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1967 Fender Rhodes Suitcase 73 Sparkle Top Vintage Electric Piano Raymac Tines
Estimated price for orientation: 5 499 $
Category: Electronic Keyboards
Class:
Description Brand: Fender Rhodes MPN: Does Not Apply Exact Year: 1967 Country/Region of Manufacture: United States UPC: Does not apply
Up for sale, a 1967 Fender Rhodes "Sparkle Top" Suitcase 73 in excellent condition and in perfect working order. Extremely rare in any condition, the Sparkle Top Rhodes pianos are sought after for their sweet, bell-like tone that bridges the gap between the growl and richness of the later Rhodes pianos with the sparkle and chime usually associated with Wurlitzer electric pianos! A classic sound that can be heard on pioneering Rhodes recordings by Miles Davis and Billy Preston (most notably with the Beatles on "Let it Be"), the combination of Raymac tines and square tone bars makes for a Rhodes sound that is unmatched in its uniqueness and rich tonal character. Made in extremely small numbers compared to later Rhodes models, the Sparkle Tops very rarely come up for sale and this particular piano is a prime example of early Rhodes tone!Within the Sparkle Top family, there are both "A" and "B" versions of this piano, this one being a "B" version with 4" red wire pickups, dual harp supports, and a foldable sustain pedal. Unlike the one harp support seen on the earliest Sparkle Tops, the two support design has greater consistency between the two extremities of the harp, assuring that the tines and hammers are properly lined up across all registers.The piano features consistent and smooth action across all registers, with limited side-to-side motion of the keys and key bushings that do not warrant replacement, but do make for a very quick action. The original damper felts are intact and still do their job well showing only minimal wear. The stock teardrop hammers are also present and deliver a warm, creamy sound that is distinct from the later neoprene tips on the Mk I pianos. The lowest two notes however do have replacement later style hammer tips and these notes have been voiced to compensate and match the sound of the teardrops well. The piano has also been professionally tuned and voiced, making this an ideal choice for a studio or serious gigging musician. The original Jordan preamp with 1966 pot codes is 100% stock and all controls work as they should including the lush vibrato. While many folks tout the benefits of the later stereo vibrato offered by the Mk I pianos, we have a real soft spot for this initial mono vibrato circuit, which has a very wide range of speeds and a strong pulse that can be felt in a way that is simply more present than the stereo circuit.Inside the speaker cabinet, this Rhodes sports four speakers as well as the Jordan power amp. The speaker complement includes two original Utah 12" speakers facing the audience and two replacement Pyle 10" speakers facing the player, all in excellent condition. An XLR jack has been added to the side of the keyboard for running a signal directly off the harp, or a TRS cable can be used between the Jordan preamp and its corresponding power amp.Cosmetically, this piano shows some honest playwear, but is still easily one of the most complete and original examples on the market today. The namerail shines up with a mirrored chome finish and the rare, early metal "Seventy Three" and small "Fender Rhodes" logos are intact along with the original stacked knobs. The small sticker that covers the small rectangular cutout seen on all Sparkle Top namerails has been removed. The original smooth black tolex is present on both the head and cabinet, while the grillcloth on the cab has been replaced. All evidence suggests that this cab was regrilled at the Fender factory in the early '70s, as the cab has genuine early silver sparkle cloth with a turquoise stripe, applied flawlessly as per Fender spec using the correct black staples. There is light wear around the edges of the tolex, a few scuffs on the corners and a couple expected scratches on the top and bottom, and one small silver patch added to the bass side edge of the silver sparkle fiberglass top. The red felt lining on the inside of the latching lid has just been replaced with new felt, and the top retains original latches, hinges, and handles.Don't miss out on this rare chance to own an exceptional & original "Sparkle Top" Fender Rhodes piano!
Please check out our shop "Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar" on the web, and feel free to call us directly with any questions at 206.399.8518.Shipping in the continental USA will be via FedEx Ground and will cost $350. We use double thick boxes, 1" foam, and industrial 1/2" bubble wrap to assure that your piano arrives safely. Due to the vintage and mechanically complex nature of this item, buyer acknowledges that there is a slight risk involved with shipping this keyboard, and accepts this risk in the unlikely event that the item may need minor adjustment upon arrival. We have safely packed many vintage analog keyboards and fully insure our shipments against loss or damage. We're here to help our customers get to know their vintage keyboards and we really care! International bidders are welcome, but must contact us before bidding or buying for an accurate freight quote.International orders will be declared as “merchandise,” and the value of merchandise will be declared as the amount paid. We cannot declare anything as a gift or for a lesser value. No exceptions! The customer is responsible for all taxes and duty, which may be collected upon delivery, as well as any additional charges involved with import.We do our best to describe all items with honesty and accuracy, but to be sure, please contact us with any questions or concerns prior to bidding or buying. We require payment within 48 hours of auction end. In the unlikely event of a return, buyer pays all shipping costs. Your positive feedback and five star ratings are very important to us and we appreciate your communication in resolving any issues!
