Rhodes MK8vsRhodes Stage 61
Summary
Rhodes MK8 and Rhodes Stage 61: 2 Rhodes stage keyboards compared side by side. They differ on 11 of 16 compared specifications.
Key differences
- Keys: 73 on the MK8 and 61 on the Stage 61.
- Released: 2021 on the MK8 and 2025 on the Stage 61.
- Keybed: Rhodes custom spruce keys by Kluge Klaviaturen (Steinway group) on an oak and beech frame; ABS hammers with quad-zone tips on the MK8 and 61-note Rhodes spruce keyboard on an oak and beech frame, same action parts as the MK8 on the Stage 61.
- Sound engine: Electromechanical: hammer-struck steel tines and tonebars read by electromagnetic pickups (precision-wound alnico), into an analogue preamp on the MK8 and Electromechanical: hammer-struck steel tines and tonebars read by electromagnetic pickups; fully passive, no power required on the Stage 61.
- Polyphony: Full polyphony (73 notes) on the MK8 and Full polyphony (61 notes) on the Stage 61.
- Dimensions (W × D × H): 1153 × 563 × 225 mm on the MK8 and 1012 × 570 × 233 mm on the Stage 61.
Both are the same on key action (Hammer-action), sections (Electric piano) and drawbars (None).
| 2 items |  Rhodes MK8Current |  Rhodes Stage 61Current |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Rhodes | Rhodes |
| Status | Current | Current |
| Released | 2021 | 2025 |
| Keyboard | ||
| Keys | 73 | 61 |
| Key action | Hammer-action | Hammer-action |
| Aftertouch | None | None |
| Keybed | Rhodes custom spruce keys by Kluge Klaviaturen (Steinway group) on an oak and beech frame; ABS hammers with quad-zone tips | 61-note Rhodes spruce keyboard on an oak and beech frame, same action parts as the MK8 |
| Sounds | ||
| Sections | Electric piano | Electric piano |
| Drawbars | None | None |
| Sound engine | Electromechanical: hammer-struck steel tines and tonebars read by electromagnetic pickups (precision-wound alnico), into an analogue preamp | Electromechanical: hammer-struck steel tines and tonebars read by electromagnetic pickups; fully passive, no power required |
| Organ models | None | None |
| Polyphony | Full polyphony (73 notes) | Full polyphony (61 notes) |
| Connections | ||
| Outputs | 1/4-inch unbalanced, XLR balanced, Headphones | 1/4-inch unbalanced |
| Pedal inputs | Sustain (mechanical), Expression | Sustain (mechanical) |
| Features | ||
| Features | Analogue preamp: volume, drive, envelope, Three-band EQ with sweepable resonant mid (wah), Vari-pan with four waveshapes and audio-rate modulation, Optional analogue FX: VCA compressor, phaser, BBD chorus, delay, Optional factory MIDI system: USB and DIN out, polyphonic aftertouch, Two expression/CV inputs (0-5V), FX send and return, direct pickup send, Twist-lock cable sustain pedal, External 15V power supply, Case design by Axel Hartmann, Built to order with custom finishes | Passive volume and tone controls, No power supply needed, Twist-lock cable sustain pedal from the MK8, Tolex wooden case, ABS lid, Launch Edition: 61 units, khaki lid with racing decals, Case design by Axel Hartmann |
| Size & weight | ||
| Colours | Black, Gold Sparkle, Silver Sparkle, Smoked, Violet, Baby Blue, Pink, Mint Turquoise, Khaki, Traffic White, Red, Orange, Warm Grey | Black, Khaki |
| Dimensions (W × D × H) | 1153 × 563 × 225 mm | 1012 × 570 × 233 mm |
| Weight | 34 kg | 26 kg |