MK I Stage '74-75 v. 76-78

[meyer]

Hi all,

I will be purchasing a Rhodes MK I Stage from one of the well-known restorers. All years of MK I sound good to me, they're just different flavors of great tones. However, I need to choose one and was curious if any input could help.

-Action, would love a dynamic action that is perhaps on the lighter side touch-wise. I do play acoustic piano primarily, and a little bit of Wurlitzer.
-Tone, balanced tone without too much bark or bell (unless you dig in)
-Reliable for playing jazz daily. I wouldn't mind replacing tines here or there, and it will never be gigged.

Is it safe to buy a brighter instrument and shave off some of that top end with amp settings? Alternatively, how well does a darker roads brighten up with effects? My gut says 1974-1974, and have them do the pedestal mod to improve the action.

Between the different years, hammer tips, tines, this is quite the rabbit hole!

[The Real MC]

Over the years I have owned Rhodes from 1972, 1976, and 1967.

As a piano player, Rhodes from the years 1972 to 1978 have the worst action and no matter what you will want the pedestal mod.

The pianos from 76-78 have the dullest tones.  Forget about any bell tone, they are all mids.  My 1976 model was muddy and nothing would get any bell tone. 

Go for the 1974-75 era pianos, they're a brighter piano and you can always use a processor to tame the bell tone.

My 1967 sparkletop Rhodes is a keeper with great action and great tone, but they are not good for gigging as they lose their tuning when moved.