Rhodes Music has unveiled the the latest edition in its Custom Shop line of bespoke electric pianos. Following an inaugural release that sold out within 48 hours, the series returns with a design paying homage to jazz legend Oscar Peterson.
Night Train draws its name and visual inspiration from the 1963 album of the same name, known for its nocturnal atmosphere and iconic cover art. This limited-edition model blends musical heritage with striking design, offering collectors and musicians a modern instrument that nods to the golden age of jazz. Night Train is made to order and will not be produced again after the drop concludes on September 18th.
Created in honor of what would have been Peterson’s 100th year, Night Train’s visual identity channels the atmosphere of his celebrated 1963 release while showcasing Rhodes’ commitment to modern craftsmanship. The design pairs a smoked transparent hood, custom black harp, and reflective chrome front panel with split-panel FX and I/O inlays in deep ‘Midnight’ Purple and bold ‘Freedom’ Blue, drawing directly from the album’s color palette. A classic black tolex base, pinstriped sustain pedal, and custom purple-on-black logo plates complete the distinctive look.
Built on the acclaimed MK8, Night Train features the same hand-assembled components and signature sound as the flagship model. It includes a precision 73-note keybed by Kluge Klaviaturen GmbH (Steinway Group), a fully analogue signal path, a Rhodes-designed preamp with 3-band parametric EQ and modulation tools, a true bypass stereo FX section, and optional MIDI integration.
“We are excited to introduce ‘Night Train’ as our second Custom Shop release, an ode to Oscar Peterson, one of the greats of the piano world,” said Oliver Harvey-Ball, Rhodes Custom Shop Master Builder. “To honor an artist’s influence with a single design is an impossible feat, but with ‘Night Train’, we pay tribute to a moment that defined his legacy. On what would have been his 100th birthday, we offer our heartfelt thanks to Oscar for the music and inspiration he gave to the world.”
Night Train MK8 features
- Smoked Transparent Hood with custom black harp for a refined, stealthy aesthetic.
- Reflective Chrome Front Panel featuring a deep Midnight Purple preamp inlay and Freedom Blue FX inlay.
- Custom I/O Panels: Midnight Purple left panel and Freedom Blue right panel.
- Pinstriped Sustain Pedal in matching Freedom Blue and Midnight Purple.
- Classic Black Tolex Base for a timeless finish.
- Custom Logo Plates: Purple-on-black front and rear logos exclusive to this model.
- 73-note Precision Keyboard manufactured by Kluge Klaviaturen GmbH (Steinway Group).
- Rhodes Custom Stereo Analogue FX Processor: compressor, phaser, chorus, delay—all true bypass with expression pedal control over phaser speed, chorus speed, delay time, and feedback.
- MK8 Analogue Preamp: featuring parametric EQ, analogue drive, envelope control, wah, vari-pan (with 4 wave shapes), audio-rate modulation, and dual expression pedal inputs.
- Optional MIDI Integration: Add full MIDI capabilities for an additional £1,299 GBP.
Night Train is available exclusively through the Rhodes Custom Shop for a limited time, priced £11,995 GBP (+ VAT) / €13,995 EUR (+ local taxes) / $15,995 USD.
Orders open until September 18th, 2025, at 3pm BST. Each unit is built to order, individually numbered, and will not be reissued once the window closes.
More information: Rhodes Music / Custom Shop
