#1
Rhodes Mark II 73-key
Vintage Electro-Mechanical Piano · 73 keys, wooden tines, magnetic pickups, warm bell tone, weigh 95 lbs$600–$900 usedBest for: Studio recordings and performers who want the original sound
The Rhodes Mark II is the defining electric piano sound of funk, soul, and R&B. Wooden tines struck by felt hammers, captured by electromagnetic pickups. No emulation matches the organic warmth. Used Mark IIs at $600-900 are common enough to own without breaking the bank. Heavy (95 lbs) but irreplaceable in a studio.
What to check used: Requires maintenance. Tines can rust, pickups can drift out of alignment. Budget for occasional servicing ($150-300 per visit). Owners love the work; it's part of the instrument's appeal.
#2
Wurlitzer 200A
Vintage Electro-Mechanical Piano · 88 keys, reeds, electromagnetic pickups, bright thin tone, weigh 88 lbs$400–$600 usedBest for: Players who want a brighter, twangier electric piano sound
Wurlitzer uses reeds instead of tines, producing a brighter, thinner tone than Rhodes. Iconic in funk and soul. Used 200As run $400-600 and are lighter than Rhodes (88 vs 95 lbs). Maintenance is similar to Rhodes but Wurlitzers are more durable.
#3
Rhodes Suitcase 73
Vintage Electro-Mechanical Piano with Built-in Amplifier · 73 keys, 88-watt built-in amp and speaker, wooden tines, all-in-one touring$800–$1200 usedBest for: Touring musicians who want to bring a complete Rhodes system on stage
The Suitcase model has the same tines and pickups as the Mark II but adds a built-in 88-watt amplifier and speaker cabinet. This is the touring version — you plug in power and go. Used examples at $800-1200 are tour-ready. Extremely heavy (120+ lbs) but complete.
#4
Hohner Clavinet D6
Vintage Electro-Mechanical String Piano · 88 keys, string pickups, 4 tone selectors, percussive attack, funky character$400–$600 usedBest for: Funk and soul musicians wanting a percussive, articulate electric piano
The Clavinet D6 is the funkiest electric piano ever made. Plucked strings with electromagnetic pickups produce a percussive, twangy attack. Stevie Wonder and Herbie Hancock made it legendary. Used D6s at $400-600 are harder to find than Rhodes but worth hunting.
#5
Roland RD-2000
Modern Stage Piano · PHA-4 weighted action, 500+ sounds, stereo effects, USB/MIDI, 88 keys$900–$1200 usedBest for: Working musicians who need a tour-ready modern piano with vintage tones
The RD-2000 samples the best vintage electric pianos (Rhodes, Wurlitzer, Hohner) and adds Fender Stratocaster guitar, organs, and synthesizers. Weighted action for piano players. Built-in reverb and effects. Tour-ready — 38 lbs, rechargeable battery option. Used at $900-1200.
#6
Nord Stage 4
Premium Stage Keyboard · Custom piano samples (Steinway + Bösendorfer + Rhodes), synth engine, effects, 88 weighted keys$2800–$3500 usedBest for: Touring pros and session musicians who demand best-in-class sound quality
Nord makes the gold standard for touring musicians. Stage 4 includes custom recordings of Steinway and Bösendorfer concert grands plus authentic Rhodes emulation. Onboard effects rival dedicated outboard gear. Built like a tank — used at $2800-3500 by working musicians nightly.
#7
Korg SV-2 73
Modern Compact Stage Piano · 73 keys, weighted hammer action, 500+ sounds, stereo effects, USB audio, lightweight$1200–$1800 usedBest for: Musicians who want quality vintage tone without Nord's price
Korg SV-2 emulates vintage electric pianos and organs with good fidelity. 73 weighted keys, compact 30 lbs, tour-ready at half Nord's price. Used at $1200-1800. The middle ground between vintage character and modern reliability.
