Which sounds the best? Fender Rhodes Vs Wurlitzer

[@SergioGarcia-jg3yy]

Some Lucky people here owning both. I wish I had the chance to play a Fender at least once in my life. It's been my favourite sound over the last 40 decades.

[@elliotspeller-mason8729]

There's no way you're over 400 years old.

[@TonyMacaroni69_]

@@elliotspeller-mason8729 neither is the Fender Rhodes lmao

[@micp01]

@@elliotspeller-mason8729 🤣🤣

[@SergioGarcia-jg3yy]

@@elliotspeller-mason8729 hahaha, 40 years is more acurate, but it's like 40 decades had past...

[@Rhythmicons]

@@SergioGarcia-jg3yy It's not the age, it's the mileage.

[@silicon212]

The Wurli is thicker in the midrange, but the high end kind of falls flat. It has a sharper attack, and a little more growl in the midrange. The Rhodes has a lot more meat on the low end, more glass on the high end, and an overall softer, kind of 'bell like' quality. Both have their sounds and their niches. A Rhodes wouldn't work on "The Logical Song" as well, nor would the Wurli sound as grand on 'Careless Whisper'.

[@cowimmabitch93]

What does niche mean

[@silicon212]

@@cowimmabitch93 in this case, suitability for a task - i.e. in my last sentence above. For example, Al Stewart's "Time Passages" uses a Rhodes. If a Wurli was used in its place, it would have a rather harsh sound in place of the flowing sound it has.

[@jeffsirname]

​@@cowimmabitch93A niche is a speciality, for example the Rhodes is best for one genre, the Wurlitzer for another different genre.

[@cowimmabitch93]

Thanks

[@sevchyk]

Rhodes would work easily in both songs, Wurli loses, less gracious and beatiful sound. It is more suitable for punchy parts.

[@Danilo8208SS]

I own both of these. I absolutely love the Fender Rhodes. It really shines when it’s mixed with other instruments. The Wurlitzer stands up better as a solo instrument. It’s voice reminds me of an electric guitar.

[@deancoyle]

I agree with the Wurlitzer played solo stands up on it's own. I enjoy using mine to write songs. Are these your main two pianos?

[@Danilo8208SS]

I’ve got entirely too many pianos but I love them all. Ive got a 1973 Fender Rhodes Stage 73, Wurlitzer 200, Hammond C3 and Leslie, Yamaha CP-70B, and a Yamaha U1 for the regular piano sound.

[@bobbycastaneda9091]

@@Danilo8208SS Cool! I also have a Yamaha CP70b, Fender Rhodes Stage 73, Fender Rhodes Suitcase 73, Hammond C3 with Leslie and recently sold my Wurlitzer 120

[@biffmalibu5384]

Agreed

[@MuzixMaker]

Which sounds better? Yes.

[@doninnocente2301]

I have always thought, that I should have a Wurlizer, but after this; I'm not sure anymore. The rhodes had do much better/clearer low end. Hope to get more !

[@deancoyle]

I need to revisit this. The Wurlitzer is an amazing piano I need a direct comparison of them both. Also one thing that really shines is the action on the Wurlitzer it is so fun and rewarding to play.

[@moldyjames439]

Rhodes works perfect when playing with other instruments, the Wurlitzer is much better as a lead instrument.

[@sevchyk]

Rhodes beats Wurlitzer 95 times of 100.

[@pierstheoneandonly]

Though they can sound very similar, the best summary I heard was from a shop guy (in Macari's of London) back in the day; this being the Wurly was 'rockier'. I'd say that it can also be more delicate sounding, like a harp. It's a sort of electro version of the Kalimba thumb piano. The Rhodes with its sustain, is superior for jazz solo lines and, for the way the notes seem to mesh, jazz chord clusters. You might say they're distinct, in instrument terms, in the same way as a Strat vs a Gibson.

[@colchiccoduvapassa]

Wurlitzer sounds like a piano, Rhodes sounds like a celesta

[@yeahwellwhatever3659]

Rhodes sounds like a toot, Wurlitzer sounds like a fart

[@mraymond77]

@@valvetones7344 Dancing in the moonlight features a Wurli my dude.

[@karlhaese7183]

Indeed unless you whack the hell out of the bass and mid range keys

[@EphemeralProductions]

They both sound beautiful and have their own charm, to me. They both are beautiful with a chorus pedal, and were used to much effect in the 1980s

[@alanhaynes418]

I have an '80 Rhodes and a '69 Wurlitzer 200 - and which one I use depends very much on the context. They have a different vibe, so it's which one fits the tune best - I find that I play completely differently on each of them.

