Fender Rhodes Suitcase Piano
May 2013 Update!
I still have this Fender Rhodes Suitcase piano. Soon, I will be bringing it home for my piano friends to enjoy. I also came in contact with a nice fellow named Mike. He was doing sound at one of Tom Dustman’s Studio Singers concerts last year. I discovered that Mike repairs Wurlitzer and Rhodes pianos professionally. One of my friends called Mike to service a Wurlitzer already. I’m next with this Rhodes… wanna buy a snowboard?
Half of this Rhodes is currently at my father’s house because both parts are two much for my vehicle. Only one piece will fit into the back seat of my little four door. Neither piece of the Rhodes will fit into the trunk. This is not a gig friendly instrument unless you have a van or truck. I wish Kevin Kearney could buy it and keep it. Kevin works with Tom and it has been a pleasure supporting singers with him, but that is another story for another time.
I hope to post more about this little big piano. It seems to be a popular post on my page.
Thanks for reading!
Finally a video for you to see and hear the sound of this piano.
This piano is in very good condition. It plays well and sounds familiar.
The Fender Rhodes Suitcase Piano was released in 1965 and was never produced in the quantities of Stage Piano. A Suitcase Piano consists of two pieces. There is a top piano portion, and an amplifier/speaker cabinet which the piano sits on.
Early models had a 80-watt stereo amplifier made by Peterson, with a four-pin cable connecting the two pieces. Later models had a 100-watt Janus system with a five-pin cable.
Here is a very cool site about the various types of pianos. http://www.fenderrhodes.com/models/index.php
Listen to Herbie Hancock talking about the Piano. He has a “random resonator”, doesn’t everyone? Oh, he shows the different sounds produced by effects units. I’m sure you will recognize some of the effects once you here them. http://www.fenderrhodes.com/audio/Herbie_SideA.mp3
In this one he talks about the Eco Plex, Wah Wah, and Fuzz very special special effects! His language sounds like the electric piano is a new instrument. I wonder what Herbie would say about these recordings now. http://www.fenderrhodes.com/audio/Herbie_SideB.m.
For a list of albums with recordings of the Rhodes. http://www.fenderrhodes.com/cgi-bin/records
http://www.FenderRhodes.com has a lot more info about the Rhodes and related music. A bit of a history lesson if you have the time. Thank you James and Frederik.
Joseph's Bass Blog #tetrahedroseph 
Hey Joseph,
Is this piano still for sale?
Thanks!
J
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Yes, it is for sale. Make me an offer if you are interested.
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hi can you tell me the serial number to figure the year made. thank you brett
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Hi Brett,
Speaker: Model No.: I473 Serial No.: 2380
Keyboard: Serial No.: 3f 2380
I have updated the page with pictures of the numbers.
Looks like its a 1973.
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FYI, the 4 digits stamped on the harp: “4769” indicate that the piano was made in the 47th week of 1969.
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wanting to know if this is still available please email me thanks
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how much does it cost? if i try to buy that, what will be the main advantage of your secondhand piano.
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I am asking $1300.
I don’t really understand your second question but, I will try to answer it:
The Fender Rhodes piano is a classic and coveted piano that has become a standard in sound. I have seen many keyboard and sequencer patches that actually reference the name Rhodes in the description of the sound. That is because most people will know what to expect when they see a patch with “Rhodes” in the name.
There are countless albums with this piano sound. See some of the link I have posted on this page.
This piano I am selling is in excellent condition. It looks, feels, and sounds like the classic.
To mention one more advantage, the piano is in California so you don’t need to pay shipping. :)
Let me know if you have any more questions.
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Hey I want to make sure this Fender Rhodes is up still up for sale. I’m very interested, please confirm if it is still available. Thank you.
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I think I am going to keep it. Thanks for asking.
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if you are still looking for the rhodes 73 email me I have one you have a good day.
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hello,
i’m a french guy living in bordeaux, france
i am looking for a fender rhodes suitcase
is your piano still for sale?
in this case do you accept shipping to france?
thank you
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Hey could you post a site where you can find Fender Rhodes please? Its hard to find a nice Fender Rhodes 1972 mk1 piano it seems…
Thanks
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I have the Rhodes 73 and would like to sell it if you are interested email me I can send pics and video thanks.
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Hi,
I also have Rhodes suitcase 73…
It was my Dads,He played in a band called the “Blue Notes”.1971.
A friend was asking about keyboards, mentioned I had one.
Could you please give me any info. On this electric panio?
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Joseph,
I have a Fender Rhodes that looks exactly like the one in your photo, but probably needs some work. I stopped making music years ago and am ready to sell, preferably in Chicago where I live. How do I know what price to ask? Thanks for any advice.
Regina
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Wow…this is SO hipster!
Thanks
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Thanks! I think… what ever is cool… Your blog is cool! Your blog is hip to me! :)
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I don’t play.. but this is actually awesome.. must show this to my musician friends.. Thanks..
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Im flattered! I hope they like it. By the way you have inspired me to think of a Rhodes update. Coming soon…
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Is this still for sale??
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Sure, I’m ready to sell it. What’s your offer?
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Hi,
my name is Kim.
I blogged in a few years ago also.
I also have a fender Rhodes suitcase for sale.1973
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Hi Joseph, I spoke with you 1-2 yes ago. I also have my Dads Fender Rhodes 1973 for sale also. If you know of someone else that would appreciate music history, Please send my way, Sincerely Kim
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I’m also selling mine if someone makes the right offer. Kim, let me know what kinda price you get. Good luck!
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HI Kim. Just wondering if your 73 Suitcase is still available. I live in Queensland Australia, and will travel in Aus any ware to pick it up if you decide to sell.
Cheers, Graham.
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Hi Graham, Yes I still have FR. It’s still has original mess & all cords. I had loaned her to a friend that has a studio. Not sure if he is playing her. Its was my fathers. Used it in the northern California coast area. His band was called “The Blue Notes”. I would consider. I wanted her to be played to share with people. The sound is so unique, if you know how to play them. Kim
Joseph’s Healthy Bass Blog wrote:
Howdy,
Graham commented on: Fender Rhodes Suitcase Piano.
Comment URL: (https://mofojo.wordpress.com/?page_id=72#comment-2681) Post URL: (https://mofojo.wordpress.com/?page_id=72)
This was in response to Kim Mead:
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How can I contact you regarding the piano?
SQ
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jperry138@yahoo.com
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Cool piano Joseph
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Just picked up my 1973 Fender Rhodes. My Dad played in the band” Blue Notes” in northern California. She was in friends studio for a little over a year. What a sweet sound of the past…
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http://www.fenderrhodes.com/faq/how-old-is-my-rhodes-what-year-was-it-made.html
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Hi! I make renovation of old equipment as Rhodes. If you need anything – ask me. http://analogworkshop.freecluster.eu/ Cheers!
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