Promotional Trailer - Down the Rhodes: The Fender Rhodes Story

[@FitzArias]

My favorite instrument. With virtuous hands it becomes a thing of beauty. Imitated but never duplicated. Thanks Harold Rhodes.

[@jrfrondelli2023]

I've been repairing and restoring Rhodes since they were new. One of the coolest instruments in the world. Even bought parts from Harold's estate when he died, from Harold Jr. and his wife Debbie. I'd met them at NAMM, and it was the beginning of a nice friendship, though I have lost touch with them over the years. Kudos to Chris Carroll at Vintage Vibe for reissuing so many great repair parts. :)

[@vahekhachaturian2424]

You're a freaking legend man 💪

[@KuyaAccordionista]

As a budding teen keyboardist in the 1970s playing in a funk and soul band in SF, I saved up all my money from gigs to buy a Rhodes 73 Suitcase and a Fender amp. I loved that piano and its beautiful tone and sound. I owned it for 10 years until I had to sell it to make ends meet as a young adult. It was hard for me to part with it, but I have good memories of the music I played on that beautiful keyboard instrument. Thanks for making the documentary. 🎹🎶

[@simonhodgetts6530]

I’ve had the pleasure of owning 2 - a suitcase and a stage - amazing instruments. I still miss them! The digital and virtual facsimiles are very good, but nothing matches the experience of playing the real thing - they’re a true joy to play!!

[@jaggass]

I'm looking at getting a Fender Rhodes 73 next year and want it to sound like Joe Sample's. You can pretty much customize the sound of one.

[@lundsweden]

Of course, but some of the VSTs are very good (I have the Sampleson VST). Keyscape also sounds great, but I would own a real Rhodes in a heartbeat, except the price, servicing and the space it takes up push it a little out of reach for me!

[@markjamesmeli2520]

Working as a young gigster, I used to help our key guys with both a stage and a suitcase (over different times). The suitcase sounded sweeter, but it was like carrying a loaded casket every time.

[@yootiyoobe8205]

That brought tears to my eyes... I know so many great music and songs where this wonderful instrument is a part of it. Now, I think it's time to say thank you so much Mr. Harold Burroughs Rhodes for the invention of this real treasure and bringing it to the world of music!

[@MrErnest1951]

And, Bob James, a master on the Fender Rhodes.

[@Ashfaq1999]

Thanks that was a brilliant video of this timeless instrument.

[@RFToob]

Very well done! I enjoy how Ray hung around the ‘middle’ of the bass piano notes for most Doors bass lines, whereas I may have opted for the lower octave notes. But I think he understood the way it projected and glowed in the mix. He was brilliant, and really inspiring. Cheers!

[@jennifer86010]

5:39 Stanley Clarke said the most important thing about this instrument ..."had to help carry it !!" The damn thing was heavy !! I own the 73 stage model and I needed a short refrigerator hand truck to move it. Loading it into the car was a "two hernia" job, yet at age 27 it was very doable. The 88 model needed a couple of guys to move it, still in all....it was a feather compared to a Hammond B3 with Leslie speakers.

[@jaggass]

Im looking at getting the mk1 88 stage version and will need a few people to help as it weighs 200lb.

[@jennifer86010]

