1969 Fender Rhodes Mk I Vintage Electric Piano Suitcase 73 Top, Stage Conversion w/ Raymac Tines

Up for sale, a 1969 Fender Rhodes Mk I Suitcase 73 top in excellent condition and in perfect working order. Essentially a conversion to the passive preamp of the Fender Rhodes "Stage" model, this Suitcase top comes complete with a modern Vintage Vibe sustain pedal and rod. A transitional model in every respect, and a very rare variant bridging the Mk I and Sparkle Top eras of Fender Rhodes production, this piano features the action assembly of the earlier Sparkle Top pianos, also retaining the bright, bell-like Raymac tines of the Sparkle Tops paired with very early examples of the new tonebars introduced on the Mk I pianos. Sought after for their sweet, bell-like tone via untapered Raymac tines and felt teardrop hammers, the earliest Mk I Fender Rhodes pianos were made in extremely small numbers compared to later Rhodes models. Of course cosmetically this piano has one of the very first curved black plastic harp covers as opposed to the sparkle fiberglass tops seen pre-1969. The harp is extremely clean, and all of the original tonebars and Raymac tines are intact, with the gold foil serialized Fender Rhodes badge in the lower right corner, and a factory stamp from the 35th week of 1969. The piano action is smooth and responsive, and the original key bushings are in great shape. The original damper felts are intact and still do their job well, showing only minimal wear. The stock teardrop hammers are also present and deliver a warm, creamy sound that is distinct from the later neoprene tips on the Mk I pianos. The piano has also been professionally tuned and voiced, making this an ideal choice for a studio or serious gigging musician. The namerail features a modern reissue "Fender Rhodes" faceplate for the passive two knob control layout, and the small "Fender Rhodes" and "Seventy Three" badges are also brand new, furnished by Vintage Vibe. Cosmetically, this is a very well-kept piano. The original smooth black tolex is intact with some minor scuffs and wear on the exterior (mostly on the lid), and the red felt inside the piano's latching lid has been recently replaced. Original hardware includes corners, handle caps, and latches, and as this piano was originally the top half of the Suitcase model, it does not have flanges for legs, best suited for use on a double X-braced keyboard stand.