MIDI Rhodes: Custom Glam-Sparkletop

Here's a custom Rhodes that we're not going to forget! Inspired by their "Grape Sparkle" Gretsch Penguin guitar, we were tasked with matching the sparkle on their Rhodes--and we were even more thrilled when it was paired with the ivory sparkle tolex. This thing is 1,011% Glam and we're in love with it!  

Along with the complete restoration service of the instrument and amplifier we also upgraded the Rhodes with an optical MIDI system! --This thing is a total spaceship!

The MIDI system that we use is an all-optical sensor system developed by QRS Music Technologies. The system was originally designed for installation inside an acoustic piano, and with a little extra modification to the Rhodes' key bed it is an amazing upgrade for your instrument. With the MIDI output you can control any variety of synthesizers, or MIDI triggered devices running a 100% independent signal from the Rhodes' output. This allows the two systems to be used independently, or--better yet--blended together to create all new sounds of your own! It's an incredible upgrade for your Rhodes that is sure to inspire a whole new world of creativity from the instrument! Here's our Reverb.com video featuring the system on another recent MIDI Rhodes restoration:

And do we need to say that this MIDI system works on Wurlitzers too?!

The QRS PNOScan can also be installed on Wurlitzer Electric Pianos--and we love the feel of Wurlitzer action assemblies with the MIDI output! Just like with the Rhodes Suitcase we customize the power supply so that the system fires up as soon as the instrument is switched on. Anyway... What were we talking about? ? ? ...Oh, yeah--The GLAM SPARKLETOP! I don't think I need to say much more... Have a look: