Rhodes Plugins of 2023 - SHOOTOUT

[@lucasturney4269]

It's criminal that Gospel Musician's Neo Soul Keys 2 Suite isn't included. Any EPs that get a plug by the late George Duke are noteworthy.

[@DatDudeDullah]

I was thinking the same thing!

[@DatDudeDullah]

These are all great plug ins. Ive been on the hunt for the perfect Rhodes plug-in for years so I have several. I have all of the ones you you demoed except for the Keyscape as well as a several more.. But it really is criminal that you don’t have NeoSoul Keys or NeoSoul Keys 2 on the list. That one is probably the best one IMO followed very closely by the Arturia plug in. The Arturia is more of my go-to because I also have the Keylab 88 MKII and they just go so well together. When I’m using those together, it hardly feels like a vst because of the integration. But the Rhodes came in (finally!) and almost stole the show. They were so late to the game that Arturia and Gospel Musicians really give Rhodes a run for their money. So to me, it’s a 3-way tie between the Rhodes V8, NeoSoul Keys 2, and Arturia State 73. They are all insanely good and versatile. You should do a video putting those three head to head.

[@kennyseymour8083]

I agree. It is a shame Neo Soul keys was not included. Gospel Musicians Neo Soul Keys is my go to for all things Rhodes!

[@TheChrisVella]

You’re right! I don’t own it unfortunately but a lot of people have suggested it and it sounds great! I’ll have to save it for the next shootout 👀

[@acoustic61]

@@TheChrisVella The Gospel Musicans Dyno Rhodes sounds great in the videos.

[@IvanVanooy]

Your enthusiasm is so nice. It's even more inviting than the plugins you show! The love of music and sound so shows on you, it brings on a lot of emotion in what you tell. Thanks a lot for the demo and the good advice. In comparing price and quality AND sound I think I'll go for the Electra 88.

[@TheChrisVella]

Thanks so much Ivan, really appreciate it! And agreed the Electra 88 is a wicked plugin! You're gonna love it :D

[@xanderstander1999]

Really appreciate the production quality of your videos man! Well done. I was surprised to see that you don't have a massive following - but I'm sure it's coming. Keep it up!

[@TheChrisVella]

Thanks so much Xander, appreciate it! We'll see how far we can take it!

[@acoustic61]

I'd like to hear the Gospel Musicians Dyno-My-Piano Expansion Pack in a comparison.

[@Dzika_Astronomia]

Very inspiring...I am primarily a guitarist. I didn't think I would be ready to buy any kind of keys vst in near future, but this demo changed my mind :-) Great sounds and playing!

[@TheChrisVella]

Thanks a lot! They’re all very inspiring tools, worth trying out for sure

[@flowmaka]

Awesome comparison video! Have you tried the Scarbee Classic EP-88s? It is a really nice collection of warm and punchy Rhodes samples. It is my go to Ep instrument for Kontakt.

[@TheChrisVella]

Cheers! Yes I have tried it, it was one of the first Rhodes sounds I got a hold of actually. It’s not one I use too often but defo in the collection!

[@flowmaka]

@@TheChrisVella Awesome!!!

[@scruffy_burrito]

Love it! For me the Keyscape sounds the best. It just has the most authentic rhodes feeling (sound-wise ofc). Also nice playing, especially in the outro! :D

[@TheChrisVella]

Godfather of those sounds for sure! They’ve nailed it. And thanks so much!! Glad you enjoyed it 😊

[@NicolasMelis]

great video! thank you 🎹

[@TheChrisVella]

Thank you 🙏🏻 glad you enjoyed it!

[@BigMTBrain]

@ 25:28 - "... but I'd love to hear what you think...". LOL! A bit too late for me to "think" any further, as literally just minutes before watching, I picked up the UAD Electra 88 for the equivalent of $40 on the UAD site. I agree, though... I think a person will quickly appreciate having any of these instruments in their musical toolbox. Thank you so much for reviewing them. I really enjoy your persona and style of demoing. New subscriber! Wishing you the greatest success with KZbin and all endeavors.

