Matt's Gearspace

Photo: Docrobbie, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Rhodes

Rhodes Mark I Stage 88

Discontinued 1979
Released 1971

The full-range Stage piano, made possible once Rhodes worked out how to keep the extreme bass and treble notes stable. The low end is huge and growly; the price is size and weight, so it is more studio piece than gig piano.

Replaced by Mark II Stage 88

Specifications

General

Manufacturer
Rhodes
Status
Discontinued
Released
1971

Keyboard

Keys
88
Key action
Hammer-action
Aftertouch
None
Keybed
88 wooden keys, same action as the Stage 73

Sound

Tone source
Tines
Sound engine
Electromechanical: hammer-struck steel tines and tonebars read by electromagnetic pickups; passive, needs an external amplifier
Polyphony
Full polyphony (88 notes)
Features
Passive, no power needed, Volume and bass boost controls, Detachable legs, Sustain pedal with push rod

Connections

Outputs
1/4-inch unbalanced
Pedal inputs
Sustain (mechanical)

Size & weight

Colours
Black

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