[@deancoyle]

I think you are the right, the feel and sound of each of them are different leading to differences in playing - though both equally enjoyable.

[@karlhaese7183]

Indeed. My Fender Rhodes 88 suitcase is now officially vintage 50yrs later

[@RoomAtTheTopStudio]

@@karlhaese7183 Next month for my Stage 88 lol

[@Vendzor]

Ahh, the beautiful sounds of the '70s! Doesn't get any better than this :)

[@philipStClair-mm4jq]

Amen! ❤️

[@bennolee348]

The rhodes is so sweet and melodic but that wurlitzer sounds so juicy at high velocities

[@simonhodgetts6530]

It’s like trying to choose between two siblings! I like them both (although I have a massive soft spot for the Rhodes, having owned 2).

[@sevchyk]

Dude, Fender Stratocaster over Les Paul anytime.

[@infacedgetout]

What song were you playing for the “example playing” section at 2:34? Sounds familiar, I want to learn

[@DrLumpyDMus]

When testing any keyboard vs keyboard, I find the ultimate test is the D molished scale.

[@deancoyle]

Haha I can also play it in A. I didn't expect this video to do as well. I should remake it

[@MarionRelics]

Kinda hard to compare them when you have tremolo on the Wurly and not on the Rhodes...

[@deancoyle]

Good point, when I made this video I really didn't it expect it to be one of my better performing. I do need to recreate it in more detail. Thank you for the feedback.

[@MarionRelics]

@@deancoyle No worries man, it’s something I notice a lot of instrument review videos do, it’s just kind of a pet peeve of mine. To really compare the sound of two similar things (instruments, mics, pedals, etc) the external conditions need to be as identical as possible.

[@russellthompson8983]

One thing to remember too: the Rhodes can soind quite different, depending on the pickup alignment. (I'm guessing the same may be true with the Wurlitzer, though I've never actually tried to do adjustments on one.) My Rhodes sounded similar to the one in the video, when I bought it, but after adjusting everything to my liking, it has quite a different tone, almost as bright as a Wurlitzer (though still very different in tone).

[@deancoyle]

Good point!

[@WillsJazzLoft]

I don't think it's a matter of which sounds better. They're both great sounding instruments. There's a context where each one is deemed appropriate. A pop group like the Osmonds or the Carpenters likely prefer the attributes germaine to the Wurlitzer. Jazzers like Patrice Rushen, Joe Sample and George Duke call upon the Rhodes

[@deancoyle]

I think you are right, I did half expect people to have favourites, though I am happy people appreciate them both.

[@WillsJazzLoft]

@@deancoyle Oh absolutely. And indeed I thought it was so with me. By the time that I was becoming a teen folks had just started using the Fender Rhodes in a major way. I thought at the time it was the only EP out there. In fact, that was not so. I think the recording that brought the Wurlitzer to prominence to me was Donny Hathaway Live. This was in 1972. Then Yamaha released the DX-7 in 1983. That was a game-changer. From then until the end of the decade, one could almost not expect to make a hit record or score a motion picture soundtrack without one. I've come to appreciate its selection of EPs. When one has been around as long as I and has listened to a breadth of music you realize everything has an intrinsic value. I love the sound of them all

[@futur_sunds]

There isn’t really a “best” sound. They both sound amazing and unique in there own way and serve different purposes. It just comes down to which one you like the most. In my opinion the Rhodes sounds a bit more like an Organ, and the Wurlitzer sounds more like a Keyboard. The Rhodes also has a bright attack, where as the Wurlitzer is a bit more soft and easier on the ears.

[@sevchyk]

Rhodes is the best.

[@futur_sunds]

@@sevchyk lol

[@apexone5502]

While both are dope to me, I’ve always been a little more partial to Fender Rhodes pianos. They sound so beautiful on chill joints; especially with a little vibrato and reverb added in. Wurlitzers, while having the ability to sound beautiful, tend to sound a little grittier. They definitely work well with harder tracks (like in ‘70s Funk and Hard Soul, for example).

[@jacksonsthumb]

Even as a bass player I've always preferred the sound of the Rhodes from long ago when Rhodes players had to work out daily at the gym just to lift them! No band was complete without the Rhodes. I gigged with dozens of them but never any Wurlitzers.

[@deancoyle]

That is interesting! Out of interested did you play in bands with certain type of style of music?

