Best year for Stage 73s?

[thamesman]

OK, this is obviously a very subjective question, but what in your opinion is the best Rhodes year for tone, playability etc., for Stage 73s? Wooden/plastic hammers? I would really appreciate anyone's input (especially if you've had experience with pianos from different years). Thanks!

[james]

Of the 3 pianos I've owned and/or played in the past 15 years, my 1978 Suitcase has had the most strong and stable tone (which is why I still own it today).  I was expecting that the 1972 Stage I bought around 1999 would have a funkier sound being older.  The difference in tone wasn't huge, but it was noticeable if you knew what to listen for: the tines resonate in a way that seems more dirty to me.  Of course, both of these pianos can be adjusted to approximate the sound you want, regardless of the vintage.  The 1972 Suitcase my piano teacher in LA had wasn't anything like the Stage model I had from the same year, even though they had the exact same parts on the inside....

And then there was the 1969 Stage Mark I: this was the first I ever played, and that definitely was DIFFERENT.  The all-wood piano-style hammers from that era whack the hell out of the tines, which at the time weren't constructed as well.  It would be fun to have the '69 again, but my vote still goes to the late-70's Mark I.

[CherryFive]

I think I'd be happiest with a 1976. For a different reason, Fender Rhodes from 1974-1975 would also be best. Having wood in the hammers makes for a totally different sound. The sound changed right when the name changed.