Description
| Brand: | Fender Rhodes | MPN: | Does Not Apply |
| Exact Year: | 1967 | Country/Region of Manufacture: | United States |
| UPC: | Does not apply |
Up for sale, a 1967 Fender Rhodes "Sparkle Top" Suitcase 73 in excellent condition and in perfect working order. Extremely rare in any condition, the Sparkle Top Rhodes pianos are sought after for their sweet, bell-like tone that bridges the gap between the growl and richness of the later Rhodes pianos with the sparkle and chime usually associated with Wurlitzer electric pianos! A classic sound that can be heard on pioneering Rhodes recordings by Miles Davis and Billy Preston (most notably with the Beatles on "Let it Be"), the combination of Raymac tines and square tone bars makes for a Rhodes sound that is unmatched in its uniqueness and rich tonal character. Made in extremely small numbers compared to later Rhodes models, the Sparkle Tops very rarely come up for sale and this particular piano is a prime example of early Rhodes tone!Within the Sparkle Top family, there are both "A" and "B" versions of this piano, this one being a "B" version with 4" red wire pickups, dual harp supports, and a foldable sustain pedal. Unlike the one harp support seen on the earliest Sparkle Tops, the two support design has greater consistency between the two extremities of the harp, assuring that the tines and hammers are properly lined up across all registers.The piano features consistent and smooth action across all registers, with limited side-to-side motion of the keys and key bushings that do not warrant replacement, but do make for a very quick action. The original damper felts are intact and still do their job well showing only minimal wear. The stock teardrop hammers are also present and deliver a warm, creamy sound that is distinct from the later neoprene tips on the Mk I pianos. The lowest two notes however do have replacement later style hammer tips and these notes have been voiced to compensate and match the sound of the teardrops well. The piano has also been professionally tuned and voiced, making this an ideal choice for a studio or serious gigging musician. The original Jordan preamp with 1966 pot codes is 100% stock and all controls work as they should including the lush vibrato. While many folks tout the benefits of the later stereo vibrato offered by the Mk I pianos, we have a real soft spot for this initial mono vibrato circuit, which has a very wide range of speeds and a strong pulse that can be felt in a way that is simply more present than the stereo circuit.Inside the speaker cabinet, this Rhodes sports four speakers as well as the Jordan power amp. The speaker complement includes two original Utah 12" speakers facing the audience and two replacement Pyle 10" speakers facing the player, all in excellent condition. An XLR jack has been added to the side of the keyboard for running a signal directly off the harp, or a TRS cable can be used between the Jordan preamp and its corresponding power amp.Cosmetically, this piano shows some honest playwear, but is still easily one of the most complete and original examples on the market today. The namerail shines up with a mirrored chome finish and the rare, early metal "Seventy Three" and small "Fender Rhodes" logos are intact along with the original stacked knobs. The small sticker that covers the small rectangular cutout seen on all Sparkle Top namerails has been removed. The original smooth black tolex is present on both the head and cabinet, while the grillcloth on the cab has been replaced. All evidence suggests that this cab was regrilled at the Fender factory in the early '70s, as the cab has genuine early silver sparkle cloth with a turquoise stripe, applied flawlessly as per Fender spec using the correct black staples. There is light wear around the edges of the tolex, a few scuffs on the corners and a couple expected scratches on the top and bottom, and one small silver patch added to the bass side edge of the silver sparkle fiberglass top. The red felt lining on the inside of the latching lid has just been replaced with new felt, and the top retains original latches, hinges, and handles.Don't miss out on this rare chance to own an exceptional & original "Sparkle Top" Fender Rhodes piano!
Please check out our shop "Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar" on the web, and feel free to call us directly with any questions at 206.399.8518.Shipping in the continental USA will be via FedEx Ground and will cost $350. We use double thick boxes, 1" foam, and industrial 1/2" bubble wrap to assure that your piano arrives safely. Due to the vintage and mechanically complex nature of this item, buyer acknowledges that there is a slight risk involved with shipping this keyboard, and accepts this risk in the unlikely event that the item may need minor adjustment upon arrival. We have safely packed many vintage analog keyboards and fully insure our shipments against loss or damage. We're here to help our customers get to know their vintage keyboards and we really care! International bidders are welcome, but must contact us before bidding or buying for an accurate freight quote.International orders will be declared as “merchandise,” and the value of merchandise will be declared as the amount paid. We cannot declare anything as a gift or for a lesser value. No exceptions! The customer is responsible for all taxes and duty, which may be collected upon delivery, as well as any additional charges involved with import.We do our best to describe all items with honesty and accuracy, but to be sure, please contact us with any questions or concerns prior to bidding or buying. We require payment within 48 hours of auction end. In the unlikely event of a return, buyer pays all shipping costs. Your positive feedback and five star ratings are very important to us and we appreciate your communication in resolving any issues!