9 Best Rhodes VST Plugins: Electric Piano Dive (2024)

The Fender Rhodes piano, known simply as the Rhodes piano, has been an iconic electric piano sound, captivating artists and listeners alike since the 1960s. Its warm bell-like tone, combined with a gentle, gritty bite when played with gusto, has found its place in countless genres, from jazz to rock to R&B and beyond.

Though the original physical instrument is becoming a rarity, the quest for its vintage charm in the digital world has never been more fervent. Modern music producers and keyboardists need not look to the past to capture this sound, as software developers have endeavored to replicate the Rhodes’ sonic magic within the realm of VST plugins.

In this guide, we’ll delve into the best Rhodes VST plugins available on the market, providing you with the tools to infuse your tracks with that unmistakable electric piano warmth. Each plugin has been evaluated on its authenticity, flexibility, and ease of use, ensuring you get nothing but the finest digital rendition of this beloved instrument.

Whether you’re after the pure, untouched Rhodes sound or looking to experiment with modern modifications, we’ve got you covered. Dive in and let the velvety tones of the Rhodes elevate your music to new levels!

AAS Lounge Lizard EP-4

The Quintessential Rhodes Emulator for the Modern Producer

The AAS Lounge Lizard EP-4 isn’t just another electric piano emulator; it’s a complete toolkit dedicated to capturing the soul and essence of the classic Fender Rhodes. The first impression of this VST is the sheer realism of the sound. From its velvety lows to shimmering highs, every nuance and subtlety of the Rhodes is beautifully represented.

In the second layer of its brilliance lies the depth of customization. The Lounge Lizard EP-4 allows users to venture beyond the classic Rhodes sound. With its extensive editing capabilities, you can tweak the hammer hardness, tine noise, and many more intricate details to curate your unique electric piano sound. It’s not just about emulation; it’s about evolution.

Moreover, for those who may feel overwhelmed by the myriad of options, the VST comes packed with a range of presets. These span from the most authentic vintage tones to modern reinterpretations, perfect for a variety of genres and styles. Whether you’re laying down a smooth jazz track or producing a chill lo-fi beat, the Lounge Lizard EP-4 is ready to deliver.

Final Thoughts:

For those seeking the warm, soulful tones of the classic Rhodes with the added advantage of contemporary tweaks, the Lounge Lizard EP-4 is a must-have. Its unparalleled sound quality and customization options make it a top contender in the realm of electric piano VSTs. Don’t just take our word for it; experience the magic of the Rhodes reimagined with the Lounge Lizard EP-4!

Arturia Stage-73 V

The Quintessential Rhodes Emulator for the Modern Producer

Arturia’s commitment to bringing vintage sounds to modern producers shines brightly with the Stage-73 V. Rooted deeply in the iconic tones of the Fender Rhodes Stage 73 electric piano, this plugin provides an astonishing level of authenticity. Each note resonates with the same warmth and expressiveness that made the original Rhodes a beloved instrument for generations.

Beyond just a straightforward emulation, the Stage-73 V integrates a range of built-in effects. These aren’t just any effects; they’ve been carefully selected and tuned specifically for the Rhodes sound. This provides producers with the tools they need to move from the pure vintage tone to more experimental soundscapes without leaving the plugin interface.

A unique feature of the Stage-73 V is its advanced modulation capabilities. Producers can dive deep into the software, adjusting parameters like hammer hardness, action noise, and pickup placement, tailoring the instrument’s tone to their exact preferences. Furthermore, as a part of Arturia’s acclaimed V Collection, users are assured of its quality and integration within a broader suite of vintage instrument emulations.

Final Thoughts:

With Arturia’s Stage-73 V, you’re not just getting a Rhodes emulator; you’re gaining a versatile tool that captures the spirit of the past while providing the functionalities of today. It’s an essential addition for those who cherish the iconic Rhodes sound, enhanced with modern production capabilities. Dive into the rich textures of the Stage-73 V and let your creativity soar!

