Rhodes Music continues to build on its legendary legacy with the release of the Rhodes Anthology Series plugin, a meticulously crafted collection bringing together four of the most iconic Rhodes electric pianos ever made.
A Time Machine for Rhodes Aficionados
The new plugin features detailed recreations of these classic models:
- Rhodes MK1 Stage 73 (1976) – The versatile workhorse that shaped countless jazz and soul recordings
- Sparkletop 73 (1965) – Famous for its crystalline bell-like tones and immortalized on classics by Miles Davis and The Beatles
- Rhodes MKV 73 (1984) – Often considered the apex of Rhodes engineering
- Rhodes MK7 73 (2010) – The MIDI-equipped model that bridged vintage and modern worlds
Here below you can listen to a few sound demos:
Rhodes MKI
—————-—————- —————-
Sparkletop 73
—————-—————-
Rhodes MKV
—————-—————-
Modern Features Meet Vintage Soul
Building upon the technology developed for their acclaimed V8 Pro plugin, the Anthology Series comes equipped with an extensive suite of sound-shaping tools. Users get access to carefully modeled preamps, EQ, vibrato, chorus, and phaser effects.
A particularly interesting feature is the Timbre Shift function, which allows for real-time re-voicing of the pianos – perfect for producers looking to fine-tune their sound to match specific reference tracks or achieve unique tonal variations.
The Rhodes Legacy Continues
“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. This new release certainly validates that statement, offering producers and musicians an authentic way to tap into sounds that have shaped music history – from jazz pioneers like Herbie Hancock to rock legends like Led Zeppelin.
Pricing and Availability
The Rhodes Anthology Series is available now in VST, AU, and AAX formats through Rhodes’ official store. Launch pricing is set at:
- $99.95 USD
- £99.95 GBP (Inc VAT)
- €94.95 EUR (+ local taxes)
This represents a 30% discount off the regular prices ($149.95/£139.95/€134.95). The introductory offer is available for a limited time.
Conclusion
After spending some time with the Rhodes Anthology Series, I’m impressed with the quality of this meticulously curated collection. The included presets provide all the basic (and less basic) starting points you need to emulate the classic Rhodes sounds heard on countless records – from dreamy jazz ballads to funky chord progressions and beyond.
While the market isn’t exactly short of Rhodes emulations, the Anthology Series stands out for its laser-focused approach to historical accuracy. Each model comes with its own distinct personality and quirks (I’ve also noticed a few tuning issues that I’m sure will be fixed in the next update) —just like their hardware counterparts.
It’s worth noting that, unlike the Rhodes V8 Pro plugin, the Anthology Series doesn’t offer the physical modeling features that allow deep modification of the piano sound. Instead, it focuses on delivering faithful recreations of these four iconic instruments, complemented by V8 Pro-style effects and amp simulation. This makes it an ideal choice for producers and musicians who prioritize authentic, historically accurate Rhodes tones over extensive sound design possibilities.
For more information and to purchase, visit the official Rhodes website. A free trial version is available.
