Roger Garvin Reflects on the Rhodes Piano Legacy
A Look Back at the Instrument’s Origins
Roger Garvin joined CBS Musical Instruments in 1970, where he oversaw the production of the iconic Rhodes piano and later served as its Marketing Director. Reflecting on the instrument's roots, Garvin explained the original vision of its creator, Harold Rhodes.
"Part of the genesis of the Rhodes piano was that Harold wanted to be able to teach multiple students at the same time."
This practical educational goal laid the groundwork for what would become a cornerstone of modern music.
The Golden Era of the Rhodes
By the early 1970s, the Rhodes piano had become an essential tool for some of the most influential musicians of the era. Notable players included Herbie Hancock, Stevie Wonder, Chick Corea, Joe Zawinul, and Ray Manzarek. These artists were so committed to the instrument that they personally visited the Fullerton factory to interact with Harold Rhodes, a process the inventor reportedly enjoyed.
Inside the Factory
The Fullerton facility was a hub of in-house manufacturing. It produced not only the iconic piano but also its core components—tone bars, frames, hardware, and steel parts—alongside other CBS products. This vertical integration ensured the distinct sound and build quality that defined the Rhodes brand.
A New Chapter: The MK8/80AE
Garvin also commented on the recently unveiled MK8/80AE limited-edition instrument, created to celebrate the Rhodes legacy. He speculated on how Harold Rhodes might have reacted to this modern iteration.
"Harold would be so delighted to see what it had become... he’d be going, ‘Well, why the hell didn’t we think of that?'"