[@grahamlockley4435]

I played a lot with a band (and saw a few others) that used wirlys. Always had a soft spot for the Rhodes for its lush sound but admired the Wirly for the way it punched through. Different strokes etc.

[@steverichard1740]

I have a rhodes suitcase 73, Clavinet D6, Clavinet E7, Hammond B3 w/ 3 Leslie's. But............... my life is still incomplete without a Wurli!

[@deancoyle]

Sounds like a fun setup. I feel the same about a b3....one day.

[@steverichard1740]

@@deancoyle I just scored a Wurlitzer 145, and in a few days it's going for full servicing. I can't wait to get it back and start playing it man!

[@jaggass]

For me it's the Fender Rhodes. The sound is less harsh and works on anything.

[@sevchyk]

Yes

[@JulianChown]

Both sound lovely. You have your Rhodes tines sounding lovely and chime like, which has always been a dream to have in my 1975s Rhodes. Am thinking yours is an early 70s version? The Wurly has a lovely growl and usually cuts through well in all music styles live, which is always great i find! They're both magic and must keep 😉

[@jaredini]

Never played on a Wurly. I dare not though, I'll end up wanting one! Where in UK are you?

[@deancoyle]

Near Middlesbrough - what about you?

[@deancoyle]

(They are so much more fun to play )

[@russellthompson8983]

If you got to choose 1 piano, and your budget allows, perhaps a Vintage Vibe piano with the optional variable voice control? It's built with replica Rhodes parts, so it'll sound more like a Rhodes, but the variable voice control & EQ, when properly set, can get the sound pretty similar to a Wurlitzer tone, or to just about any Rhodes sound.

[@surf_thermals]

Can you do a comparison between the Fender Rhodes and the Vintage Vibe? Full disclosure is that I already ordered mine! :-)

[@deancoyle]

You have ordered the vintage vibe piano? I'll try to do a comparison soon. My vintage vine piano is an early one and has been well played so has lots of parts updated. I think learning about the setup will give you the best idea of the range of sounds you can get and set up for the sound you want.

[@surf_thermals]

@@deancoyle Yes! I have ordered the newest variation - Marquis... counting the days!

[@twopaste]

what kind of stand do you have on your rhodes to get it flush to the wall?

[@deancoyle]

It's the suitcase version. So no stand is needed.

[@Superphilipp]

Next video: Which sounds best? Trumpet vs Trombone

[@nathanwahl9224]

Nicely done, but what would have really helped was showing how they responded to different dynamics in playing. The both change character when played harder. Thank you.

[@person3538]

I love both for different kinds of music

[@maxheadroom3000]

Got both 👍🏼

[@keyshialee1585]

Why not record the Wurlitzer with the headphone output under the instrument so it's a fair comparison? That's a hella gritty Rhodes, is it running through light distortion?

[@deancoyle]

It's a good point, I may have to revisit this and make a like for like.

[@hawker21]

In some notes the Wurlitzer is closer to the sound of a traditional piano, while the Fender is a mixture of piano and organ. I prefer the Fender.

[@ryanmelvey8764]

i find the wurlitzer much more enjoyable to play, but the rhodes is WAY easier to mix with other instruments.

[@deancoyle]

Agree!

[@thomasmatthews8873]

They both sound awesome. The Wurlitzer is banging though.

[@deancoyle]

I hear so many rock song when playing the wurli!

[@CeCeCanapee]

I love both ♥ Thank you!

[@deancoyle]

Thank you!

[@ReallyDudeYouGottaHearThis]

Playing with horns I find Rhodes is cool for solos but whirly blends in well with mellow sections. These are my favorites along with a dark setting on Hammond….and all on a yc 73. I had a Real rhodes a long time past.

[@deancoyle]

Playing with horns? this sounds like a fun setup, do you have any links to your music?

[@emiledubois958]

The Wurtlitzer edges this...a weighty bottom and not too harsh on top

[@MINASNEGRASGERAIS]

Hi, there! I think both have incredible sounds, although Rodhes has more sustain and volume.

[@PuerinTheHunter]

In this video the Wurlitzer feels more mellow with a lot less sustain, very different than what I've heard in other videos.

[@deancoyle]

I think it might be due to being mic'd. I plan to recreate this video. Thank you for the feedback!

[@neilh9442]

Whenever i heard these keys for the past 40 years, i always thought it was a Rhodes. So im biased and my pick is Fender. But there are many songs i like that wurltzers. So either one is a good pick.

