A once in a lifetime find, this is a stunning near-mint stage 73 wood keys Mark I from 1979 with factory key pedestal bumps.  This is the last and best playing Rhodes before they went to plastic in the 1980 mkII. 

This has been under the primary owner’s watchful eye for 35+ years, never gigged, and never left the home studio. Having owned about a dozen rhodes over the decades, including an original 72 Buz Watson Rhodes master tech model (still have the factory warranty card for it shown in the pics). Also had a deluxe 70’s "dyno" Rhodes by LA Rhodes tech Chuck Monte with the full "dyno my piano" upgrades so got to experience those too. Every one of those Rhodes were sold but this incredible one, as it was clearly the best playing, sounding, looking, and condition of any that we’ve ever come across, and was kept for home studio use. We never intended to sell, but as we’ve been forced to downsize to being primarily a mixing room, this final Rhodes is for sale. We’d love to be able to keep it but it deserves to be played and heard and truly enjoyed.  

The original owner of 35+ years was also lucky enough to speak directly with Harold Rhodes himself (and his wife) in the 90’s several times by phone and postal mail (this was before the internet) about how to best set-up the instrument to ideal specs, and he noted how Harold was very generous with his time. With the experience, advice, and inspiration from Harold, Buz, and Chuck’s work, this specific 79 mkI has been professionally setup and adjusted to play and sound per their standards to be one of the best Rhodes anywhere as a tribute to them.

The action is fast and easy and even from top to bottom with no mushy lows...that was Buz's thing...no mushy spongy tone or feel. The dynamic range is finer and wider than most, from a whisper to a bark. Tonally pure, it has a full range of passive output with natural crystal bell-like overtones. Send it thru any DI box, preamp or amp, EQ to taste if desired and you are done. In addition to being in near mint original cosmetic condition, it has had a new vintage vibe mirror rail front control panel installed to dress it up for an extra classy look, just like the original 60s silver top Rhodes had.

Super clean inside and out. There are no dust bunnies, and it has been smoke free its entire life. Keys are white and smooth, no scratches or chips that I can see. Inside no wear on the hammer tips, and the tines and pickups are also clean and shiny. The all-original tolex appears like a new leather car interior, minus a few light edge nicks and minor marks, and even the bottom is in great shape. This keyboard was always on its legs, never placed on a floor or table. The all-original nickel-plated metal hardware is in excellent shape with some slight surface patina from age, but that's about it. The sustain pedal is a new vintage vibe reproduction.

Please note we have two locations and this Rhodes is located in the Los Angeles area. Local pickup is preferred. Given the demand for instruments in Southern California, we do not intend to ship this keyboard but will consider it if this is the exact keyboard you’ve been waiting for.  Contact us prior to purchase if you are not local and are requesting shipping service.