@@jaggass You will NOT be moving 200 lbs., The specs from Fender Rhodes: Fender Rhodes Mark I Stage Pianos: 88 Note : 53.5 inches wide, 22 inches deep, 9.5 inches tall. 160 lbs shipping weight, including the legs and hardware. Fender Rhodes Mark I Stage Piano: 73 Note: 45 inches wide,, 22 inches deep, 9.5 inches tall. 140 lbs shipping weight, including legs and hardware. If you do this right, you will be lifting and moving only a portion of that weight, ( approximate 100 lbs.) since you will remove the lid box when handling the actual keyboard. You may also remove the hardware from the lid box to make the entire cabinet lighter, and carry the hardware in a separate container when the piano case is fully assembled for moving. If you are talking about the MI 1 -88 stage version with attaching metal tube legs (not the suitcase version which the keyboard rests upon a corresponding speaker cabinet) then you are in luck. If you are a middle-aged person or younger with normal body strength, you can move and set up this instrument yourself. You will need a medium-sized mover's appliance hand truck. Very Important ! (The type used to transport a medium sized refrigerator or kitchen appliance) and it should have good pneumatic tires filled with air) You will have to pick one end of the piano case up, stand it upright then scoot the hand truck under the piano end, just as if you were moving a refrigerator. The air-filled pneumatic tires will allow you to easily go over bumps, curbs, stairs, thresholds and other obstacles. Once at your destination, you will need to pick up and move one end of the piano at a time to get it into its final playing spot. If you play gigs and need to move this piano often, you will be accustomed to doing this physical work. Wear gloves to protect your fingers for playing. Once in its spot, while still standing upright, you will need to screw in the top two legs on the up end. Then, screw in the other two lower legs, along with any additional bracing. Slowly tilt the piano upright pulling it toward you as it begins to stand on its bottom legs. Once upright, the pedal assembly can be installed to your liking. On gig engagements, you will need an adequate 50 foot 3-prong grounded extension heavy duty cord connected to a multi-outlet power strip for your amplifier. One of the BIGGEST problems with this 88 key keyboard is its width. The model 73 keyboard which I have, was purchased on the basis of the fact that I could fit it across the backseat of my small car at the time. I bought the car and the Rhodes 73 keyboard on the basis of both being able to fit each other. Many acoustic bassists walk into a car dealership with their large base in hand, and they buy a car which will easily fit their bass. In your case, you need a vehicle which will give enough side-to-side space and/or rear cargo space (SUV, Mini Van, Station Wagon, Pick-up truck, etc.) to accommodate this instrument, complete with its case and any other amplifiers, speaker cabinets, accessories bags with wiring and tools, etc. If you plan to play this piano only at home, you will not have all the problems associated with gig playing, where you will have to move, transport, set up, tear down constantly on a regular basis. I'm not sure if you really require the full 88 keys of this keyboard. The 73 stage piano is considerably narrower, and, for the most part, doesn't require the extreme high treble and low bass notes found on the 88 note keyboard. Most music does not require these notes, which is why Fender shaved off a few of those 15 notes from the very top and bottom of the 88 keyboard to create the 73 keyboard. I play mostly Jazz, and Pop music, and I never needed those extra 15 notes when playing either ensemble gigs in bands, or when playing solo gigs, either as a solo artist or when accompanying a singer or other single instrument. I would suggest you listen via KZbin, and also get in touch with Fender Rhodes to listen to the full range of both the 73 and the 88 models before buying one or the other. You may find that you don't need the extra 15 notes. If you do, then you need to be prepared to deal with the size of the 88 to make it workable for you. I have used my '73 for decades and I've played it in concerts, gigs and recording studios around the world since 1973 when I bought it new. It is still in great shape, but I'm selling it now, since I do a lot of studio work using a variety of synthesizers which create a very close copy of the Fender Rhodes sound. Still, as the Father of Jazz, Louis Armstrong once said, "There ain't nothin' like the real thing !" and an authentic Fender Rhodes is still very much sough-after as one of America's great original musical instruments !!! Best of Luck to You !!

[@jaggass]

I already have an 88 key midi controller in my bedroom and still have plenty of space so know the 88 will fit. Yes i probably won't use all of the notes but i don't think any of us do on any musical instrument.

[@planetmullins]

Hey Gerald! Thanks for putting this online. The Rhodes has a special in music history as well as on my albums. All the best.

[@SarahMcQuaid]

I think what Herbie Hancock says at the very end is right. I want a vintage Fender Rhodes now. Waaaaaahhhhh!!! Wanna Rho-o-o-odes! Wanna Rho-o-o-odes! [hammers fists, kicks feet] 😭😭😭

[@freddieblue6351]

Richard Carpenter...Michael McDonald...Blue Weaver...so many legends. I get mine from my Hammond SK1 73 key model. Thanks for sharing, I must see the film.

[@defmaster88]

Loving this footage!

[@jaggass]

Joe Sample's Fender Rhodes is beautifully voiced

[@Rlotpir1972]

John Deacon (Queen) played a Fender Rhodes in 1975's "You're My Best Friend".

[@tylerthompson1842]

I’ve seen clips of this for years but I thought it never got released

[@coraschindler8134]

Max Middleton and Richard Tee should also be remembered and added to the list.

[@simonhodgetts6530]

Certainly Richard Tee - his phased Rhodes tone was amazing!

