After the iconic “Jetsons” pianos of the late 60’s, Rhodes introduced a new education series. These pianos were housed in a more subtle walnut veneered cabinet and featured an on board metronome and connections to a teacher module. The student can monitor with headphones or a built in 10 inch speaker. Under the hood, the tone producing components are the same as a 73 key stage piano. Sometimes referred to as the KMC 1 (Keyboard Music Center), there were also variations of this model designed for home use that had an on board cassette recorder.
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The electronic circuitry carried over from the earlier Jetsons design, and is rather primitive by today’s standard. The amplifier is under powered and distorts relatively easily. It is essentially a single power module, just like the ones found in a Peterson era suitcase piano. However, with a proper setup, the piano still sounds and plays wonderfully.
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This particular instrument came to us for a “Works” level of service. Our restoration includes a fresh set of tonebar isolation grommets and screws/washer, hammer tip rotation, and a comprehensive strikeline and escapement setup. After voicing and tuning the piano, we modified the 1/4″ output at the bottom of the amplifier to serve as a line out straight from the harp, bypassing all the other electronic circuitry. This jack is switched and cuts the on board speaker when engaged.
Please enjoy a couple videos of this piano in action! Performance by Matt Blocher at the Chicago Electric Piano Co.
Too High – Stevie Wonder
Spain – Chick Corea (feat. on board metronome!)
Comments (9)
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I’d love to see one of those models with the onboard cassette recorder! You could make an entire tape of Chick Corea covers with metronome accompaniment!
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Sounds really nice.
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I believe I have this model. What would it be worth? I’m looking to sell.
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Tough to say. They’re not necessarily the most sought after models, but they do make great home/studio Rhodes pianos or good candidates for Custom Shop restorations. If you want us to take a look at it please email info@chicagoelectricpiano.com. Thanks!
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Is there any vibrato on either this or the home model? I can’t see a control for this on any of the photo. Many thanks.
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Is there a vibrato control on this or the home model? Many thanks 🙏
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The Rhodes classroom models do not have vibrato/tremolo or preamp controls. Only volume and a metronome.
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Just found one of these in a basement. It sounds totally incredible. I can’t imagine how fun it would have been to have been an actual student on one of these babies. dAmn.
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There’s a guy in my city who has one. He bought it from a guy for $45… I’ll do everything in my power to own this beauty. Now that I see it has a built in metronome, I’m losing my mind !
