rhodestar
New batch in production. Pre-order now! Expected to ship by the end of August.
Why the Rhodestar is the Ideal Fender Rhodes Preamp
The rhodestar is a high-quality analog Fender Rhodes Preamp, developed in Germany for musicians who want to take their Fender Rhodes sound to the next level. With its thoughtful design, powerful tone controls, and built-in effects, the rhodestar is the perfect solution for studio, stage, or home use.
Analog design meets modern versatility
At the heart of the rhodestar is a three-band equalizer featuring a semi-parametric midrange and a continuously variable low-pass filter. This allows for precise shaping of the Rhodes sound—from the bell-like highs of the Mark II to the warm, biting mids of early Mark I models. The integrated optical compressor provides musical dynamic control without overwhelming the tone.
Stereo-Tremolo und flexible Effektsektion
Das optische Stereo-Tremolo des rhodestar bietet zwei Modi: klassisch „ping-pong“ im Fender Rhodes Suitcase-Stil oder mono für Wurlitzer-ähnliches Tremolo. Mit dem integrierten DSP stehen acht digitale Effekte zur Verfügung – darunter Reverb, Delay, Chorus und Phaser. Über den MIX-Regler lassen sich diese Effekte stufenlos mit dem trockenen Signal mischen. Da das Tremolo zu jederzeit zur Verfügung steht und jedes Effekt-Programm über einen Hall-Regler verfügt, können maximal drei Effekte gleichzeitig betrieben werden z.B. Tremolo -> Delay -> Reverb.
Perfect for Stage, Studio, and Home
The rhodestar features both unbalanced jack and balanced XLR outputs with ground lift—ideal for noise-free stage integration. Footswitch inputs allow remote activation of tremolo and effects. A built-in headphone amplifier is available for silent practice. An integrated effects loop also enables seamless integration of external gear
Technical Highlights
- Analog EQ and Filter Design
- Optical Compressor
- 8 DSP-Effects
- Stereo Tremolo with Waveform Selection
- XLR Outputs with Ground Lift
- Effects Loop & Headphone Amplifier
FAQ – Common questions about the rhodestar
Which instruments are compatible with the rhodestar?
The rhodestar is specifically designed for the Fender Rhodes but also works exceptionally well with other instruments such as the Wurlitzer 200 and 200A, as well as the Hohner Clavinet and Pianet.
Is the rhodestar a fully analog device?
The audio signal path is entirely analog, including the EQ, filter, and compressor. The effects section is DSP-based but can be completely bypassed.
Can I connect external effects?
Yes, external effects can be integrated via the stereo effects loop—positioned before the tremolo and DSP sections.
Is a power supply included?
Yes, a 12 V power supply (500 mA, center-positive) is included, along with a standard IEC cable. The power supply is compatible with different mains voltages; however, an adapter or alternative IEC cable may be required depending on your region.
Where can I find more information about the preamp?
The best place to start is the Tines & Reeds YouTube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/@tinesandreeds
Thomas Braune (verified owner) –
Absolut der Amp für Rhodes , mega EQ, tolles Tremolo. Alle Sounds von vintage bis modern sind machbar.
Markus Drissner (verified owner) –
Der Preamp lässt keine Wünsch offen, Hammer-Sound, einfach zu bedienen, macht einfach nur Spaß. Klare Kaufempfehlung!
Michael Caloroso (verified owner) –
Mine just arrived. I have been a Rhodes player since 1978 and have always wanted a Rhodes „channel strip“ preamp to eliminate multiple devices in my recording chain. The Rhodestar sounds great, everything you need is in one box!!!
David Richard Kear (verified owner) –
The Rhodestar is a great preamp and effects unit combo. I use it with an active Vintage Vibe piano using the effects send socket, which is the same signal that comes directly from the harp. I had a Rhodes Suitcase piano back in the 1980s and wish this device had been available then! The Mid control on the EQ allows you to dial in that Dyno-My-Piano sound, not otherwise possible with just Treble and Bass controls. The stereo vibrato and effects are very versatile, giving you great sounding reverb, delay, chorus, phaser, flanger and auto-wah. These are all the effects that are commonly used with tine pianos. Because of signal processing limitations, the reverb on knob 3 that can be added to the non-stereo reverb effects is mono, but on stereo effects such as chorus this does not really matter. If I want a stereo reverb on the mono effects such as phaser, I can simply plug a stereo reverb pedal into the effects loop on the back. The unit is virtually noise-free, even when the Treble control is set to maximum.
Overall, this is a fantastic preamp + effects unit suitable for all tine pianos!