The Chicago Electric Piano Co | Sample Series Vol. 3 - Rhodes

A pristine CEPCo Rhodes Mark II right in your sampler.

What it is:
A collection of professionally recorded Rhodes Mark II multi-samples from this iconic custom electric piano.

How we use it:
Any and all Rhodes needs.

Why it’s cool:
Get instant access to the sounds of this unique Rhodes Mark II by just launching the Ableton Live Session or dropping the WAV files into any sampler or DAW. The Chicago Electric Piano Co | Sample Series Vol. 3 - Rhodes Mark II

Rhodes Mark II | History
The Rhodes MK II debuted in the late 1970s. An update from the MK I, this Rhodes Suitcase piano boasted a clean black design, attachable music rack, and a sturdy, flat top cover to support an additional keyboard. Aesthetics aside, these new suitcase pianos were identical to the previous generation of Rhodes.

Initially offered in 73 and 88-key variations, the Rhodes 54 was introduced in 1980 to meet the travel needs of the live performer.

Featuring weighted keys, molded all-plastic hammers, Bass Boost and Volume controls, the Mark II caught the attention of top-tier performers and acts such as Ray Manzarek, Herbie Hancock, George Duke, Stevie Wonder, Chick Corea, Ray Charles, and Radiohead.

From the lush tines, through the electromagnetic pickups, to your recording rig, the Mark II is here, yet again, to shape another generation of music.

The Chicago Electric Piano Co | Shop Spotlight
The Chicago Electric Piano Co is the premiere source for fully restored and custom Rhodes | Wurlitzers | Hohner Clavinets - in addition to an array of lesser known electro-mechanical pianos and vintage keyboards.

CEPCo takes an innovative approach to its role as a restoration shop. The shop has repaired instruments for Steve Albini, Ray LaMontagne, John McIntire of Tortoise, Wilco’s Jeff Tweedy, Pat Sansone, and John Stirratt.

Learn more about their approach to restoration and inventions - check out some of their restored keyboards in action - browse their Reverb Shop.

Sample Series Vol. 3 | Production

Recording | Process

Key Strike and Release Samples recorded
Each note has been sampled three times at different velocities
Premiere Class A components implementing professional gain structure

Tracking | Signal Chain

Rhodes Mark II Direct Out | Electromagnetic Tines Pickups
Dizengoff D4 Tube Preamp | Discreet Class A Tube Preamp
Apogee Symphony I/O | Audio Sound Card
Pro Tools 12 | Digital Audio Workstation

Reproduction | Modeling
Key Strike and Release multi-samples for each note precisely recreate the natural transient, sustain, and release of the Rhodes Mark II. It’s natural aftertouch has been preserved with addition of dedicated release samples.

Assigned to each note of the Ableton Live Sampler and Ableton Live Simpler reproduction devices - when qualifying velocities are activated, the individual release samples are then triggered to accurately simulate each note’s natural aftertouch.

Sample Series Vol. 3 | Contents