Fender Rhodes amp test

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• published: 03 Mar 2007
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This is a short Fender Rhodes amplification test comparing a Roland KC-350 keyboard amp and a Fender Twin Reverb. The signal is then split using a boss AB switch where the KC-350 is connected to channel A and the fender twin is connected to channel B. The signal on channel A goes through a tube pre-amp and then into the KC-350. The signal on channel B goes directly into the Fender Twin Reverb. The recordings where made using identical microphones and settings on both amps. The final recording is made by connecting the tube pre-amp directly to the mixer. ------------------------ October 6. 2007 Thank you ! Well, do you need a tube amp to get a great Rhodes sound ? In general: NO ! Many tube amps drain the dynamics from the characteristic Rhodes sound. Unless you go for a more harsh and cutting sound, you should look for alternative amplification. Many Rhodes recordings that you can hear on records are recorded directly from the harp of the Rhodes using a DI-box or pre-amp. There is no need for tubes, unless you want to crunch things up a little bit. High quality solid-state pre-amps will do a very good job ! Actually I have used a Crunch Master in this video. I have owned the device since 1988 and I am quite happy with it. What makes it very special is that it's not only a pre-amp, but also a 1 watt power amp, providing the more nice sounding power-amp crunch/distortion. If you want to try it with the Rhodes I recommend you to use the cab-output (it has a cabinet simulator and power-soak built-in). Eq'ing is important and I find the Eq options of the Crunch Master very satisfying for the Rhodes. A good full-range keyboard amp, a PA or a direct connection to the mixer in a studio will provide you with a great Rhodes sound. But of course, if you like the hard tube sound, a Fender guitar amp is the right choice (the Twin Reverb is ok, but not the best!). For an example of that kind of Rhodes sound, listen to Santana's "Samba De Sausalito" from the "Welcome" record, or even better the "Lotus" live album. The late great Richard Kermode is playing. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c86e3e9fX7A But after all this please remember, that 95% of a great Rhodes sound depends on your piano. I have had several Rhodes pianos and some of them, even though they were in mint condition, could just not be adjusted to sound good. This is strange, but that is how it is. You can get a great sounding MkII that you do anything with and it will always sound great. You can also get a bad sounding MkI suitcase and no matter what you do with it and no matter what amp or preamp you use, it will sound boring. Focus on the piano first and then find the amplification that you like. I will post more videos when I find the time to make them. Until then... Stay strong ;-)