the "Mark 1A"

[Ben Bove]

Though often confused, there technically is a very small window where stage pianos were referred to as a Mark 1A piano.  This one is stamped from 1971 -




a badge from 1970 though only says "Mark 1" -



My guess would be that when the 88's were introduced in 1972, they started denoting models as Stage 73/88 and Suitcase 73/88 (because all that was available in 71 were 73 note models, Suitcase and mark I were the names).  So it looks like for a period circa 1971 stage pianos were referred to as Mark1A.

[73key boogie]

I was just wondering about this: my Stage 73  is labelled a Mark 1A as well

for posterity my date stamps are 50 70 top right, and 07 71 lower right

[Student Rhodes]

Umma...
The top date stamp is when the harp was completed, or stamped by an outside supplier called Turbojet, often indicated by the letters TBJ in the later models.
The lower date stamp was done at Fender to indicate the completion of the piano.
Welcome to the group.
Ray

[73key boogie]

good to know, and thx for the welcome!