The LA Custom Rhodes Preamp - 88 Keys Mirror Rail (Limited Edition)

Unlock your 88 Keys Mark 1 Rhodes potential and own a piece of musical history with our custom Rhodes preamp. This version of our popular preamp comes in a stainless steel mirror-finished rail, ready to replace your old Rhodes rail. The LA Custom preamp is used by top Rhodes players, including Jeff Babko (TOTO, James Taylor, Sheryl Crow, Jason Mraz), Peter Dyer (Mariah Carey, Adam Lambert, Katy Perry), and Jeff Lorber (Grammy Award-winning keyboardist).

The Classic Peterson Sound, Elevated

The original Peterson preamp is celebrated for its smooth tone and distinctive "soft tremolo" effect, originally achieved using miniature lamp filaments. This signature tremolo is instantly recognizable from hits like Stevie Wonder's "Living for the City". However, the original EQ design of the Peterson preamp lacked the high-end clarity needed to cut through the mix.

Our Solution: A Rare ’80s Prototype, Recreated

For over a decade, we've meticulously developed this preamp based on a rare, modified Rhodes/Peterson prototype used by top L.A. session players. This prototype featured custom EQ circuitry, adding crucial clarity and brightness while preserving the core Peterson gain stage and iconic tremolo.

Why Choose This Preamp?

This preamp offers the best of both worlds: the authentic sound of the original Rhodes/Peterson with enhanced clarity. It's the perfect choice for players seeking the classic, early 70's Rhodes tone with improved performance and reliability. Direct out recordings of our preamp can be found on our website FenderRhodesLA.com.

Specifications:

• External Effect Loop: Send and Return (2 x 1/4″ Mono)
• Stereo Output: 2 x 1/4″ Line Outputs (Unbalanced)
• Controls: Volume, Body, Shine, Tremolo Speed, and Tremolo Depth
• Power Supply: 110VAC to 12VDC (Included)
• Compatible with 88 Keys Rhodes and Fender Rhodes Mark 1 Stage pianos
• Optional: Adapter cable for Suitcase pianos (message us before placing an order)
• Optional: Rhodes instead of Fender Rhodes logo (message us before placing an order)

Installation:

Installation time: 2-4 minutes. Required tools: a Phillips screwdriver. The installation is fully reversible. 

Q&A

Q: I saw you’re also selling a version of this preamp in a standalone enclosure. Which one should I choose?

A: The standalone version is compatible with all Rhodes piano. This can be useful in case you need to use the preamp with different 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 has only option 2 and 3. Installing the Rail requires you to remove your old front rail using a Phillips Screwdriver and dropping in our preamp. While the mirror rail has its visual appeal, reflecting the keys and hands, it is more susceptible to finger prints. We recommend cleaning it the anti-scratch cloth used for cleaning eyeglasses.

Shipping:

Free tracked shipping within the contiguous United States. We use recycled packing materials whenever possible.

Warranty:

The LA Custom Rhodes preamp is warranted against defects in materials and workmanship for one year from the date of purchase. This warranty is non-transferable and applies to the original purchaser only. We will repair or replace defective preamps during the warranty period. Repairs or services performed by any entity other than us are not covered. Customers are responsible for all shipping costs to and from our facility.