What’s the best way to amplify and record Fender Rhodes pianos?

Stage models

Stage Rhodes pianos are passive instruments that require amplification. It is possible to use guitar or bass amps to amplify Stage models but keep in mind Rhodes pianos have a full-range frequency response, which guitar and bass amps fail to produce.

To unlock the full potential of your Rhodes piano frequency range, you need a set of full-range speakers (e.g: studio monitors) with this signal path:

Rhodes Stage Model Piano → Preamp → Amp → Full Range Speakers

The original preamps that were used in Suitcase models were designed specifically for Rhodes pianos. They include the famous tremolo effect heard on hit songs such as Living For The City (Stevie Wonder). You can install these preamps in Stage models or use them externally to amplify or record your Rhodes.

Suitcase models

Suitcase pianos include a stereo preamp, amps, and speakers. The piano has a preamp, and the bottom cabinet contains the power supply, amp, and speakers.

To record a Suitcase Rhodes piano:

1. Connect two channels from the pre-amp output located on the bottom amplifier near the headphones output. This will allow you to record the Fender Rhodes preamp sound, vibrato, and EQ.

2. For richer sound, place two additional microphones in front of the amp cabinet. This will capture the natural sound of the speakers.

3. Pro tip: connect the accessory output #2 (located near the volume knob of the piano) using a DI box to an external pre-amp. Send the signal back from the DI box output to accessory #1 on the piano. This is your safety channel for recording the piano without vibrato and EQ. It will enable re-amplification of the source signal or digital manipulation in the mix.

Mike Altier

2023-04-24

You're looking at these reviews because you want to know if this guy is the real deal, if you can trust him with your precious piano. The answer is: yes Nir is a 100% pro and passionate about what he does. He's increased the value of Rhodes, increased my appreciation for the instrument, and increased my knowledge of how to care of it.

Gregg Isbell

2023-03-10

I just sold my piano to a professional musician. The buyer was thrilled about the piano model and year of production (‘75) and the upgrade to “better than new”, and had been wanting one for a while. I’m so happy about this whole experience with Fender Rhodes LA refurbishing my piano. Thanks for your remarkable expertise and personal care and pride in your work. So many ears will now be hearing and enjoying the results!

Island Time

2023-01-23

Fender Rhodes LA is a tremendous asset to the Rhodes community. Nir is a class act and provides top notch service and support. Do your Rhodes a favor and give him a visit!

Raph Parpex

2023-01-04

Nir is the sweetest and he knows absolutely everything about Rhodes EPs. At drop off he was able to spot within minutes everything that was wrong and had be poorly fixed on my piano, and then it only took him 1 week to literally bring it back to factory specs. Not to mention that at pick up he took 1h to explain in details how I should maintain it so I could take care of fine adjustments and tuning myself. He is the only person you should reach out to if your Rhodes needs repairs.

Mark Cruz

2022-08-18

Nir is a master craftsman. Not only did he do and amazing job tuning my 73 Fender Rhodes but taught me how to maintain and keep it running well for years to come. Exemplary work and I wouldn't recommend anyone else for repairs and tune ups.

Jessica Rivera

2022-05-26

Very very professional. Talked us through everything and exercised great care in restoring our 1979 baby. Our piano was restored to its former glory and looks and sounds better than I could have ever hoped.

James Jarrard

2021-08-27

Excellent communication, clear and transparent on work performed on my piano. Goes without saying that Nir and his team are very skilled and experienced working on electric pianos.

Juan A. Matos

2021-07-03

Excellent and speedy service. Nir did an excellent job with my Rhodes. He also took his time to teach me the technical basics of tweaking the piano in the case that issues pop up in the future. He's also available to help people fix their Rhodes through Zoom, in the case you don't live in Southern California. Who else does that? Needless to say, I'll be taking my Rhodes to him in the future. Thanks, Nir!

Andrew Zuker

2021-05-16

Nir did a full restoration of my 1974 Suitcase 88 Rhodes is few years ago. During the process he was communicative and professional and helped me understand what he was doing at every step of the way. I feel I paid a very fair price for exemplary service and I couldn’t be happier. Recently I had some static noise issues with the amp and he gave me the advice and counsel I needed to resolve the issue. If you have an old Rhodes, Nir is the premier professional for all of your maintenance, restoration, and repair needs. 10/10.

Kimi Kori

2020-10-29

I had a great experience getting my Rhodes piano repaired by Nir. He inspected it thoroughly, explained everything clearly, answered every one of my questions so kindly (and I had a lot of questions), and offered different levels of service to achieve the best sound possible. I am very happy with how my Rhodes sounds and feels after the repair! Excellent service. Highly recommended.