-cam video by Ray Manzarek [RIP] talking about "Riders": ua-cam.com/video/3deQXzV-qTk/v-deo.html

  • @rrjjgg101
    @rrjjgg101 6 років тому +4

    Hi James ..
    How are you?
    Well this is totally new instrument for me..
    Never heard...
    But Good Video..
    Thank you..
    RJ INDIA

  • @Shred_The_Weapon
    @Shred_The_Weapon 5 років тому +3

    Love to hear the theme music from the Harry Potter film series which I think was played on an antique Celeste.

  • @ChazSeamus28
    @ChazSeamus28 4 роки тому +2

    They don't make em like that anymore.. beautiful

  • @carlbowles1808
    @carlbowles1808 5 років тому

    I grew up listening to the Rhodes in the 70's. Most used it across genres. My favorites Chick Corea and Herbie Hancock elevated it to heavenly effect. The stage 73 ruled. Modern keyboards mimic nicely but not exactly. No keyboards can equal any Rhodes piano regardless of model or technology.
    The Rhodes still rules 🙏 no matter what they do. Thank you for your video👍🎼💝🌞🤗💖🔥💝.

  • @tomcat27557
    @tomcat27557 6 років тому +3

    would like to hear you play minute by minute on the Rhodes.

  • @pablopicaro7649
    @pablopicaro7649 3 роки тому +1

    Could Vibrato be added to the '75 Stage 73? seems like might be able to retrofit

  • @umajunkcollector
    @umajunkcollector 6 років тому +3

    I wonder if Mr Rhodes was inspired by a tall clock's chimes?
    Kinda interesting, clocks and keyboards, Hammond was a clock maker.

  • @dr.johnbrunn1550
    @dr.johnbrunn1550 5 років тому

    The plastic thing inside the compartment looks like the cover for the legs and pedal rod, and there also should be a cover for the pedal. When the covers are on the legs and pedal, you can barely fit everything in. The date stamp tells not the month and year, but the week and year. Mine (from 1971) has a number well above 12 followed by 71, which I found confusing until I found out it meant weeks. When I weighed mine, it came in at almost 135 pounds. I bought a Dodge Dart because it had a big enough trunk (barely). I had to put extra springs on the Dart. I still have both, and gave it a ride in the Dodge last spring for a special event.

    • @ThePianoforever
      @ThePianoforever  5 років тому

      Thank you for the correction. I really knew that, but just made a mistake in this video. I state it correctly in other videos I have done before and since.

    • @dr.johnbrunn1550
      @dr.johnbrunn1550 5 років тому

      @@ThePianoforever I figured you actually knew that, and other comments had already pointed it out. BTW, the guy I bought mine from told me it had belonged to a famous female vocalist before I picked it up in 1976.

  • @donlakakwaaijazz5220
    @donlakakwaaijazz5220 3 роки тому

    Love the 75 its got that thick sound you miss on the MkII

  • @borisc6714
    @borisc6714 6 років тому

    essentially, this little gem of an instrument is a amplified keyboard vibraphone...

  • @Sic4ce
    @Sic4ce 5 років тому

    I have an early 1979 it sounds great!

  • @Robb403
    @Robb403 6 років тому +2

    It's an interesting video. Imagine the engineering that went into an instrument that plays like a piano, but works like an electric guitar?

  • @AdamBorseti
    @AdamBorseti 5 років тому

    Great video! Did you ever make another video demonstrating the repairs and what not? I can't seem to figure out how to tighten those strings underneath the hammer. They have too much slack on the bottom 2 octaves, and it's making the action very sluggish, but I can't figure out how to tighten or adjust them! I'd love your advice.

  • @boldcautionproductions9203
    @boldcautionproductions9203 5 років тому

    Great video, there is one just like this one for sale on craigslist right now - hudson valley, if anyone is interested.
    Cool to see the innards - I never knew.

  • @adrianapartida5888
    @adrianapartida5888 6 років тому +3

    James do you ever try harpsichords

  • @bernardofitzpatrick5403
    @bernardofitzpatrick5403 6 років тому

    Cool - magical-fantasy-world music.

  • @ambulance_boy3834
    @ambulance_boy3834 5 років тому +3

    can I buy it when you get your new one? I am in love with rhodes and Wurlitzer but can't find any in good condition and good price.

    • @ThePianoforever
      @ThePianoforever  5 років тому +2

      These are 50 year old keyboards, and most will need a bit of work. If you buy one it would be best if you learned how to work on them yourself, and fix things when they go wrong. Most of the information is available online and it just takes a little thought and patience.

  • @mimoochodom2684
    @mimoochodom2684 6 років тому +4

    Was waiting for "Shake Your Tail Feather". lol.

  • @fotomule
    @fotomule 4 роки тому +2

    Would love to be neighbours to you. So we could play some more riders on the storm together. Good and happily enthusiastic keyboard players are almost impossible to come by here in little Denmark. Thx for your video.

  • @TheWaxworker
    @TheWaxworker 6 років тому +3

    I'm curious: Who directs and films your videos?

  • @edwinsinclair9853
    @edwinsinclair9853 6 років тому

    Might be fun if you tried one of the newer Allen organs

  • @CurtisMcLeodMusic
    @CurtisMcLeodMusic 6 років тому +2

    Hey what do you do for a living? You do a lot of traveling. Just curious

    • @ThePianoforever
      @ThePianoforever  6 років тому +2

      Our family is starting a recording studio in Tennessee.

    • @musikone1780
      @musikone1780 6 років тому

      Ah, Nashville.

    • @ThePianoforever
      @ThePianoforever  6 років тому +1

      Not Nashville, but still in Tennessee. We looked at Nashville, but the property values would have cut into our equipment budget.

