Rhodes 73 "Suitcase" Electric Piano and Amplifier

In the 1940s, inventor Harold Rhodes developed a miniature piano to use in therapy for injured soldiers. This small instrument would become the predecessor of the modern electric piano. During the 1960s, the first 73 note Rhodes electric piano was released and the instrument became a staple of jazz and popular music for the rest of the twentieth century. It behaved like a piano, but could use small magnets to transmit the signal of the hammer hitting metallic rods (or tines) and sending the signal to a speaker to give a warm, distinctive, bell-like sound.

Used by talented keyboardists such as Ray Manzarek of the Doors, Ray Charles, Chick Corea, Joe Zawinul and Herbie Hancock, the instrument was made most famous by the studio musician Billy Preston. The instrument is still used and revered today for its unique tone and subtle warmth.

This LEGO model represents the iconic 73 note "suitcase" style Rhodes resting on an amplifier with a sustain pedal.