With the Custom Keys Challenge submissions now closed, Rhodes invited all ten finalists to share how the Rhodes sound has impacted their musical background, their approach to composition, and what winning the contest would mean to them.
As the competition enters its final stages, it’s important to recognise the astonishing quality of all entries. It was evident how much care, time and attention went into each soundtrack, and for that, our heartfelt thanks go out to the talented Rhodes community for making the Custom Keys Challenge such a great success.
Meet Rhodes Custom Keys Challenge Finalist, Israel Jabar.
Born and raised in Salvador, Brazil, Israel Jabar is a Brazilian musician and composer based in Germany, whose work reflects both the rich musical traditions of his hometown and his international experiences. His sound bridges continents, combining the rhythmic and cultural heritage of Brazil with broader international influences and contemporary production approaches.
Jabar began playing music by ear at just five years old, developing a strong intuitive connection with his instruments early on. Since 1998, he has worked professionally as a musician and composer, building a distinctive artistic voice grounded in attentive listening, versatility and respect for musical heritage.
Expanding his wide-ranging musical background, from Brazilian Popular Music, samba-reggae, reggae, dub, soul, funk, jazz, Afro music, electronic music and rock, Jabar continues to expand his musical language while staying connected to his roots. His work reflects a balance between tradition and innovation, an approach driven by curiosity, craftsmanship and a lifelong dedication to sound.
Watch Israel’s Custom Keys finalist track:
What does the Rhodes sound mean to you?
Israel: The sound of the Rhodes, to me, is almost a living entity.
It carries a unique musical frequency that moves between sweetness and grit, between brightness and rasp. It is a piano that does not simply sound – it speaks, embraces, and moves you.
I am deeply passionate about electric pianos, and the Rhodes represents a dream within music: a timbre that reaches you even before the note is fully understood, travelling through the ear straight to the soul.
How did you approach your composition for the Custom Keys Challenge?
Israel: I approached the composition as a process of listening and observation.
It was a compelling experience: I began by understanding the message conveyed throughout the 1 minute and 33 seconds of the video – analysing images, colours, intentions, focus and textures. From there, I created a dialogue between the piano sounds and the visual narrative.
The rhythmic foundation came from a Casiotone MT-45, a gift for my two-year-old grandson. The initial idea emerged from a playful moment with him exploring the instrument’s rhythm – a spark that ultimately defined both the pulse and melodic tone of the musical theme.
What Rhodes sounds did you use in your composition, and how did you find this process?
Israel: I used the Rhodes Mark I from the VST Anthology throughout the entire composition, exploring different variations for distinct musical roles.
In the introduction and final solo, I used the Mark I with a touch of preamp drive and reverb to achieve a nostalgic character. For the bass lines and harmonic foundation, I applied subtle room reverb to maintain presence and sustain. In the introduction and chorus, I selected a timbre enriched with chorus and delay, adding movement and depth to the overall sound.
What would winning mean to you and your musical journey?
Israel: Winning would mean, above all, gratitude and recognition for a journey built on passion and dedication to music.
For a dreamer deeply connected to the sound of the Rhodes, it would represent an important door opening – and a powerful encouragement to continue creating.
If you were to win a Rhodes MK8, how would you use it?
Israel: If I won a Rhodes MK8, it would become a central part of my creative and artistic process.
I am currently recording an original instrumental project scheduled for release in early summer 2026, and I would use the MK8 as a key element of this work – expanding its visibility through recordings, live performances and audiovisual content.
I would also be genuinely committed to collaborating in the promotion of the Rhodes MK8, strengthening its presence in the music market in an authentic way, sharing a timbre that is deeply connected to my sonic identity and musical journey.
How would you design your own MK8? Would you go for a Custom Shop model, and if so, which?
Israel: In Walnut – without hesitation. As for the remaining details, I would take my time. I still have a few beautiful doubts to resolve.
Find out more about Israel and his music: https://www.instagram.com/rael7quinze/
If you would like to vote for Israel’s soundtrack, follow the link below, and ‘like’ his video: https://youtu.be/lXkxdthspiw?si=3_WrRyf4JYNHYZjg