[@trex70]

My favorit is still the Fender Rhodes Piano Mark 1.Of course i like the Music from Supertramp as well ^^

[@rochamds]

Now, I think i can tell the difference, and I prefer the Rhodes. Thank you, sir!

[@deancoyle]

You are welcome!

[@Daring2Win]

I've also owned both in several forms. I used to prefer Rhodeds hands down (with samples I still do), but the ACTUAL Wurli is so rich and soulful: like a jazz guitar that can be gritty. It's sad that many of even the best sample libraries neglect the subtle bellish character of the Wurli, opting for the extremely reedy tone to contrast with their generic tine offerings. Acoustic Samples, with their Wurli library, being the only exception I can recall that got it right.

[@jalawto]

Wurly on Time by Pink Floyd is one of my fav uses of an electric piano

[@lukejxson]

Which do you prefer the sound of?

[@davidcostas3414]

Wurlitzer sounds better!

[@deancoyle]

I think it hard to say. I really like the setup of the Wurlitzer, its so enjoyable to play and the amp is built in. So you just turn it on and play, it sounds great as is. I tend to find myself playing more at the Wurlitzer. The Fender Rhodes action, is not as enjoyable to play, though I have improved the action on mine and its getting there. I really enjoy the range of sounds you can get from it, from deep basses to glass smashing highs. Though this can be a positive for recording, its becomes a distraction for playing. If pushed to pick one I would go Wurlitzer, though this is close decision and maybe different depending on mood.

[@lukejxson]

@@deancoyle I've unfortunately never had the chance to play a wurli but the action seems better. Are the keys weighted?

[@VintageGearFreak]

A well setup Rhodes can be incredible, almost telepathic to play. Wurlys are very nice too. I’d say the spectrum of Rhodes actions is wider with many bad playing pianos and some great playing ones. They Wurlys are more consistent at a higher level, but the best Rhodes are just *that* good. Nice comparison btw

[@deancoyle]

It's a lot closer to a piano action than a Fender Rhodes, so does have a weighted feel.

[@grahamt33]

Well meaning, I am sure, but this comparison is the proverbial apples and oranges. Both instruments are essential tools in a musicians arsenal and both sound absolutely magnificent.

[@thejay8963]

How so? They're two of instruments using the same basic technology. Unless comparing a Telecaster to an SG is "Apples to oranges", this isn't that at all.

[@Heist1000]

The Wurlitzer sounds like a Temu version of a Rhodes.

[@deancoyle]

😢 poor Wurlitzer

[@MatheusRobis]

Nice video

[@NashvilleSingerSongwriter]

My whirly has a loud 60cycle hum and my rhodes needs new felt pads

[@teddavidcompositions3744]

The Wurlitzer is better in tune. The tremolo makes it harder to compare. The Rhodes is better at sustained notes. The Wurlitzer has more key noise.

[@deancoyle]

Good ear!

[@cliffordbruber2791]

Having played both, (and admittedly, being more of a guitar player, than a keys player), I believe both the Rhodes and the Wurlitzer can be appreciated in their own way. For me, though, the bell like clarity of the Rhodes really shines through.

[@deancoyle]

So true!

[@andreasboose5611]

The Wurly sounds wonderful

[@deancoyle]

It does!

[@ericlitts9917]

If I had to choose one, for my needs, I'd use the wurlitzer. I'm primarily a guitarist but I use the keys to help arrange and for another texture. I'm no Billy Preston..

[@dlux703]

Fender sounds like "midway/carnival" tones, while Wurlitzer is way more actual "piano" tones.

[@pandaoriginalpanda]

Both

[@thebillykeith]

Very cool. Thank you very much.

[@Ashfaq1999]

Both are legends 🎶

[@lahoz6]

¿Qué es más bonito, el color rojo o el azul? Absurdo planteamiento

[@deancoyle]

El video es más una comparación que muestra las diferencias entre los dos. Tengo un favorito, aunque cambia todos los días.

[@jeremykirsch4126]

I'm going to go with Wurli. The Fender is more clear, thus is technically "better" sounding, but the Wurli has more stank to it. The sound of an overdriven Wurli is the definitive sound of soul.

[@DavidBoura]

Both ♥

[@deancoyle]

Right answer

[@lucascarioli]

Rhoades sounds more shinny and the Wurlitzer more creamy.

[@deancoyle]

I wish I could give prizes for good descriptions between the two! Your comment is simple but so expressive of the two pianos! Thank you Lucas!

[@Rhythmicons]

Rhodes > Wurlitzer; both are needed.

