Rhodes Anthology Series
Rhodes Music introduces the Rhodes Anthology Series, a collection of meticulously sampled virtual instruments that capture the essence of iconic and rare Rhodes pianos. This plug-in faithfully recreates the iconic warmth and character of these legendary instruments, bringing some of the most influential sounds in music history into the toolkits of today’s musicians and producers.
“The Rhodes sound has always been more than just an instrument; it’s a cultural phenomenon,” says Dan Goldman, Chief Product Officer at Rhodes Music. “The sound transcends the physical hardware. It’s a part of music history, and with the Anthology Series, we’re bringing that legacy into the digital world.”
The Rhodes sound is synonymous with classic records that defined entire generations, influencing the course of music across several decades. Since the Mark 1, the Rhodes electro-mechanical piano not only transformed music but also became a defining element in genres like jazz, rock, and soul. Pioneering artists such as Miles Davis and Herbie Hancock, as well as iconic bands like The Beatles, Stevie Wonder, and Led Zeppelin, relied on the unmistakable Rhodes sound to shape their groundbreaking works. With the Anthology Series Plug-in, this rich legacy is preserved and adapted for modern production.
The Anthology Series Plug-in delivers highly detailed recreations of four legendary Rhodes models, bringing these classic sounds to the fingertips of producers and musicians:
- Rhodes MK1 Stage 73 (1976) – Celebrated for its versatility, the MK1 became a staple of 1970s jazz, rock, and soul, used by artists like Herbie Hancock and Stevie Wonder.
- Sparkletop 73 (1965) – Known for its distinctive bell-like tones, the Sparkletop was key to defining albums like In a Silent Way by Miles Davis and Let It Be by The Beatles.
- Rhodes MKV 73 (1984) – Regarded by many as the pinnacle of Rhodes design, the MKV featured advanced action and dynamic range.
- Rhodes MK7 73 (2010) – The first Rhodes to feature MIDI functionality, the MK7 blends the classic Rhodes sound with modern flexibility.
Alongside these iconic models, the Anthology Series Plug-in delivers powerful sound-shaping tools, including preamps, EQ, vibrato, chorus, and phaser - all derived from the acclaimed Rhodes V8 Pro plug-in. Users can fine-tune their sound with precision using the Timbre Shift function, which enables real-time re-voicing of the pianos, while Global Tune ensures the instruments can be perfectly tuned to match other elements in any production setup.
The Rhodes Anthology Series Plug-in is available now in VST, AU, and AAX formats through Rhodes' official store.