Fender Rhodes Piano Preamp – L.A. Custom

The LA Custom Rhodes Preamp is handcrafted product.
We offer a limited number of units each year, built to order.

 

L.A. Custom Rhodes Preamp

The Peterson design Rhodes preamp (circa 1970-1977) is one of the most desirable preamps in Rhodes history.

Its warm sound and harmonic distortion became synonymous with the classic recordings in the ’70s and ’80s. Two miniature lamp filaments were used to create the famous “soft tremolo” effect, which can be heard on countless hit songs such as “Living for the City” (Steve Wonder) and “Just the Way You Are” (Billy Joel).

The only problem with the Petersons model: even when the treble is at maximum, it’s missing the clarity and brightness often required to cut through the mix.

For over 10 years, we developed our pre amp based on a rare prototype that was used by top L.A. session players in the ’80s. That rare ’80s prototype was a modified Peterson with a custom EQ circuitry, which enabled extra clarity. We re-created the distinctive sound of that rare prototype using modern, reliable components.

 
 
 

 

Specifications

  • Input: Mono 1/4″ Unbalanced
  • Stereo Outputs: Two 1/4″ Unbalanced
  • Equalization: Volume, Bass, and Treble Controls
  • Stereo Tremolo: Speed and Depth Controls
  • Plug and play: no need to modify anything in your Rhodes
  • Compatible with Stage, Suitcase and Satellite models
 
 

Audio Samples

  1. 1973 Stage Fender Rhodes with Custom Preamp Steve Weingard
  2. 1982 Suitcase with Custom Preamp Jeff Babko
  3. L.A. Custom Rhodes Preamp Demo Jeff Lorber 0:50

 
 

Reviews

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L.A. Custom Rhodes Preamp
Average rating:  
 11 reviews
 by Koen Van de Weyer

I really like the professional and responsive service. The unit arrived at my door within 5 days after ordering. And it sounds great! It really gives my Rgodes mark I 88 so much more dynamics in its tone. And it looks good too. 😊

Thanks, Koen! 5 days to Belgium is normal with DHL Express 🙂

 by Marlon Valladares

Whoa!!! Just put it on the Rhodes and this thing does not disappoint. It brings out the highs that I wanted to capture. Thank you so much for this quality product.

I really like the fact there are still people like you so dedicated to making this kind of equipment for musicians. I received the preamp a few weeks ago, I'm really satisfied after a few weeks of working with it. I love the way it makes the Rhodes sounds more “tight“ and in balance.

 by Kent Rollins

The clarity and definition that I get with the L.A. Custom Preamp IS better than with the original preamp of my piano. I still use the original preamp when I want a more traditional sound. Having both is great! When I first took the L.A Custom Preamp to a gig, the upright bass player told me: "That sounds really good." The next night, a jazz guitarist said "I LIKE the sound of the sound of your piano..." They have both played with me before, and have heard the original preamp.

 by Allyn Johnson

This preamp exceeded my expectations! Sounds wonderful!!

 by Griffin ONeill

Smooth like butter sound. I had no idea what tone quality my Stage Rhodes MKII was missing until I plug this puppy in... thank you Nir Benjaminy! Its what we’ve all been waiting for.

Thanks, appreciate your kind words!

 by Jay Juniel

I’ve been using and enjoying the preamp. Definitely a clearer and more articulate sound. With the treble in the lower range, I can find a tone that’s softer and still reasonably defined. I may want to grab another unit.

 by Andrew Margolin

An ENORMOUS improvement to my passive Stage piano. The tremolo is awesome, too. Thanks for making this. Great sounding preamp.

 by Benjamin Bove

You don’t really know the potential of your Rhodes sound until this preamp unlocks its true potential. If you’ve got a Rhodes that’s “muddy” or you’re just not happy with the sound, I can guarantee you’ll be blown away with what you can do with this preamp. The EQ boosts hit dead on to the sweet spots in a Rhodes, the noise floor is dead quiet, and the build quality is hefty and substantial. You cannot be disappointed.

Thanks, Ben! We appreciate your continued support.

 by Sam Reed

I've been seeking this sound for years. Works really well with my 1973 Stage connected directly to my sound card. It's like a screen has been lifted and the Rhodes sounds like Steely Dan records. Nice packing and fast delivery. The only downside is I can't stop playing the Rhodes now 🙂

 by Peter Arnold

I have been using this beauty with my 1970 Mark 1 Suitcase for three weeks now and couldn't be happier. No bells and whistles, just pure sound. It brings out all the gorgeous overtones and makes the sound come to life. If you have a Stage piano without active pre and tremolo you definitely need this. Suitcase owners like me will benefit from a new "open" sound, very different than the original preamp that's built into piano!

This is a remarkable achievement that every Rhodes lover should own.

Hand Made with in Los Angeles, CA.

Jeff Babko (TOTO, James Taylor, Sheryl Crow, Jason Mraz) demonstrates his L.A Custom preamp
 

Playlist: Steve Chernove (Pretzel Logic) compares the original Peterson with the L.A. Custom preamp.
Follow the light pointing to the original Peterson and to the L.A. Custom when each preamp is played.
Notice the difference in clarity: the Peterson treble is set to maximum, the L.A custom treble is at 3 oclock.
 

Green Dolphin Street with Diederik Idema
 

Georgia On My Mind with Avigail Arad (Cello) and Diederik Idema (Rhodes)
 

Handcrafting our preamps.
Special thanks to Jeff Lorber for the music in this clip.

FAQ

  • Q: How do I connect the standalone enclosure version to a Stage model?

    A: Connect your piano output to the preamp input, connect our preamp outputs to a stereo amplifier.

  • Q: Can I connect the standalone enclosure preamp to a Suitcase models?

    A: Sure! Disconnect the original 4 or 5 pin cable from your preamp. Connect your Accessory Output 1/4″ jack, located in the front of the piano to the L.A. Custom preamp input. Connect the L.A Custom preamp outputs to your Suitcase amp External Input 1/4″ jacks.

  • Q: Do you ship internationally?

    A: Yes.

  • Q: Where is the preamp manufactured?

    A: The preamp is made in Los Angeles, California, USA

  • Q: Will it work internationally?

    A: We supply the preamp with a 110V power supply that works in the USA. International clients should obtain a step down transformer that fits their country. Example here.

WARRANTY

The LA Custom Rhodes preamp is to be free of defects in materials and workmanship, within regular use for a period of 1 year from the date of pick up or shipping. This warranty is provided to the original purchaser and is non-transferable. We will exchange or fix defective preamps during the warranty period. Repair, exchange, or any other service offered by any entity other than us is not covered by our warranty. The customer is responsible for all transportation to and from us.

RETURNS AND EXCHANGE POLICY

All returns must be made within 10 days of arrival. To be eligible for a refund your item must be in the same condition that you received it and in its original packaging. Products damaged in shipping due to poor packing will not be eligible for a refund. All returns must be returned with delivery tracking confirmation. All returns are subject to a 25% restocking fee. Shipping costs are non-refundable. To return a product: contact us by email and include your original invoice number and which item(s) you’d like to return/exchange. We will reply with an RMA number. Mail us back the item(s) at your own cost and be sure to insure your package. Once the return has been received and processed, we will contact you to confirm that a refund has been issued. You will receive a refund to the same payment method that was used to place the order.

 
Mike Altier
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.