XLN Audio Addictive Keys: Mark One

Iconic Mark I Electric Piano Emulation in Pristine Detail

Overview:

The Rhodes Mark I, revered for its gentle bell-like tone and unmistakable character, has found its way into numerous classic records. XLN Audio captures the essence of this iconic instrument in the Addictive Keys: Mark One plugin. Crafted with an attention to detail, the software provides an uncannily accurate representation of the original sound, letting you access the beloved electric piano vibe with ease.

One of the standout features of the Mark One plugin is its adaptability. With an array of microphone positioning options, producers can sculpt the sound from a direct vintage tone to ambient, room-filled resonances. This versatility ensures the Mark One can effortlessly fit into various musical contexts, from jazz and soul to pop and electronica.

Further enhancing the instrument’s tonal capabilities is its effects suite. Designed specifically with the Rhodes Mark I sound in mind, the effects – ranging from EQ to reverb – allow for even greater sound customization. Plus, being part of the Addictive Keys line, users can expect seamless integration with other products in the series, ensuring a cohesive workflow.

Final Thoughts:

For those in pursuit of the classic Rhodes Mark I sound, XLN Audio’s Addictive Keys: Mark One is an unmatched digital companion. Its rich features and authentic sound reproduction make it a must-have in any producer’s toolkit. Experience the charm of the Mark I, and let its tones inspire your next hit.

AIR Music Technology Velvet 2

Dive into the Golden Era of Electric Pianos with Rich Authenticity

Overview:

AIR Music Technology’s Velvet 2 is not just another electric piano plugin; it’s a nostalgic journey back to the golden era of keys from the 60s and 70s. As the spiritual successor to the beloved Rhodes, Velvet 2 brings together the most iconic electric pianos, delivering them right to your digital workstation with impeccable accuracy and realism.

At the heart of Velvet 2 is its commitment to authentic sound reproduction. The plugin captures the distinct character of five legendary electric pianos, including the classic Rhodes sound. Every nuance, from the hammer strikes to the tine resonances, is reproduced in exquisite detail, ensuring that users get the genuine vintage vibe they seek.

Beyond the core sounds, Velvet 2 provides an extensive range of onboard effects and processing tools. This allows producers and musicians to tailor the instrument to their unique tastes, whether that’s adding a touch of phaser for a psychedelic spin or dialing in some tube drive for grit and warmth. Furthermore, the real-time controls ensure that players can introduce those subtle performance nuances that truly bring an electric piano part to life.

Final Thoughts:

Velvet 2 by AIR Music Technology isn’t just an instrument; it’s an invitation to relive the magic of the most revered electric pianos in history. Its intricate sound reproduction and extensive customization options make it an essential tool for both the purists and the modern producers. Dive in and let the rich, vintage tones of Velvet 2 elevate your music.

Toontrack EZkeys Classic Electrics

Experience the Timeless Grandeur of Vintage Electric Pianos

Overview:

Toontrack’s EZkeys Classic Electrics is a beautifully crafted homage to the iconic sounds of the Rhodes Mark I and the Wurlitzer 200A – two electric pianos that defined countless hits across decades. It doesn’t just aim to replicate; it seeks to revive and redefine these classics for the modern age.

Diving into EZkeys Classic Electrics, you’re immediately graced with the warmth and depth of these vintage beauties. The meticulous sampling process ensures that every nuance, from the gentle hum of the amplifiers to the dynamic response of the keys, is captured in all its glory. The resultant sound is both lush and articulate, ready to be the backbone of your next soulful ballad or the punch in your retro-funk groove.

One of the standout features of the EZkeys lineup is the vast MIDI library, and the Classic Electrics version is no exception. Whether you’re a seasoned pianist or someone who’s just dabbling, the array of pre-recorded sequences available at your fingertips is a goldmine. From slow, melancholic ballads to upbeat jives, there’s a MIDI sequence to inspire or enhance your track.

Final Thoughts:

For those in pursuit of the quintessential electric piano sound with all its vintage charm and modern flexibility, Toontrack’s EZkeys Classic Electrics is an undeniable front-runner. It doesn’t just recreate; it rejuvenates, bringing the old-world charm of electric pianos to the modern digital realm. Explore its vast soundscapes and be inspired.

