On The Rhodes

The term legendary is particularly over-used when referring to vintage musical equipment. However, no one would deny that the Fender Rhodes Electric Piano deserves not only legendary status but also that of being one of the most coveted and influential keyboard instruments of the last 35 years.

The inventor, Harold Rhodes, first began making musical instruments in the 1940s, initially developing a type of electric xylophone which was, oddly enough, constructed from bits of aluminium tubing salvaged from B17 bombers.

In the early 1960s and in conjunction with Leo Fender, Harold Rhodes developed the Fender Rhodes Piano Bass, which was based around a small 32 note keyboard which utilised the principal of striking aluminium tubes or tines to create the distinctive sound. A short while later, in 1965, the first full size Fender Rhodes was born – the Suitcase 88.

Although over the years various model names have come and gone, one thing has remained constant throughout all of the Rhodes guises, its unmistakable sound. Used by artists from Chick Corea to Portishead and Steely Dan to Stevie Wonder, the Fender Rhodes has truly helped shape the last 30 years of modern music.

Arden Hart is a genuinely gifted musician. “Unbelievable” is the phrase often used to describe his ability. There are some players who are born with perfect pitch, never drop a note and have an ability that the rest of us can but listen and attempt to learn from, Arden sits at the top of this category.

Arden’s favourite instrument is his Rhodes Stage 73, which features here, and his credits, to name but a few, include Carleen Anderson, Brand New Heavies, Chaka Khan, Pasedenas and James Mason.

Now available as a direct download, this pack offers you the choice of:

• Over 300 MIDI loops
• Over 300 WAV and AIFF audio loops