[@troyvan6952]

Max Middleton for sure, awesome player

[@jameskarr8403]

Hats off to every jazz, rock and pop great featured. But am I the only one who wonders where Billy Joel is in this tribute to the instrument that brought keyboard players out on the road with (relative) ease? 1976 would not ever forget his "Just The Way You Are" and many more in his extensive catalog of great tunes!

[@davidcudlip6587]

It seemed like back in that era every tv show, tv commercial and pop song had a Rhodes Piano playing on it. Love that sound and set my digital piano for that sound, but nothing compares to the real deal. Billy's music and Chuck Mangione come to mind from that time frame. Both created great tunes with the Rhodes being a large part of the songs.

[@Wushutigercranekungfudragon]

Amazing video i want one now

[@JBChurchill]

I have the book (and somewhere I have a blu-ray disc). I wanted to get the mp4 download but the website returns an error when you go to buy it. Is there anywhere one can purchase the mp4 download?

[@jkllfdsa]

To me, the Fender Rhodes = Bob James. 3:32

[@peterg.bassist]

Love the sound!

[@Shred_The_Weapon]

Did anybody think about including Robbie Buchanan in this retrospective? I can’t say with complete confidence that my first taste of the Rhodes piano on record was performed by him, but I can say with certainty that I heard specimens of his playing within my first three years of life (1980-83).

[@deerfish3000]

I remember back in the mid 90's, there was a local pawn shop selling a Rhodes Seventy-three stage and a suitcase model for $400 each. Unfortunately, I was fresh out of high school and didn't have the cash. Anyone have a time machine?

[@defmaster88]

I love this!

[@carlbowles1808]

I grew up during the Rhodes Era and agree with herbie Hancock, " nothing sounds like a Rhodes " .

[@jazzman1988]

6:18 Sounds just like the record.

[@AveryGrimmette]

Refreshing to see Bob James doing "Angela, from Taxi". That put the Rhodes on everybody's mind. Deodato should have displayed the beginning of "Super Strut". George, "a portable instrument"?He obviously never tried to lift one!

[@Makraska]

Why do people insist on calling it Fender Rhodes? That association lasted a relatively short time, and the product was conceived and made by Harold Rhodes.

[@Dandroid5000]

That first image, wow...........does anyone know where I can get hold of those legs/stands?! I've got the standard black screw in legs, they don't look anywhere near as classy...........and info would be greatly appreciated!

[@pennywiser9607]

Then came the Yamaha DX7 and it was on every record

[@laartwork]

I hated the cheesy sound of the DX7 then.. hate it just as much now. I preferred the fat sound of the Roland Jx-8p. But man I love a nice Rhodes sound

[@truefilm6991]

@@laartwork Yep. Never liked the DX7. It was successful because it did things the older analog beasts couldn't, odd harmonics, velocity sensitive, at least some kind of an electric piano sound, but it sounded very unpleasant to my ears. I was, am and always will be a fan of the classic/vintage keyboard sounds: grand piano, Hammond console organ, Minimoog, analog polysynths and the Fender Rhodes piano.

[@jaggass]

I slaved over my DX7 when i bought it but now slave over a Fender Rhodes 73/88

[@windsofmarchjourneyperrytr2823]

Can we make these as well as you did then, only maybe not needing tuning and a hair lighter, please? I'd pay for it. Best instrument I've ever touched.

[@WiktorErikAndersson]

Every dude in the video always has another Rhodes in the backround

[@shoominati23]

The piano that sounds nothing like a piano. Without return to forever, they'd be no returning

[@b.rodclark7349]

Not even a Wurlitzer comes close... period. As for the stereo ping-pong, it almost causes a meditating mentality no matter if it's fast, slow or anywhere in between... LUVIT!

[@jeshkam]

3:55 Condor! ❤️Dave Grusin❤️

[@euanthepianoboy]

The only thing disgraceful here is that there was a time in history when this beautiful instrument wasn’t being manufactured. 🎹

[@BBT609]

whats that song Ronnie Foster was playing???

[@Ayers76]

And Lonnie Liston Smith....🙏

[@miguelsarmiento761]

What Return to Forever track was shown at the intro?

