The Rhodes MK8 ‘American Classic’ draws directly from one of the most revered machines in American history – the legendary 1965 AC Shelby Cobra – channelling the raw precision and visual impact of one of the most iconic machines ever built.
Born from transatlantic craftsmanship, both Rhodes and the Shelby Cobra were conceived through American vision and found their modern home being hand-built by artisans in the UK – a shared DNA that goes deeper than design.
With its deep Guardsman Blue sparkletop hood finish, complete with Wimbledon White racing stripes, and the reflective, hand-polished chrome front panel, the American Classic MK8 is a bold reference to a racing legend. Like the Cobra, it embodies a commitment to craftsmanship over compromise, inspiring those who appreciate the beauty and determination of passionate engineers and technicians who produce timeless, dynamic brilliance.
Under the hood, the Rhodes harnesses motion and mechanical tension to create something raw, immediate and unmistakably alive, sharing both dynamic power and a signature growl with the Shelby Cobra’s legendary V8 engine. Two finely tuned, beating hearts that transform metal into something more.
Built upon the foundation of the revered Rhodes MK8 piano, this supremely rare Rhodes Custom Shop masterpiece features unique ‘Guardsman Blue’ sparkletop hood with Wimbledon White racing stripes, chrome front panel with black inlays and all-black dials, complete with a black tolex base, walnut front logo plate, and a custom black and silver rear logo plate.
Made to order and hand-finished by Rhodes Master Builders, Rhodes Custom Shop pianos sound and respond with the exact warmth, richness, and dynamic expression Rhodes players expect.
The ‘American Classic’ Rhodes MK8 will be available to order only once – a fleeting opportunity to own a truly exclusive instrument, never to be released again.
Hand-built, revered, and unmistakably collectable. Built to perform, to inspire, and to last.
Key Features
- ‘Guardsman Blue’ Sparkletop Hood with ‘Wimbledon White’ Racing Stripes.
- Reflective Chrome Front Panel with Black Preamp and FX Inlays.
- All-black Dial Caps
- Walnut Rhodes Front Logo Plate
- Custom Black on Silver Rear Logo Plate
- Classic Black Tolex Base
- Precision-manufactured 73-note Kluge Klaviaturen GmbH (Steinway Group) keyboard.
- Rhodes custom stereo-analogue effect processor: compressor, phaser, chorus, delay. True bypass. Expression pedal control of phaser speed, chorus speed, delay time, delay feedback.
- Rhodes engineered MK8 analogue preamp featuring parametric EQ, analogue drive, envelope control, wah and vari-pan with 4 waveshapes, audio rate modulation capabilities and dual expression pedal control inputs.
- Available with or without MIDI. (MIDI + £1299)
Find out more about the American Classic, here.
