Fender Rhodes Seventy Three Mark 1

Original Fender Rhodes Mark I Stage 73 Electric Piano

The Fender Rhodes Mark I Stage 73 is an iconic electromechanical piano that helped define the sound of popular music throughout the 1970s. Its distinctive combination of warm fundamentals, bell-like upper harmonics and expressive dynamic response has made the Rhodes one of the most recognisable electric piano sounds ever created.

Unlike a modern digital piano, the Rhodes creates its sound mechanically. Pressing a key causes a piano-style hammer to strike a metal tine. The vibration is reinforced by a tone bar and captured by an electromagnetic pickup, producing the characteristic Rhodes tone. The result is an instrument that responds naturally to your playing, from soft and mellow passages through to brighter, more percussive tones when played with greater force.

The Stage 73 features a 73-note keyboard spanning six octaves, together with simple Volume and Bass Boost controls. As a Stage model it does not feature built-in amplification or speakers, allowing the player to connect it to a suitable keyboard, guitar or instrument amplifier using its 1/4 inch output.

Designed with live performance in mind, the Stage 73 is housed in a substantial road-style case and was originally supplied with detachable chrome legs and a mechanical sustain pedal. When packed away, the legs and supports can be stored within the lid, making the instrument considerably easier to transport than the amplified Rhodes Suitcase models.

Original Fender Rhodes instruments were continually developed throughout production, so components, action design and other details can differ depending on the exact year of manufacture. These variations are an important part of the character and history of each surviving instrument.

Today, an original Fender Rhodes Mark I Stage 73 remains highly regarded by musicians, studios and collectors for its authentic playing experience and unmistakable analogue electric piano sound.

Hear, Try and Compare the Fender Rhodes Seventy Three Mark 1 in our showroom

Located in Leicester in the central Midlands and close to Coventry, Nottingham, Derby, Birmingham and Warwick we promise you that a visit to our specialist Digital Piano and Keyboard showroom will not disappoint. Try the full Fender range including the Rhodes Seventy Three Mark 1 and compare it with all under one roof. Whatever your playing standard our knowledgeable and friendly experts will help guide you through the Piano buying process and make sure that you are buying the right instrument for your needs. As ex teachers we are ideally placed to advise and answer any questions you may have. Lifetime support and product tuition with ALL digital pianos.

Do you live with a 40 mile radius of Leicester?

If so then you qualify for Keysounds VIP delivery service. Our own van 2 man delivery goes beyond a standard delivery. With allocated time slots we can delivery at a convenient time for you. All new Pianos are delivered boxed and assembled at your home by our experts. We will also remove all packaging for recycling.

We sell Digital Pianos and Keyboards. That's it. Nothing else. No distractions and nothing to steal our focus.

Q: What is a Fender Rhodes Mark I Stage 73?
A: The Fender Rhodes Mark I Stage 73 is a 73-key electromechanical electric piano originally produced during the 1970s. It creates its distinctive sound using hammers, metal tines, tone bars and electromagnetic pickups rather than digital samples.

Q: How many keys does the Fender Rhodes Stage 73 have?
A: The Fender Rhodes Stage 73 has 73 keys covering six octaves from E to E, providing a broad playing range while keeping the instrument smaller than the 88-key version.

Q: How does a Fender Rhodes produce its sound?
A: When a key is played, a hammer strikes a metal tine connected to a tone bar. The vibration is detected by an electromagnetic pickup and converted into an electrical audio signal, creating the distinctive Rhodes electric piano sound.

Q: Does the Fender Rhodes Mark I Stage 73 have built-in speakers?
A: No. The Stage 73 does not have a built-in amplifier or speakers and is designed to be connected to an external amplifier or suitable audio system.

Q: Does an original Fender Rhodes Stage 73 need mains power?
A: The piano itself uses passive electromechanical tone generation and does not require mains power to generate its output signal. The external amplifier or audio equipment used with it will require its own power supply.

Q: Does the Fender Rhodes Mark I Stage 73 have a sustain pedal?
A: Yes. The original Stage 73 uses a mechanical sustain pedal connected to the piano by a pushrod, which lifts the internal dampers when the pedal is pressed.

Q: What controls are fitted to the Fender Rhodes Mark I Stage 73?
A: The classic Stage 73 has simple Volume and Bass Boost controls together with a 1/4 inch audio output, leaving additional tone shaping and effects to external amplification or equipment.

Q: Are all Fender Rhodes Mark I Stage 73 pianos exactly the same?
A: No. Rhodes continually developed the instrument throughout production, so hammer design, tines, tone bars, pickups, action components and other details can vary according to the year in which an individual piano was manufactured.

Q: What is the difference between a Rhodes Stage 73 and a Rhodes Suitcase 73?
A: The Stage 73 is a portable version designed for use with an external amplifier and features detachable legs. The Suitcase 73 is paired with a dedicated speaker and amplifier cabinet and includes additional amplified features depending on the production year.

Q: Why are original Fender Rhodes pianos still popular?
A: Original Rhodes pianos are valued for their distinctive electromechanical sound, expressive response and individual character. Their warm and bell-like tone became an important part of jazz, soul, funk, rock and popular music during the 1970s and remains widely used today.