  • @5amJones69
    @5amJones69 4 роки тому

    Thank you.

  • @gregaltenhofel7326
    @gregaltenhofel7326 3 роки тому

    Omg I had no idea there was an 88 key suitcase.

  • @pixelpugg676
    @pixelpugg676 6 років тому +1

    I don’t know if you saw my comment to play pirates of the Caribbean anyway this made my day

  • @blasdelezo6944
    @blasdelezo6944 4 роки тому

    Muy buen video bro. Como se llama la canción del 16:04?

  • @johnyjoker2009
    @johnyjoker2009 4 роки тому

    what is tune on 16:01 min?

  • @dadautube
    @dadautube 6 років тому

    cool ... have always wanted one of these for myself! shouldn't that 'input' socket be called 'output' actually?

    • @Lykw1dSloth
      @Lykw1dSloth 5 років тому

      dadautube correct, they mislabeled them on those models

  • @tlazohtlalia
    @tlazohtlalia 6 років тому +1

    how about a Wurlitzer electric piano

    • @ThePianoforever
      @ThePianoforever  6 років тому +1

      Yes! I would love to find a Wurlitzer 200 to review.

  • @life-is-inspiring3953
    @life-is-inspiring3953 4 роки тому

    Hi, nice play, what’s the amp you are using here?

    • @ThePianoforever
      @ThePianoforever  4 роки тому +1

      In the studio we use a KC-350's on the stage Rhodes, but the suitcase Rhodes comes with it's own amp.

  • @mikemansfield6263
    @mikemansfield6263 5 років тому

    if you get the chance get a retroflyer pre-amp. awsome.

  • @prestige2000rider
    @prestige2000rider 5 років тому

    James, i have a question for you, i will ask it here because i cant find another way of being in touch. Something that has me puzzled. Of all the modern Digital keyboards that seem to have a sample of just about everything...from Steinway D to DX7, Why is it that no one has a Rhodes sample. Is it because its protected or a license ? ? and no one else can copy it ? Nothing sounds like a real Rhodes but its something ive noticed that no one (or it seems) has digitized that sound as yet another sample. Thanks man

    • @ThePianoforever
      @ThePianoforever  5 років тому

      You sort of answered your own question there when you said "Nothing sounds like a Rhodes". Many people have sampled the Rhodes, I'm pretty sure most, if not all the patches you've tried would be sampled, but no sample will sound as good as a real Rhodes.

    • @prestige2000rider
      @prestige2000rider 5 років тому

      @@ThePianoforever thanks James.It is unique. much like a B3 is unique. Hope to own a Rhodes eventually. .

    • @life-is-inspiring3953
      @life-is-inspiring3953 4 роки тому

      Kawai ES8 has great Rhodes samples; I have both ES8 and Rhodes MII 1980 73 keys

  • @AceFurley
    @AceFurley 3 роки тому

    Heavy? I used to have the one that sat on the 4 12" speaker cab/amplifier. (paid 300$ for it, still kicking myself 25 years later for selling it!) I think it's safe to say that moving it would be the equivalent of being a pallbearer at Andre the Giants funeral!!! (compounded by the fact that it's not the Iron Sheik helping you carry it, it's your anemic little bandmate, who's only exercise is lifting 40 ounces as often as possible, and maybe a synchronized flying high kick now and then during a kicka*s version of "Running with the devil"!!!)

  • @TheJoeGizzle
    @TheJoeGizzle 5 років тому

    Do Rhodes have weighted keys?

    • @ThePianoforever
      @ThePianoforever  5 років тому +1

      The earlier versions have wooden keys, but not weighted like a real piano. If you get a tech to do the proper regulation work they can feel really nice for an unweighted keyboard. It just really depends what you are expecting, after all these were made in the 1970's. They have a cool factor that is to die for!

    • @life-is-inspiring3953
      @life-is-inspiring3953 4 роки тому

      For me it’s kind of in between weighted and semi-weighted keys; BTW mine is 1980 MII wooden keys

  • @daro1946
    @daro1946 4 роки тому

    You must play Jazz with him!!!!!!

  • @The_Smith
    @The_Smith 6 років тому

    that Bach piece sounds familiar . . .

  • @kassemir
    @kassemir 6 років тому

    if you wanted vibrato, couldn't you just add a guitar pedal or something, before going in to the amp? i know it probably wouldn't be exactly the same, but could perhaps be worth a try :)

    • @napomania
      @napomania 5 років тому

      we could add a guitar amp with vibrato on that..

  • @goodwillhart
    @goodwillhart 6 років тому

    I don't think you've got to defend not buying stuff you are showing on your channel. You are promoting the pianos to your viewers, you are sharing those beautiful old instruments with your viewers and I'm sure these people are giving you permission to do this. It would be interesting if you could fill in some of your more recent subscribers what "the studio" is. Is that your personal studio? Why do you have it? And why did you decide you wanted a Xylophone (I'm joking, I know it's a glockenspiel :p)?

    • @ThePianoforever
      @ThePianoforever  6 років тому +1

      Actually, it is a xylophone. The glockenspiel is different, and I will have a video coming out soon comparing the glockenspiel with the xylophone and talking about why they are different.

    • @goodwillhart
      @goodwillhart 6 років тому

      Yeah I was joking of course. I look forward to the video though.

  • @Kombi-1
    @Kombi-1 5 років тому

    yas

  • @terry2141859
    @terry2141859 6 років тому

    Putting the jack on the front of the instrument looks like an annoying place to me.

    • @alanhowell3646
      @alanhowell3646 4 роки тому +1

      Terry Coats I have one and I agree it is an annoying place. You have to use an angled jack to avoid knocking it.