[@TheChrisVella]

I think you made a solid choice with the electra 88 it’s a beautiful sounding instrument! And cheers for the kind words really appreciate it and glad you enjoyed the video 😁

[@goldphinga]

V8 Pro! 😍

[@dsuccezz]

I liked ELECTRA 88 & KEYSCAPE.

[@TheChrisVella]

Both great pieces of software :D

[@pinheiroartur3020]

Great demo,very well done…thanks a lot..we can have a very good idea how it sounds…great job…..A

[@TheChrisVella]

Thank you so much!

[@PharaohLawLess1]

Keyscape gets my vote from that list. I use the Waves Audio E200 keys, the Toontrack EZ Keys (my go to for rhodes) Universal Audio Electra 88 rhodes and Sampletank 3 various rhode sounds. But I’m gonna have to check out that Keyscape and Rhodes v8 Pro

[@TheChrisVella]

Keyscape will always hold a place in my heart ❤️ but I’m yet to try the toontrack and sample tank versions! Thanks for stopping by ☺️

[@gffg387]

I have a really big problem with the dynamics of Electra 88. You can change them a little bit, but I have to do this everytime because it doesn't save the settings

[@ChrisCadenhead]

You should check out Rhodecase88 by Virtuscape Audio!!! Super sick

[@TheChrisVella]

Oooh I'll give it a look, cheers!

[@ChrisCadenhead]

@@TheChrisVella 🥂

[@Ashfaq1999]

Great video chris. They all sound great 🎶

[@TheChrisVella]

Thank you man!

[@Ashfaq1999]

@@TheChrisVella Welcome 🤝

[@AceeSoul]

Neo Soul Keys Studio 2 is a must

[@TheChrisVella]

Oh yes! This one looks great! Will have to grab a copy!! Thank you 😁

[@newz-tube]

Yeah - Neo-Soul Keys 2 is pretty darn good. Way better than most updated Rhodes VST instruments currently available.

[@TheChrisVella]

Definitely have to check out Neo Soul Keys, it seems to be a favorite in these comments!

[@Music73777]

I appreciate Keyscape. It’s a great collection to have, but the Rhodes are not my favorite. They have a pristine sound, but somewhat thin compared to an actual Rhodes. People definitely have different preferences in Rhodes sounds. My current favorite plugins are the UAD Electra 88, The Famous E, The V8, and Scarbee 88.

[@TheChrisVella]

Yeah I feel that, personally I’m still a big fan of keyscape but I haven’t tried the famous E. Would be worth checking that too!

[@reisshemmingdrums]

Looooove your playing in this bro

[@TheChrisVella]

Thanks so much Reiss! 🙏🏻

[@jeg1972]

I think to be honest, they're all pretty good! I'm fairly sure I could get something I liked from any of them 🙂

[@TheChrisVella]

Totally! They're all pretty great!!

[@hexsecs]

Any experience with the UVI Key Suite Electric? It has a lot of different EP instruments sampled. For my ear, I keep coming back to Keyscape. Something about the warmth sounds of them. They sound very organic and 'un-sterilized'.

[@TheChrisVella]

I haven’t tried that but I’ll have to give it a go for sure! Cheers for the heads up!!

[@ZHeN1984]

I own the '1972 mk. I stage model only electra'88 is more or less close enough

[@TheChrisVella]

Ohhh how lovely! Do you find yourself using it much? Or do you use the plugins as well?

[@ZHeN1984]

@TheChrisVella I use plug-ins quite rarely. Mostly use the real thing, even for drafts

[@dancetweety10]

I missed the Pianoteq 8 one.

[@TheChrisVella]

Good call! Forgot about Pianotech, had seen it a few years back, I’ll defo give it a look! Thanks man ☺️

[@jamesr141]

Your in-desk keyboard is sick. Where'd you get it? Custom job?

