Doctormix Goes Head-to-Head with Rhodes MKII and MK8

The nerdy magic happens when Doctormix delves under the hoods of these iconic pianos. It’s like peeking into a time capsule from the ’80s with the MKII – the scent of history wafts through the air as we gaze at wooden boards and legacy coils. Surprisingly, the basic mechanism hasn’t changed much; both bear the same design, a testament to their enduring engineering. The MK8 utilizes modern materials, yet still retains that classic mechanical heart. With the MK8 being a fresh number 75, celebrating 75 years of Rhodes, it’s like holding a piece of history reimagined. The MKII might feel and look dated, even empty underneath, but it offers a different texture of history, more than just MDF under sparkling new casings. Doctormix’s enthusiasm is infectious as he opens and compares, making each nuance feel like a treasure unearthed from the annals of musical lore.

Moving next to the keyboard action, Doctormix gives us a sensory journey through touch and response. He describes the MK8 with reverence, noting the firm, luxury feel akin to a high-end piano. These keys, produced by a Steinway-affiliated firm, promise smooth, precise dynamics without wobble. He contrasts this with the MKII, whose keys have the endearing wobble of an older pub brawl veteran. The MKII’s keys bounce with age, offering a lighter, less predictable touch. Though outclassed in precision, the MKII’s keys carry a character of their own, an unpredictability that many artists might find charming. Doctormix highlights this, almost like comparing a vintage sports car that demands a practiced touch versus a sleek new model that handles like a dream, offering every nuance on a platter.

As the video unwinds, Doctormix dives into the effects—a synth lover’s paradise! The MKII offers basic but iconic vibrato and EQ controls, giving it that retro edge, while the MK8 presents a buffet of digital wonders. Doctormix is visibly ecstatic, showcasing the MK8’s expansive effects from its sophisticated preamp section to dynamic enveloping features, overdrives, choruses, and phasers — a true playground for sonic experimentation. He emphasises the delight in customising the MK8’s sound, almost like an extravagant dessert after a hearty meal. The MKII, though basic, offers its own player-adjustable quirks—a character all its own. With a mix of the MK8’s robust digital arsenal against the MKII’s vintage charm, Doctormix marvels at how both pianos cater to different palettes, each rich in its own right.

Finally, Doctormix tackles the wallet-draining truth of costs and value. The MK8, shining with all its high-tech glamour, racks up a hefty price tag, with models pushing close to 13 grand. This brand-new wonder costs a pretty penny, but you’re paying for innovation and an embodiment of Rhodes’ enduring legacy. The MKII, simpler and vintage, can be found within a more modest price range, though rarities push these past the five grand mark, depending on history and condition. In this interplay of cost versus experience, Doctormix lays down the harsh reality: the decision ultimately rests on whether one seeks the nostalgia and history wrapped in the MKII or the shiny, pristine press of the MK8. It’s a classic conundrum where no single answer fits all desires, creating fuel for lengthy pub conversations and passionate debates in synth circles.