Rhodes Stage 61: Back to the Roots
Rhodes Officially Launches the Compact, Puristic Baby Rhodes
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[21 March 2025] After previewing a prototype at this year’s NAMM Show in January, Rhodes has now officially announced the new Rhodes Stage 61. Pre-orders for the compact, passive Rhodes will begin in just a few days!
Rhodes Stage 61: Back to Basics
At NAMM this year, Rhodes surprised us with the Rhodes Stage 61, a compact 61-key electro-mechanical piano (see below). Some details were left in the dark, though. Now, the manufacturer has officially launched the new model and you can pre-order it in just a few days.
According to Rhodes, the Rhodes Stage 61 marks a return to the puristic, bare-bones design of the classic Rhodes models of the 60s, 70s, and early 80s. While the MK8 covers the luxury segment with features such as a built-in preamp, optional effects unit, and now even MIDI, the Stage 61 is all about the pure Rhodes experience like in the good old days. Rhodes says that they focused on “playability and portability”.
That said, the new Rhodes Stage 61 does come with a number of modern improvements over the vintage models. Like the MK8, its keyboard is made by Kluge Klaviaturen GmbH, which is part of the Steinway Group. The tines, pickups, hammer tips, and cable-driven sustain pedal were taken directly from the MK8.
In contrast to the MK8, however, the Rhodes Stage 61 is a passive model without a built-in preamp. Instead, you’ll find the classic Volume and Tone knobs of the passive Rhodes pianos of yesteryear. This means that you’ll need to connect the piano to an amplifier, DI box, or external preamp.
The Tolex-clad wooden case with a protective ABS lid is made to withstand the rigors of the road. Weighing in at 59 lbs / 27 kg, the Rhodes Stage 61 is considerably lighter than the MK8, although you’ll probably still want to ask another person for help carrying it.
To celebrate the new model, Rhodes has also announced the exclusive Launch Edition, which was designed by none other than famed synth designer Axel Hartmann and is limited to just 61 units. This special edition sports a khaki-colored, vinyl-finished lid with orange racing decals.
Price and Availability
You can pre-order the Rhodes Stage 61 directly from the manufacturer from 25 March 2025. To reserve your unit, you’ll need to make a deposit of at least 20 % of the final price. If you pay in full up front, you’ll receive a stand for free (a $500 value). The prices are:
- Stage 61: $6,495 / £4,995 / €5,995
- Stage 61 Launch Edition: $6,995 / £5,495 / €6,495
The manufacturer expects to begin shipping in about six months from now.
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Rhodes Stage 61: An Electric Piano Built for the Stage
[23 January 2025] Rhodes has brought a prototype of the new Rhodes Stage 61 to the 2025 NAMM Show. A more compact and portable alternative to the MK8, the Rhodes Stage 61 is a modern electro-mechanical piano for touring musicians.
Alongside the MIDI-fied MK8, Rhodes is showing the new Stage 61 at NAMM this year. And contrary to what I expected when the manufacturer first hinted at a compact stage piano a couple of weeks ago, it is not a digital piano with sounds from the Rhodes Anthology plugin. Instead, the Rhodes Stage 61 is a proper electro-mechanical instrument, albeit a bit smaller and lighter than its 73-key sibling.
As a compact and more portable alternative to the MK8, the Rhodes Stage 61 seems like an ideal solution for those who insist on a real Rhodes on stage but could do without the backache. The tiny Rhodes also saves space on the tour bus. But it looks like you’ll also have to make do without a lot of the features of the MK8.
To start with, the Stage 61 doesn’t seem to have a built-in preamp. Instead, it features the familiar volume and tone controls of classic passive Rhodes variants. I wonder if the manufacturer will offer a preamp as an option later (maybe even with the effects unit from the MK8)? I, for one, also wouldn’t say no to a new Suitcase model with a matching amp.
Just like in the MK8, the pedal is linked to the piano through a flexible cable. This is a much more practical and secure solution than the notoriously unstable rod of classic Rhodes pianos. The included stand seems to be built for frequent transport. Reassuringly solid-looking rubber feet and corners protect the instrument while hauling it around and give it a much more rugged appearance than the posh MK8. The Stage 61 isn’t just named for the stage, it’s obviously also built for it.
Price and Availability
Rhodes plans to roll out the Stage 61 in about 6-9 months from now. The projected price is $6995 / £5495 / €5995 (subject to change).
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6 responses to “Rhodes Stage 61: Back to the Roots”
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Amazing how, when the Rhodes first came out, Fender thought that a 73 note keybed was the minimum that pianists would settle for in the name of portability. And made an 88 for those that wouldn’t settle for less than a piano range instrument…
I guess today’s dumbed down quasi-musicians who never actually learned to play are the target market of something that would be impossible to cover the vast majority of Rhodes repertoire on.
This is a very weird instrument. Not big enough for the purists, and too heavy for most gigging keyboardists. Heck, why stop at 61? Why not make a 25 note version..?! That seems to be about right for today’s bedroom knob twiddler generation 🥺🙄😂
Totally disagree with this take. Firstly, when the MKII came out Fender released a 54 key model so I guess the quasi-musicians who never learnt to play actually existed in the 80’s.
Secondly, the majority of Rhodes parts are easily covered in a 61 octave range, and is definitely light enough and practical enough for most gigging keyboardists. Obviously you need more than two knobs to be somewhat creative but for a talented musician, limitations are actually a virtue and lead to ingenuity and true creativity.
Lastly, in the UK the old Rhodes models were being sold 2nd hand in terrible condition for £3k+. Then it would cost over £1k for the refurb. This gives an opportunity to today’s musicians who weren’t old enough to buy an original Rhodes new to purchase a new, handmade Rhodes with better parts and warranty, and unlike the 88 key is just within the price range where we would feel comfortable saving up for it and having it on gigs. I’ve had the opportunity to gig on the MK8 and it is fantastic but I couldn’t justify buying a board that big or expensive, this board is just within a reasonable size and price range for me. I’m actually really excited for this board.
But I guess my opinion is what you’d exception from today’s bedroom knob twiddler generation….
How many 54’s were sold compared to 73’s or 88’s?
Damn few.
How many 88 were sold compared to 73? Damn few.
You are dead on sir. After reading your comment, I shuffled over to my Roland RD88 which has excellent Rhodes sounds. I played a few classic 70’s songs, and some Supertramp. 61 keys do NOT cut it. Oh, and over 5K?
I’ve been playing professionally for over 50 years, studio and live. Back in the day it was rare for a studio to NOT have a Rhodes. In over 50 years I have NEVER seen the mythical 54. Seen plenty of the Piano Bass Rhodes, not ONE Rhodes 54.