Vintage Electric Pianos ROM Option
G-3
Fender Rhodes
Produced from 1965-1986 in a number of variations of the original model, the Fender Rhodes is
the most widely recognized and easily identified electric piano sound in popular music. The
Rhodes played an important role in defining some of the new styles of music that began to
emerge in the mid-sixties and early seventies, mainly jazz-fusion, disco and funk, and was
adopted quickly by other already established styles such as R&B, rock, pop, blues, and jazz. The
Rhodes sound remains popular today and it can be found in a variety of settings: played live by
blues, funk and jam bands among others, and on recordings of hip-hop, pop, acid-jazz, and
electronica.
Like most other electric pianos, the Rhodes produced its sound electromechanically, with a
hammer mechanism striking metal bars or “tines.” A damper pedal, much like the one found on
an acoustic piano, provided sustain.
The two main models (of which there were a few variations) were the Suitcase Piano and the
Stage Piano. The suitcase model was introduced first. Featuring an enclosure equipped with an
amplifier, speaker cabinet, and tremolo circuit, the original suitcase model used hammers with
felt tips, which were later replaced by ones with neoprene (hard synthetic rubber) tips. The felt
hammers gave the early suitcase models a slightly less-bright attack sound and a less-tight
decay for each note. The Stage Piano (which did not have an amplifier nor speaker cabinet) was
introduced in the early seventies as a more portable alternative to the Suitcase model. Both
models were replaced in 1979 by corresponding “Mark II” versions.
Wurlitzer
Similar in both its design and sound to the Rhodes, the Wurlitzer electric piano was nearly as
popular, and actually pre-dated the first Rhodes suitcase model. Two basic models were
produced, of which there were a few versions: the 100 series, manufactured from c.1954-1967,
and the 200 series, which continued from c.1967-1980. Most recordings of the Wurlitzer feature
one of the 200 series models.
Using a piano-type action with felt-tipped hammers to strike metal elements, called “reeds”, the
Wurlitzer employed a damper pedal mechanism to provide sustain, much the way the Rhodes
did. The Wurlitzer was smaller than the Rhodes (most had 64 notes), and was available
exclusively as a console, which sat on four metal legs. Most models came equipped with at least
two built-in speakers, and a tremolo circuit. The Wurlitzer produced a sound which had a
slightly more narrow frequency range than the Rhodes; it was “thinner” sounding, blending
more easily with other instruments in a mix.
Hohner Pianet
Although featured prominently in a number of classic rock songs by The Beatles, The Zombies
and others, the Hohner Pianet remains a lesser-known instrument, its sound having often been
mistakenly attributed to the Wurlitzer.
Produced from c.1962-1980 in various console models, the Pianet series differed from the
Rhodes and Wurlitzer in a few important areas. Sound was produced by metal reeds, which
were plucked by a set of adhesive pads. Also distinguishing the Pianet was the absence of a
sustain pedal.
Hohner also manufactured the much more rare Electra-Piano (not to be confused with the RMI
Electra-Piano) which featured an enclosure resembling that of an upright piano. Reported to
have a hammer mechanism very much like the one found in the Rhodes, the Hohner Electra-
Piano featured a built-in amp and four speakers. Led Zeppelin made this sound famous,
employing it in a number of hits. Using our Pianet samples and bit of processing, we were able
to craft some realistic imitations of the Hohner Electra-Piano, and we’ve included them in the
Pianet section of Vintage EPs.
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