Rhodes Music has announced the launch of a new arm of the company focused on limited-run MK8 pianos, each uniquely inspired by popular culture and featuring a distinct visual identity.
Custom Shop pianos are available to order for a very limited time only, hand-built by Rhodes master builders in quantities defined by those who commit to the drop. Each design is individually numbered and will not be reissued once the drop ends.
The Custom Shop exists as a space for visual and cultural storytelling, where the iconic MK8 piano becomes a canvas for creative reinterpretation. While each instrument is built to the same exacting musical standards, Custom Shop models feature culturally influenced aesthetics, drawing from musical heritage, fashion, nature, and more.
Each drop offers players and collectors a unique opportunity to own a truly rare Rhodes piano, designed and hand-built by Rhodes master builders. Rhodes Custom Shop also invites individuals to order their own bespoke idea, utilizing a range of production techniques and finishes only available in the Custom Shop, to create a unique piano.
“Custom Shop is a space for creative and forward-thinking design — an opportunity for us to celebrate a wide range of popular culture while pushing the boundaries of what a Rhodes piano can be,” said Oliver Harvey-Ball, Rhodes Custom Shop Master Builder. “We’re also incredibly excited to invite our community to design their own unique Custom Shop piano — a chance to create an instrument with deep personal meaning.”
The MK8, Inspired by Speed
The debut Custom Shop model, titled ‘American Classic’, draws inspiration from the 1965 AC Shelby Cobra — one of the most iconic machines in American automotive history. Like the Cobra, it channels raw precision and visual impact, merging American design legacy with UK-based craftsmanship. Both the Shelby and the Rhodes MK8 share a transatlantic identity: conceived through American vision and hand-built by artisans in the UK.
Finished in deep Guardsman Blue with Wimbledon White racing stripes and a hand-polished chrome front panel, the American Classic is a bold visual reference to the Shelby’s racing pedigree. Additional design elements include a classic black tolex base, walnut front logo plate, custom black-on-silver rear logo plate, and all-black dial caps.
Built around the flagship MK8 electromechanical piano, the American Classic retains all of the instrument’s hallmark features — including its precision-manufactured Kluge Klaviaturen GmbH (Steinway Group) keybed, all-analog signal path, advanced preamp with 3-band EQ, stereo FX section with compressor, phaser, chorus, and delay, and optional proprietary MIDI system add-on.
American Classic MK8 features
- Guardsman Blue sparkletop hood with Wimbledon White racing stripes.
- Reflective chrome front panel with black inlays.
- All-black dial caps.
- Walnut Rhodes front logo plate.
- Custom black-on-silver rear logo plate.
- Classic black tolex base.
- 73-note precision-manufactured Kluge Klaviaturen keyboard (Steinway Group).
- Rhodes analog preamp with parametric EQ, drive, envelope control, wah, and vari-pan (4 waveshapes).
- Custom stereo analog FX: compressor, phaser, chorus, delay (true bypass).
- Expression pedal control of phaser speed, chorus speed, delay time, and feedback.
- Dual expression pedal inputs.
The American Classic will be available to order for 48 hours only via the Rhodes Custom Shop at the following pricing (without MIDI):
- £11,995 GBP (+VAT).
- €13,995 EUR (+ local taxes).
- $15,995 USD.
Each piano is built to order and individually numbered, with no reissues once the drop concludes. All Custom Shop models are offered with or without MIDI, with the MIDI-equipped version available for an additional £1,299 GBP.
Customers who pay in full will receive a Rhodes stand at no extra charge. Alternatively, orders may be secured with a 20% deposit at checkout. Customers interested in developing their own Custom Shop concept are invited to contact Rhodes to discuss their ideas and arrange a consultation with the Rhodes master builders.
More information: Rhodes Music / Custom Shop
