Rhodes Music has launched the Stage 61, a fully passive 61-key tine piano that offers the signature touch, feel, and sound of a Rhodes in a compact, gig-ready design.
Built for both touring musicians and studio environments, the Stage 61 will be available for preorder starting tomorrow (25 March). To mark the occasion, Rhodes is also releasing a special Launch Edition, limited to just 61 units worldwide.
The Stage 61 is the latest addition to Rhodes’ legacy of handcrafted instruments, following on from the flagship MK8 piano in 2021. Designed with a focus on playability and portability, the new model distills the Rhodes experience into a streamlined, classic design inspired by the original pianos of the ‘60s, ‘70s, and early ‘80s.
At the heart of the Stage 61 is a precision-crafted 61-key Kluge Klaviaturen keybed, the same high-quality keyboard found in the MK8. The instrument operates entirely on passive circuitry, requiring no external power while maintaining an authentic analogue signal path.
Players have access to volume and tone controls, as well as a single jack output; the unit is also designed to be used with an amplifier, DI box, or preamp. Weighing just 59 pounds, the Stage 61 is said to be the most compact and portable Rhodes model to date.
Despite its lightweight design, it maintains the durability expected of a professional-grade instrument, featuring a Tolexed wooden case and a protective ABS lid. Every component, from the tines and pickups to the hammer tips and cable-driven sustain pedal, is drawn directly from the MK8, ensuring an authentic Rhodes playing experience.
For those seeking something extra special, the limited Launch Edition of the Stage 61 offers a distinct aesthetic crafted by renowned designer Axel Hartmann. This edition features a khaki green ABS hood with a premium wear-resistant vinyl finish, a sleek black front panel with orange accents, and exclusive design details.
“The new Rhodes Stage-61 perfectly embodies the classic Rhodes Stage tone, now housed in a compact and portable retro-future shell designed by Axel Hartmann,” says Dan Goldman, Rhodes Music’s Chief Product Officer.
“Utilising the exact same (Kluge) keyboard, precision components, and technology found in our flagship MK8 tine piano, it’s the ideal choice for both stage and studio performers alike.”
Preorders for the Stage 61 will open on 25 March, exclusively through the Rhodes website. Customers may place a 20 percent deposit or pay in full; the latter will receive a complimentary stand. The product page will remain password-protected until preorders begin. Orders are expected to ship approximately six months after purchase.
The Stage 61 is priced at $6,495/£4,995/€5,995, while the Stage 61 Launch Edition will set you back $6,995/£5,495/€6,495.
For more information or to register your interest, visit Rhodes Music.