Sampleson Vintage Keys Bundle

An All-encompassing Trip Down Memory Lane with Vintage Keys

Overview:

Sampleson’s Vintage Keys Bundle is a treasure trove for enthusiasts of classic keyboards. Drawing upon the rich history of instruments like the Rhodes, Wurlitzer, and more, this bundle has harnessed spectral modeling technology to create emulations that are as true to the originals as they are efficient in a digital workstation.

The real magic of Sampleson’s approach lies in its commitment to detail. Instead of merely trying to sound “like” a vintage instrument, the Vintage Keys Bundle captures the essence, quirks, and all. From the mechanical noises of key presses to the subtlest of tonal imperfections, everything is there to immerse you fully into the vintage experience.

But, it’s not just about recreating the past. The modern musician’s needs are diverse, and the Vintage Keys Bundle ensures that while you can get the classic sound untouched, you’re also equipped to shape and mold it as you see fit. Effects, dynamics, and even the ability to model and create ‘new’ vintage instruments, it’s all there.

Final Thoughts:

If you’ve been on the hunt for a comprehensive, authentic, yet flexible solution to bring the golden era of electric keyboards into your productions, Sampleson’s Vintage Keys Bundle is hard to overlook. With its impeccable attention to detail and a vast array of customization options, it truly bridges the gap between the past and the present. Dive in and rediscover the charm of vintage keys.

E-Instruments Session Keys Electric Bundle

Capture the Spirit of Vintage Electric Pianos with Modern Features

Overview:

The E-Instruments Session Keys Electric Bundle encapsulates the iconic essence of electric pianos in a package that’s brimming with modern adaptability. Delving into this suite, users get a nuanced touch of Rhodes and Wurlitzer – two giants in the world of electric pianos, each boasting its unique character and allure.

One of the standout features is the Pentamorph, a control tool that effortlessly allows users to transmute the core sound into a wide range of tonal possibilities. Whether you’re aiming for the purist tone of the ’70s or something edgier and modern, the bundle caters to all shades of musical expressions.

An interesting facet for composers and songwriters would be the Smart Chord feature. This allows musicians to set chords or single notes in an intuitive manner, making the creation of accompaniments and chord progressions an absolute breeze.

Couple the aforementioned features with the meticulous sampling quality, and it becomes evident that E-Instruments didn’t just set out to create a replica. Instead, they have curated an instrument that celebrates the past while embracing the future, catering to both purists and modern composers alike.

Final Thoughts:

For those who hold a reverence for the Rhodes and Wurlitzer but also wish for a tool that aligns with contemporary music production, the E-Instruments Session Keys Electric Bundle stands as an impeccable choice. It’s more than just an emulation; it’s a reinvention of classics for the digital age. Embrace the best of both worlds and let your compositions shine.

Arturia Wurli V

Dive into the Electric Wurlitzer Experience with Unmatched Authenticity and Modern Customization.

Overview:

The Wurli V by Arturia seeks to revive the rich, warm tones of the classic Wurlitzer, marrying its vintage charm with the flexibility of modern digital synthesis. Arturia, known for their precision in crafting authentic-sounding virtual instruments, has once again hit the mark, providing musicians with an evocative instrument that takes them on a nostalgic trip back in time.

At the core of the Wurli V is an advanced physical modeling engine. This ensures every nuance, from the subtle overtones to the characteristic growls of the Wurlitzer, is replicated with remarkable accuracy. But it’s not all about retro vibes; the software also offers extensive tone-shaping controls, enabling users to tailor the sound to anything from funk and soul to modern pop or indie.

Incorporated within the interface is an effects chain, providing users with a range of options, from reverb and chorus to amp cabinets, further enhancing the instrument’s versatility. What’s more, the intuitively designed interface ensures that even those unfamiliar with the original Wurlitzer can quickly get to grips with the Wurli V’s functionalities.

