NEW MUSICAL HORIZONS, ISSUE 2

RHODES, WURLITZER AND
OTHER ELECTRIC PIANOS
Rhodes, Wurlitzer, and other electric pianos have undoubtedly made a profound
impact on the world of music since their introduction. These instruments
revolutionized the way we perceive and create keyboard sounds, offering
unique tonal characteristics that have become iconic in many musical
genres.
1. Rhodes Piano:
The Rhodes piano was invented by Harold Rhodes in the 1940s
and gained popularity during the 1960s and 1970s. Its distinct
sound is achieved through metal tines being struck by hammers
to produce vibrations, which are then amplified by electromagnetic
pickups. The resulting timbre can vary from warm and mellow to
bright and bell-like, making it versatile for both jazz and pop styles.
Harold Rhodes was a teacher and musician who wanted to create a more
accessible and affordable alternative to traditional acoustic pianos.
The first prototype of the Rhodes piano, called the Pre-Piano, was
built in 1946. It was an amplified version of a miniature piano that
Rhodes initially designed to help injured World War II soldiers in their
rehabilitation process. This early prototype had small keys, but it
laid the foundation for the development of the Rhodes electric piano.
In the late 1950s, Rhodes collaborated with Leo Fender, the founder
of Fender Musical Instruments Corporation, to further refine and
improve the instrument. Together, they developed the first commercial
version of the Rhodes piano, called the Fender Rhodes Piano
Bass. This model featured 32 keys and was primarily designed
to function as a bass keyboard for accompaniment purposes.
By the early 1960s, Rhodes had established his own company,
the Rhodes Piano Corporation, and began producing a variety
of models, including the Student Piano (73 keys) and the
Stage Piano (73 or 88 keys). The Rhodes quickly gained popularity
among professional musicians, especially in jazz, soul,
and rock genres, and became an iconic instrument of the era.
Throughout the years, Rhodes continued to refine the design of their
electric pianos, incorporating various improvements such as adjustable
sustain and tremolo effects. Different models were introduced,
including the famous Mark I (1969-1975) and Mark II (1979-1983)
series, which had distinct tonal characteristics and playing feel.
The Rhodes electric piano saw its golden era in the 1970s,
with artists like Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder, Herbie Hancock,
and many others incorporating its unique sound into
their music. However, the company faced financial difficulties
in the 1980s and ultimately ceased production in 1984.
Despite the discontinuation of the original Rhodes pianos, the instrument’s
legacy lives on, and there has been a revival of interest
in recent years. Various companies have been authorized
to produce replica models or introduce updated versions of the
Rhodes, ensuring its continued influence in contemporary music.
2. Wurlitzer Electric Piano:
Developed by Benjamin Miessner in the late 1930s, the
Wurlitzer electric piano rose to prominence during the
1960s as a competitor to the acoustic piano’s heavy weight
and maintenance needs. It functions similarly to an electric
guitar with vibrantly resonating reeds creating sound
under tension when plucked by felt-tipped hammers. The
Wurlitzer has a distinctive punchy tone with characteristics
ranging from smooth jazz chords to gritty rock riffs.
A Wurlitzer electric piano and a Rhodes do
have some similarities in terms of their function
as electric keyboard instruments, but there
are several key differences between the two:
A. Tone: One of the major differences is in their tonal
characteristics. A Wurlitzer electric piano produces a
bright, bell-like sound, whereas a Rhodes has a warmer,
smoother tone. The Wurlitzer has a more distinct attack
and a shorter sustain, while the Rhodes has a more sustained
and rounder sound.
B. Construction: The construction of the two instruments
also varies. A Wurlitzer electric piano uses metal reeds
that are struck by hammers, similar to a traditional piano.
On the other hand, a Rhodes uses tines made of
metal that are struck by rubber-tipped hammers. The
mechanics of the keys and the sound generation mechanisms
differ between the two.
C. Amplification: Another difference lies in how the instruments
are amplified. Wurlitzer electric pianos usually
have built-in speakers that project the sound directly.
Rhodes pianos, on the other hand, rely on external
amplification, usually through a separate amplifier or PA
system.
D. Weight and Portability: In general, Wurlitzers are lighter
and more portable than Rhodes pianos. Wurlitzer
electric pianos are compact and often have folding legs,
making them easier to transport. Rhodes pianos are typically
heavier and require more effort to move around.
E. Popular Usage: The Wurlitzer electric piano gained popularity
during the 1960s and 1970s, particularly in genres
like rock, pop, and jazz. It was famously used by artists
like Ray Charles and The Doors. The Rhodes, however,
became more widely used in the 1970s and 1980s, finding
its place in various genres, including jazz, funk, and
soul. It was prominently featured in recordings by Stevie
Wonder and Herbie Hancock. Both the Wurlitzer electric
piano and the Rhodes have their unique sonic qualities
and have been embraced by musicians across different
genres. Understanding their distinctions can help in choosing
the right instrument for a particular style of music or
personal preference.
The sound produced by a Rhodes electric piano and
a Wurlitzer electric piano have distinct characteristics
that set them apart. Here are the key differences:
A. Sound: The Rhodes produces a warm and mellow tone,
often described as bell-like or chime-like. It has a rich
and full-bodied sound with a smooth sustain. On the other
hand, the Wurlitzer has a brighter and more percussive
tone with a sharper attack. It can be described as bell-like
as well, but with a slightly more metallic quality.
B. Attack and Decay: The Rhodes has a slower attack and
a longer sustain due to its hammer mechanism. Its notes
bloom and sustain for a longer period, giving it a lush
and expressive quality. On the contrary, the Wurlitzer has
a faster attack and a shorter decay, resulting in a more
punchy and staccato-like sound. The notes on a Wurlitzer
tend to have a quick release.
C. Expressiveness: The Rhodes electric piano offers a wider
range of expressiveness due to its touch-sensitive nature.
It responds to the player’s dynamics and allows for subtle
nuances in playing, including pianissimo and fortissimo
variations. The Wurlitzer, while still capable of dynamics,
is generally less touch-sensitive and offers a more consistent
volume across the keys.
D. Harmonic Structure: The Rhodes produces a more complex
harmonic structure with a richer overtone series. This
characteristic contributes to its warm and lush sound.
The Wurlitzer, on the other hand, has a simpler harmonic
structure, which gives it a distinct bright and percussive
quality.
E. Amplification and Distortion: The Rhodes requires more
amplification to reach its full potential due to its lower
output. It also responds well to overdrive and distortion
effects, creating a gritty and vintage electric piano sound.
The Wurlitzer, on the other hand, has a higher output and
can be naturally driven to its characteristic distorted tone,
which is often sought after in certain genres of music.
In summary, the Rhodes electric piano offers a warm and
mellow sound with a longer sustain and greater expressiveness.
The Wurlitzer electric piano, on the other hand, has a
brighter and punchier tone with a quicker decay and distinct
percussive quality. Both have their own unique sonic
characteristics and are beloved for their contributions to
different musical styles.
24 NEW MUSICAL HORIZONS
CONTINUE 25