[@TheChrisVella]

Cheers man! Nah nothing custom here, its an Output Platform desk and a novation SL Mk3 keyboard, thanks for stopping by :)

[@danielkeller6610]

Fantastic video

[@TheChrisVella]

Thanks so much Daniel :D

[@83716_JxxP]

Am ped??? 😅how about just Amped? This was a great video btw i was just tryna have some fun. I didn’t mean any harm.✌🏾

[@TheChrisVella]

Thanks man

[@danielcolfer4671]

Keyscape does it for me..

[@TheChrisVella]

It’s just too good!

[@LochNessAnthony]

Wow didn’t know the uad sounded that much better than the key scape. I can sell my spectrasonics software now. Or should I keep it for the piano?

[@TheChrisVella]

The UA one is pretty hefty, definitely a different vibe to keyscape but I guess time and place requires different tools. Personally I use keyscape for a lot more than the Rhodes so I’d probably keep it myself ☺️

Too bad there is no keyaffire. Is it because of the demand issue?

[@TheChrisVella]

I'm not actually aware of this one! But I'll check it out :)

[@DojoOfCool]

I still love my Keyscape Rhodes and Vintage Vibe sounds the best. The Rhodes V8 was really disappointing for me it's non Classic sounds are better than it's Classic sounds.

[@TheChrisVella]

Keyscape really does sound great! Sometimes I do think it makes it harder to fit in a mix because it sounds so great on its own! But time and place for either 🤷‍♂️. Thanks for stopping by 😊

[@saren6538]

It’s crazy that the Rhodes costing 249 and made by Rhodes themselves isn’t the greatest

[@100states6]

you killed the V8 with your EQ settings!!! Shame on you!

[@TheChrisVella]

Hey man, just experimenting with the plugin 🤷‍♂️ but thanks for stopping by!

[@EMERALDLIONSOUND]

Very nice. All of these are a great choice. I decided on the Electra 88 as it fitted my workflow and I feel it’s quite versatile- the studio options suited me.

[@TheChrisVella]

The Electra 88 is a really solid electric keyboard! Definitely got a great response from it!!

[@truegent68]

The UA Electra 88 was my favourite to listen to, great demo video

[@TheChrisVella]

I really did enjoy that one, and thank you so much!

[@henrikpetersson3463]

They all do a very good job! My favourite out of these was the Electra 88 as I found it to have the most vibe. Will probably need to pick that up on the BF sale. Surprised not to see AcousticSamples VTines in the list though!

[@TheChrisVella]

They are all pretty solid sounds for sure. And thats interesting, I wasn't aware of the other ones but I'll check them out! Thanks for stopping by :D

[@BigMTBrain]

@@TheChrisVella Oh, yes... VTines (kzbin.info/www/bejne/rYCaaZ2dlLl6ntk). Great sounding technology there. Looking to grab that one when next on sale, along with the B-5 Organ V3. On the organ, Chris, please do include this one in any organ shootout you do. Ahh, I'm new to your channel, so I suspect you might've already done one. Looking now...

[@simbaking6338]

Arturia Stage 73 ....my go to Rhodes vst.....also NeoSoul....Where is that btw..why is it not on the list?....It definately belong in this shootout.

[@TheChrisVella]

I'll defo have to check out Neo Soul it seems to be a classic rhodes mentioned in the comments.

[@NelGabriel]

I have yet to see the video but it doesn’t seem that you co sidérés neo soul keys studio 2 from gospel musicians, which is extensive and highly qualitative (as a former rhodes owner )

[@TheChrisVella]

I’m still yet to try the Neo soul keys plugin but it does sound great!

[@yoyolebatteur]

People always forget Air Velvet 2 which is actually not bad. I know people were critical of Rhodes 8 when it was released because of bugs but it does sounds good.

[@TheChrisVella]

I haven’t heard of that one before! Will need to check it out, cheers for the heads up!!

