The LA Custom Rhodes Preamp Standalone Enclosure with Rack Ears

Own a piece of Rhodes history with a meticulously handcrafted preamp, capturing a rare modified Peterson preamp that circulated amongst top session players in LA in the 70’s - 80’s. This limited-edition preamp is handcrafted and includes detachable rack mounting ears. The preamp can be placed on your Rhodes or in a rack mount.

Artists using the LA Custom Rhodes Preamp include: Jeff Babko (TOTO, James Taylor, Sheryl Crow, Jason Mraz), Peter Dyer (Mariah Carey, Adam Lambert, Katy Perry), Jeff Lorber (Grammy Award-winning keyboardist), and many top session players.

History

The original Peterson preamp is known for its smooth tone and signature "soft tremolo" effect, a sound instantly recognizable from hits like Stevie Wonder's "Living for the City" and more. The unique tremolo attack and decay were originally produced by the interaction of two miniature lamp filaments. However, the EQ design of the original Peterson preamp lacked the high-frequency required to cut through the mix in many situations.

Innovation

We developed the LA Custom Rhodes Preamp based on a rare, modified Peterson preamp that was designed to solve the muffled Peterson EQ issue without introducing excessive hiss.

The innovative LA Custom offers the exact original Peterson preamp gain stage and its unique tremolo attack and decay, with a unique EQ circuit that lets you cut through the mix. It's perfect for players seeking that classic Peterson sound with improved EQ control. 

• Authentic Peterson Tone: capture the warmth and harmonic richness of the sought-after Peterson preamp. 
• Enhanced Clarity: Custom EQ circuitry delivers the high-end presence needed, addressing the original Peterson's limitations.
• Modern Reliability: Built with high-quality, modern components for consistent performance and long-term reliability.
• Classic Vibrato Effect: We re-created the original Peterson stereo tremolo effect using our hand-crafted, proprietary optocoupler components, which mimic the exact behavior of the original filament components.
• Line Level Effects Loop: Employ classic external pedal effects such as compressor, chorus, phaser, and auto-wah. The LA Custom Preamp's send output is connected to our post-EQ signal, and the return input is connected to our internal tremolo effect input. This unique configuration is designed to accommodate all effects, allowing you to insert them either between the piano and the preamp (High-Z) or between our EQ and tremolo (line level) for the best signal-to-noise ratio.
• Direct out recordings can be found on our website: FenderRhodesLA.com

Specs

• Stainless Steel Enclosure
• Input: 1/4″ Mono Instrument Level
• Stereo Outputs: 2 x Unbalanced 1/4″ Line Level Outputs
• External effects send/return: 2 x 1/4″ Line Level
• Volume Control
• Body & Shine EQ Controls
• Stereo Tremolo Effect: On/Off Switch, Speed and Depth Controls
• Power Supply (Included)
• Enclosure size: 9.68″ x 4.13″ x 1.81″ (246mm x 105mm x 46mm)
• Weight: 2.7lbs (1225gr)
• Compatible with Stage, Suitcase, and Satellite Rhodes piano models
• Non-slip silicone feet - can be placed on top of round or flat Rhodes lids.
• Rack-Mounting ears and Phillips screws for ears included (will ship detached)
• Plug and play, no installation required

Q&A

Q: How do I connect the standalone enclosure version to a Stage model?
A: Connect your piano output to the preamp input, and connect our preamp outputs to a stereo amplifier.

Q: Can I connect the standalone enclosure preamp to a Suitcase or Satellite model?
A: Make sure your Suitcase/Satellite piano has an Accessory Output 1/4″ jack in the front of the piano rail. Disconnect the original 4 or 5-pin cable from your original Rhodes preamp. Connect your Accessory Output 1/4″ jack, located in the front of your piano to the L.A. Custom preamp input. Connect the L.A Custom preamp outputs to your Suitcase amp External Input 1/4″ jacks, located in your amp.

Q: Does the front switch turn the vibrato/tremolo on or off, or does it control the unit's power?
A: The switch on the front turns the vibrato on and off. The unit does not have an on/off power switch because clients who use it in live performances require minimal points of failure and want to avoid accidental turn-offs. To turn the unit on or off in a home or studio setting, you can use an external power strip with a switch or a smart plug.

Q: I noticed you offer a rail version as well as this standalone version. Which one should I buy?

A: There are pros and cons to each version.

The standalone version is compatible with all Rhodes pianos. This can be useful in case you decide to buy a different Rhodes in the future or use the preamp with multiple Rhodes pianos. 

The standalone version provides you with three ways to use external effects:

1. Connect mono effects between the Rhodes and the preamp input

2. Connect mono effects to preamp Send / Return jacks. This insert point was carefully designed to reduce noise when connecting external effects. It is looping the effects between our internal EQ and Tremolo.

3. Connect stereo effects to the L/R output of our preamp.

The Rail Version only offers options 2 and 3. Installing the Rail Version requires you to remove your old front rail using a Phillips Screwdriver and drop in our Rail Version. While the mirror rail offers visual appeal, reflecting the keys and hands playing the piano, it is more susceptible to fingerprints.

Warranty

The LA Custom Rhodes preamp is to be free of defects in materials and workmanship, within regular use for a period of 1 year from the date of pick up or shipping. This warranty is provided to the original purchaser and is non-transferable. We will exchange or fix defective preamps during the warranty period. Repair, exchange, or any other service offered by any entity other than us is not covered by our warranty. The customer is responsible for all transportation to and from us.