[@roberttodd2414]

I always call the rhodes the light bulbs sound because it sounds like someone hitting light bulbs together

[@deancoyle]

I can hear what you mean, that glassy attack

[@lundsweden]

IMO: Rhodes, good for Jazz, Hiphop, Rock (comping). Wurli, Blues or Rock lead, or even classic Soul.

[@deancoyle]

I agree they are two separate things, that's the reason I wanted to make this video. They often get grouped together. I had a good comment, but it disappeared that compared the two pianos to moods more than music types.

[@johnsuggs3952]

The fact that you own both, first congrats. But truthfully, you can't really compare them. They each have their own unique sound. I think the Wurlitzer sounds a bit softer and bluesey. While the Rhodes has a little bit more bite to it. And I don't have to explain those adjectives because I'm sure you've heard them at some point in your 400+ years. No, no one is going to let that go. lol

[@cellulosefdr]

I like the wurlitzer better sounds brighter

[@niredge]

The Rhodes is so clean all day long.

[@ziggy_zagged]

The Rhodes better for me, but the Wurli also lovely

[@brunobridge7253]

Wurlitzer beats the Rhodes hands down for its light action. Sound wise, they both have their niche.

[@zuccoeur]

Rhodes sound can somerimes be melted between sounds of guitars on stage, unfortunately. Wurli is warmer and make to my sense a sweetest distorsion work, and he' better for lil blues solo jams. So, for me, there's a lil preferance fof the Wurli 200A. Rick Davies's bright wurli is nice to play Supertramp's tracks, because he dont push too hard enough on the keyboard to make it sounding as during a kinda New Orleans solo style.. but anyway.. wurli still my fav one.

[@kinochdotcom]

Wurlitzer has more distortion.

[@tylerthompson1842]

There’s no such thing as best or better. First of all it’s subjective second you need both for different applications. .

[@deancoyle]

I agree. My goal was just to highlight the difference in sound between the two.

[@johnnyparker2128]

Always go for the cream.

[@neroinc5998]

Surely it’s the Wurli

[@winniebrown6719]

rhodes for sure

[@dinbee4611]

I grew up listening to the Fender Rhodes and when I was young I dreamt of owning one but never did.. just too rich for my blood then. The Rhodes just has that unique sound that I can't seem to get out of my head so I'm biased towards it though.

[@pelvisesley5549]

Wurli all the way

[@anoniconoclast2030]

Both pianos need a lot of work. The Rhodes needs a good tech.

[@deancoyle]

True, I do say this in the video.

[@hardminder]

It's sad that you put so much effort in editing, in playing that perfect array of chords, melodies and scales to perfectly compare the twos but did one in D.I and one mic'ed. This doesn't make the wurlitzer any justice...at all

[@deancoyle]

I appreciate the comment, I will in the new year create a DI / mic'ed comparison of them both. I don't want any injustice for the Wurlitzer.

[@luisleiva4949]

I like wurly

[@deancoyle]

Good choice

[@bloomsandthreads8519]

Fender

[@harmonicsball89]

Rhodes!

[@michaelaweninger8570]

Wurli in the highs an in general and Rhodes in the deeps 👍.

[@ks3bigksudjoht180]

Sounds as different as dreadnought and archtop guitars.

[@sevchyk]

There are different Rhodes that sound much better than this video, but in general, I think, Rhodes is a more gracious and beautiful sound, just like Fender Stratocaster vs Les Paul, Fender is better.

[@carlobuongiovanni7934]

Why don’t set that wurliter tremolo to zero? Is not a correct comparison, rhodes without effect and wurly with effect, bah…

[@maestrosat2563]

Rhodes better👍👍

[@stephensmith799]

Fender Rhodes much the favourite for me. The competition sounds too piano-like especially in the upper register

[@ayuka1990]

I have No judge mentnity.

[@dannylevy4610]

By far, the Rhodes.....

[@Bojan1764]

Rhodes more warm sound.

[@georgenewham1265]

I love wejutlylsisyeners!

[@moriscengic]

Wurli

[@pablowozniak8132]

Your Rhodes in really bad condition and out of tune. You can't play at all. To compare Wurlitzer and Rhodes is insane

[@BarrySPeas]

You mean the way that loads of guitarists compare Marshall & Fender despite them being totally different, or anything else where there's a thing which serves a specific purpose but operates very differently? These are by far the 2 most popular EPs why not hear them side? Also he knows neither instrument is in prime condition, and didn't claim to be an amazing player.

[@Andronicus2007]

Hello Mr. Positive! 😅