[@RichardRoland]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/lWGyl5Rtn5uerdU

[@nathanhargis5430]

Who is playing the recording of Red Clay at 1:36?

[@MollyT119]

The first song I EVER remember hearing in my life (when I was about two years old) was "Just The Way You Are" by Billy Joel. The sound of that Rhodes (and everything else about that song) just captivated me, and I've been a huge fan of his ever since. It's an astounding piano, with a sound all its own, and a lot of fun to play. Enjoy this live performance Billy did in 1977, where you can see his Rhodes toward the end...looks like (possibly) a Stage 88 he's playing here. kzbin.info/www/bejne/qnu6fmh8or-sp7c

[@louiscornale5667]

Great job but how about wooly bully watch it now 😮

[@robertstapleton4394]

Some country artists like Ronnie Milsap use Fender Rhodes, but every Fender Rhodes playlist I've found completely excludes country. Go figure.

[@testohtoby]

*Pianoteq has entered the chat*

[@hst7318]

which piece is James Poyser playing at kzbin.info/www/bejne/Zmioda2pqMmHbtk?

[@youreale]

06:38 - my Kontakt library: hold my keys...

[@laartwork]

I have the ultimate 12 library... and a real Rhodes. Can't compare especially when playing

[@rx-heaven8934]

What song and band is that in the first clip at 0:02

[@vccambridge3318]

Do you know it??

[@vccambridge3318]

Because i want to know it to😔

[@niclasbehr]

Still searching. No luck yet

[@niclasbehr]

Return to forever - Space circus

[@ryancassarini4557]

It actually looks like elton John was playing a wurli at :40

[@DullBull]

Ryan Cassarini Read on a forum that concluded that it was an RMI electric keyboard.

[@leonjay9]

He is miming to the original track which has the Rhodes on it but the studio supplied a different instrument for the video...

[@antoniojordihonik9920]

I'd really like to know the name of the first song hahah

[@99rpm]

Return to forever - Space circus part 2 kzbin.info/www/bejne/pZiypWWLasaMkNE

[@mark12375]

4:31

[@gozitan5]

You showed him but you never named him….D’Angelo

[@anotherpianist3526]

0:32 song name? ;-,

[@annieskywalker6405]

“ Get Back”- Beatles

[@dan0417]

@@annieskywalker6405 funny enough Billy used Wurlitzer to record this solo :)

[@sans_theskellington]

WHY AT THE START DID I THINK OF A PS3 LOL

[@windsofmarchjourneyperrytr2823]

Whoever called this a "portable" piano is a liar. 1:13 And they never moved one.. Or tried to. Lol.

[@lundsweden]

Portable compared to a 200kg upright or 300kg 9ft concert grand! I also had the supposedly portable 100kg Yamaha CP60M (1984) which had handles on it so you could to rip your arms off! The slightly more portable CP70 split into 2 hefty 60kg "suitcases"!!

[@filahubl1]

Bin ich der einzige, der den YAMAHA CP 70 / 80B bevorzugt?

[@ifolkinrock]

Onaje Allan Gumbs

[@mr.enigma4475]

5:49 D'Angelo

[@gregosyesyez828]

What song is it?

[@SergeantSkeleton]

gregosyesyez828 Jonz In My Bonz I think, not too sure though I can’t quite hear. Definitely sounds like it’s off the Brown Sugar album though.

[@TheVinylSpin]

Now I know the plural of Rhodes is Rhodeses

[@F0nkyNinja]

Rhodeii

[@Persun_McPersonson]

@@F0nkyNinja Rhodapodes

[@OuttaHere7]

BRIAN AUGER

[@issiewizzie]

some RIP

[@1995RangeRover]

All musical legends...but, how does Justin Timberlake fit in???????

[@boogiedownbronx73]

i agree dislike JT

[@mcblahflooper94]

Timberlake has some really decent albums for a pop artist, you should try listening to some

[@PutItAway101]

Well I guess he's getting the sound out there, it's possible someone might hear it from him and end up checking out some of these great artists.

[@mariantreber8055]

I'd say he's in the cabal.

[@richardthayer5907]

yeah..ok ...but today you can get synths...that dont trap you into just one sound...I love em...but even used they cost over 1000 bones.

Nada suena como un Rhodes. 🎹🎹🎹🎹🎹

[@ronaldfransen5371]

AA