Leeds, United Kingdom, August 5, 2025 — Rhodes Music today announces the launch

of the Rhodes Custom Shop, 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, utilising 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.Rhodes - Custom Shop

●

●

●

●

●

●

●

●

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-analogue signal path, advanced preamp with 3-band

EQ, optional stereo FX section with compressor, phaser, chorus, and delay, and optional

proprietary MIDI system add-on

Key Features – American Classic MK8

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 analogue preamp with parametric EQ, drive, envelope control, wah, and

vari-pan (4 waveshapes)

Custom stereo analogue FX: compressor, phaser, chorus, delay (true bypass)

Expression pedal control of phaser speed, chorus speed, delay time, and feedback

Dual expression pedal inputs