Final Thoughts:

The Arturia Wurli V presents an outstanding blend of nostalgic tones and modern adaptability, making it an indispensable tool for both purists and those looking to experiment. Whether you’re crafting a soulful ballad or an upbeat track that demands the unmistakable Wurlitzer essence, the Wurli V promises a musical experience like no other. Don’t just recreate; reimagine with the Wurli V.

Spectrasonics Keyscape Rhodes

The Pinnacle of Electric Piano Emulation

Overview:

Spectrasonics Keyscape is not just another keyboard VST; it’s a meticulously crafted collection of over 500 acoustic and electric keyboard sounds. This plugin stands out particularly for its Rhodes emulation, specifically the highly sought after Classic Mark I, the distinctive LA Custom “E”, and the ethereal JD-800 Crystal Rhodes®. Each of these instruments has been multi-sampled with the utmost precision, ensuring that the digital replication captures the character and soul of the original.

The depth and authenticity of Keyscape’s sounds are unmatched, from the warm and mellow tones of the Classic Mark I to the sparkling resonance of the JD-800 Crystal Rhodes®. Moreover, the ability to integrate with Spectrasonics’ flagship synthesizer, Omnisphere, offers composers and producers an even broader sonic palette.

Final Thoughts:

Spectrasonics Keyscape is more than a Rhodes emulator; it’s a comprehensive journey through keyboard history. But for those in search of the quintessential Rhodes sound, it offers three of the most iconic versions of the instrument. Whether you’re a seasoned keyboardist or a producer looking for the perfect electric piano sound, Keyscape is a worthy investment. The depth, detail, and authenticity it brings to a mix can elevate any track.

FAQ Buying Guide: Best Rhodes VST Plugins

When seeking the warmth and nostalgia of a Rhodes electric piano, VST plugins can provide that iconic sound with added flexibility and without the challenges of vintage gear. Whether you’re composing jazz, pop, or ambient music, a quality Rhodes VST can be a valuable addition to your sonic arsenal.

• What is a Rhodes VST plugin?

  A Rhodes VST plugin digitally emulates the sound of a Rhodes electric piano, a popular instrument from the 1970s known for its warm, bell-like tones used in various music genres like jazz, pop, and R&B.

• Why should I consider a Rhodes VST instead of a real Rhodes piano?

  Rhodes VSTs offer the iconic sound without the hassle of maintaining a vintage instrument, space considerations, or miking setups. They are also much more portable and often come with added features not available on the original instrument.

• What makes a good Rhodes VST stand out from others?

  Authenticity of sound, multi-sampled velocities, adjustable mechanics sounds (like tines and key noises), and the inclusion of effects that pair well with the Rhodes, such as phasers, choruses, and reverb.

• Does the age or model of the Rhodes being emulated matter?

  Different Rhodes models and production years have varying characteristics. For instance, a ’70s Rhodes might sound warmer, while an ’80s one could be brighter. A good VST should specify which model/year it’s emulating or offer multiple options.

• How do Rhodes VSTs handle the instrument's dynamics?

  The best VSTs use multi-sampling to capture the Rhodes’ dynamics. This means they’ve recorded each key at multiple velocity levels to ensure an authentic response to player touch.

• Are there any effects I should look for in a Rhodes VST?

  Classic effects like chorus, phaser, reverb, and tremolo often complement the Rhodes sound. A VST that comes with these integrated effects can save time and enhance authenticity.

• How do vintage emulations compare to modern takes on the Rhodes sound in VSTs?

  While vintage emulations strive for a faithful representation of classic Rhodes sounds, modern takes might add features, effects, or sound-shaping tools not available in the past. Your choice depends on whether you’re after pure nostalgia or a fresh interpretation.

• Is there a difference between standalone Rhodes VSTs and those that come as part of a larger keyboard collection?

  Standalone VSTs often dive deeper into the nuances of the Rhodes, with detailed sampling and specialized features. Those in larger collections may still sound great but might lack some of the in-depth customization of a standalone plugin.

• Can I use external effects with a Rhodes VST?

  Absolutely. While many Rhodes VSTs come with built-in effects, you’re free to route the sound through external VST effects to achieve your desired tone.