[@TheFjMartinmusic]

@@TheChrisVella Velvet the best

[@Tanstaafl1976]

Hey, Chris. Cool comparison vid - thank you! I recently bought the Rhodes V8 Pro plugin VST and have found it to be really nice with lots of adjustability. I also use Arturia's Vintage Collection 9 which contains some very nice Rhodes patches as well. Liked and subscribed to your channel. 🤜🤛

[@TheChrisVella]

Thanks so much! Happy to hear you’re enjoying the Rhodes v8, it’s a great plugin. You’ll be tweaking to your hearts desire for days haha. Thanks again for stopping by

[@Makraska]

Chris, time for you to try Scarbee EP-88. I compared it to the isolated track of MJs Rock With You. Practically no difference...

[@TheChrisVella]

Oh wow! I'll have to include it in the next one for sure!!

[@andreievkalupniek5717]

Another great Rhodes is the AudioLounge KeyAffair DI Mark (Part of KeyAffaIr 3 bundle). It is my favorite along with the Rhodes V8. The SoundPaint Rhodes is pretty good too. Of course my real favorite is the real MKI Rhodes I just got 😍

[@TheChrisVella]

Thanks for sharing! I bet the real one is lushhh 😁

[@bandatratata]

thank you man, respect

[@TheChrisVella]

Happy to help! Thanks for stopping by :)

[@kadiummusic]

Lounge Lizard?

[@TheChrisVella]

Defo for the next iteration of this!

[@kittensinkmusic]

you left out AAS (Applied Acoustics Systems) Lounge Lizard.

[@TheChrisVella]

I’ve heard of this but I don’t own it! Will defo have to check it out fully.

[@jonathanosborn4800]

Its my current favorite Rhodes VST, if we arent counting the morph ability in Pianoteq @@TheChrisVella

[@ZK-LV-2811]

super sound 👍❤

[@TheChrisVella]

Thank you 😋

[@melvinkipkemboi9427]

what's the name of the keyboard that you used in this video? it looks very sleek!

[@TheChrisVella]

Thanks man! It’s a novation sl mk3!

[@oriomenoni7651]

Do we have to listen to the sounds with always that annoying tremolo/autopan on?

[@TheChrisVella]

It usually comes default on most Rhodes but you can always turn it off!

[@TWESHELLSHOCKR]

The S73 Electric Piano/Rhodes Rack Extension is by far the best one I ever heard in terms of accuracy its for Reason though. I think there is a VST version but I'm not sure. But my goodness it is a dream to use. kzbin.info/www/bejne/gYqbdp9vbpmYa68 by J. Chris Griffin. Fantastic stuff.

[@TheChrisVella]

Ahh sweet cheers man I’ll check it out! Thanks for stopping by ☺️

[@5amJones69]

dude that sounds so good

[@samhaddon1236]

Nothing beats the “orange tree samples” sampled version of the famous E Rhodes. Worth a look

[@TheChrisVella]

Oh wow I haven’t heard of these! Will have to check them out. Cheers for the heads up!!

[@saren6538]

Even better than the new Rhodes v8 ?

[@samhaddon1236]

@@saren6538 Rhodes v8 still awesome but I guess my bias is a sentimental one. The organge Tree sampled 'E Rhodes" is a meticulous sample of the famous "E" used by many of the late 70's early 80's artists like Foster, Steely Dan, Al Jarreu, - Jay Graydon legendary producer who discovered it led the project and designed presets that are as close to the sounds of these albums/artists as you can get.

[@jaredini]

Helen Keller could tell these are awful. Yeah they're close but nothing sounds like a real Rhodes, plus every Rhodes sounds different.

[@TheChrisVella]

I mean I agree it’s going to sound different to the real deal, but it’s an affordable way to get a similar result at the end of the day. Sorry if these sounds upset you, but I’m sure others would be happy with what’s provided. Thanks for stopping by though 😊