THE ULTIMATE IN RHODES SOUND AND FEEL
Harold Rhodes’ legendary electro-mechanical tine piano returns. Precision built in the UK with the finest hand-selected materials.
Optimising the iconic sound of the Rhodes piano, the MK8 offers considerable improvements in tone, touch, intonation and dynamics. All critical components – including tines, pickups, dampers and pedal mechanism – have been redesigned from the ground up, using only the highest quality materials and the very best in contemporary manufacturing techniques.
01.
KEYBOARD
Precision-manufactured by internationally renowned Kluge Klaviaturen GmbH (Steinway Group), the Rhodes MK8’s keyboard offers unparalleled expression and a nuanced piano-like feel.
73-note (E8-E80) Rhodes custom spruce keyboard by Kluge Klaviaturen GmbH, oak and beech key frame.
ONBOARD EFFECTS
The MK8 offers you the opportunity to dial up the effects of your choice with inbuilt VCA analogue compressor and low noise analogue stereo bucketbrigade effects: chorus, phaser, delay.
Rhodes custom stereo effect processor: analogue compressor, phaser, chorus, delay. True bypass. Expression pedal control of phaser speed, chorus speed, delay time, delay feedback.
PREAMP
The custom Rhodes engineered MK8 analogue preamp features parametric EQ, independent drive, envelope control, wah, new vari-pan with 4 waveshapes, audio rate modulation capabilities and dual expression pedal control inputs.
True analogue signal path. Volume, drive, envelope controls. Expression pedal control of volume, mid sweep (wah), pan speed, pan depth. Rhodes custom analogue tri-band (low/mid/high) active equaliser (+/- 15db range). Sweepable parametric midrange. Rhodes custom vari-pan with variable rate/depth with 4 wave shapes and audio-rate modulation.
CUSTOMISE
With external design by Axel Hartmann, the MK8 closely echoes the classic lines of the much loved Rhodes MK1 piano, whilst inviting a level of owner customisation never before offered on a Rhodes.
Choose from solid and custom sparkle colours for the lid, along with a selection of beautiful finishes for the front panel, case, pre-amp panel, pedal and rear grille.
05.
MIDI INTEGRATION
The proprietary Rhodes MK8 MIDI system unlocks advanced control, offering seamless integration with the MK8’s analogue warmth. It features high-resolution key position monitoring, Channel and Polyphonic Aftertouch, and a damper pedal sensor with multiple sustain modes, with MIDI Out from both the keyboard and pedal.
USB MIDI In/Out and DIN MIDI Out ensure versatile connectivity for sending MIDI signals, while the majority of front panel controls are MIDI addressable. Isolated electronics prevent signal interference and ground-loops, ensuring flawless performance in any setup.
USB MIDI In/Out. DIN MIDI Out. High-resolution key position monitoring. Channel and Polyphonic Aftertouch. Damper pedal sensor with multiple sustain modes. Isolated electronics for power and signal.
RHODES MK8 MIDI
CLASSIC SOUL, MODERN CONTROL
Immerse yourself in the seamless blend of classic tone and modern innovation with Rhodes’ groundbreaking proprietary MIDI system. This exclusive live session showcases the iconic analogue warmth of the MK8, seamlessly fused with state-of-the-art digital capabilities.
Join Rhodes CPO Dan Goldman and drummer Erroll Rollins as they showcase the brand-new Rhodes MK8 MIDI, recorded live at The Nave studio, Leeds.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Optimising the iconic sound of the Rhodes piano, the MK8 offers considerable improvements in tone, touch, intonation and dynamics. All critical components – including tines, pickups, dampers and pedal mechanism – have been redesigned from the ground up, using only the highest quality materials and the very best in contemporary manufacturing techniques.
MODELS
ANALOGUE PREAMP
True analogue signal path. Volume, drive, envelope controls.
Expression pedal control of volume, mid sweep (wah), pan speed,
pan depth. Rhodes custom analogue tri-band (low/mid/high) active
equaliser (+/- 15db range). Voltage-controlled, resonant midrange filter.
Rhodes custom vari-pan with variable rate/depth. 4 wave shapes and
audio-rate modulation.
ANALOGUE EFFECTS OPTION
Rhodes custom stereo effect processor: VCA compressor, phaser, Bucket brigade chorus, delay. Expression pedal control of phaser speed, chorus speed, delay time, delay mix.
MIDI SYSTEM
USB MIDI In/Out. DIN MIDI Out. High-resolution key position monitoring. Channel and Polyphonic Aftertouch. Damper pedal sensor with multiple sustain modes. Isolated electronics for power and signal.
POWER SUPPLY
15-Volt, 4-pin locking XLR external supply with universal voltage.
KEYBOARD
73-note (E8-E80) Rhodes custom spruce keyboard by Kluge Klaviaturen GmbH, oak and beech key frame.
PICKUPS
Rhodes custom precision​-wound alnico pickups with anti-slip adjustment for accurate voicing and flat-ended pickup heads for accurate volume adjustment.
ACTION
Rhodes custom high-impact ABS hammers and combs, quad-zone hard-wearing tips, aerospace-grade damper combs, black natural wool damper felts.
TONE GENERATION
Rhodes custom precision steel tines and tonebars, sustainably sourced Baltic birch tine and pickup rails.
LEFT SIDE CONNECTION PANEL
2 x Balanced XLR outputs (L/R), 2 x 1/4” jack Outputs (L/R), 1 x 1/4” jack send (direct pickup output), 1 x 1/4” return.
HEADPHONES
1 x 1/4” headphone jack, independent volume control.
UI PANELS
Standard: Scratch-resistant brushed-aluminium foil.
Legend: Black with silver legend or silver with black legend.
PEDAL
Rhodes custom twist-lock piano connector with flexi-cable. Chrome aluminium footplate. Rhodes folding protective non-slip mat.
FRONT PANEL AND REAR GRILLE
Standard: Black/Silver anodised aluminium.
RIGHT SIDE CONNECTION PANEL
USB: Reserved for future firmware updates.
2 x assignable jack expression pedal inputs.
MIDI out DIN socket, reserved for future MIDI capability
STAND
Rhodes custom telescopic (L/R adjustment) powder coated black steel/ mirror-chrome steel.
Height adjustable front legs. Folds compactly for transport.
HOOD
Black ABS, custom colours.
CASE
Lightweight ply case with tolex, aluminium base plate. Solid walnut option.
Weight
DIMENSIONS
All images are for illustrative purposes only, specifications subject to change.
