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piano from “isn't she lovely” by stevie wonder | ToneDB

isn't she lovely

stevie wonder

piano

AI generatedv1.0

Tone Profile

The piano sound is bright, clean, and percussive, characteristic of a Rhodes electric piano. It has a clear and slightly bell-like quality that cuts through the mix.

Gear

Rhodes Suitcase 73instrument
Reverb$4800Sweetwater
Rhodes Suitcase Amplifieramp
ReverbSweetwater

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The Story

The piano sound on "Isn't She Lovely" features a Rhodes Suitcase 73 electric piano, which provides the characteristic bright, bell-like tone that cuts through the mix. The track was recorded at Crystal Sound Studios in Los Angeles with engineers Gary Olazabal and John Harris, with the Rhodes likely recorded through its built-in amplifier and speakers.

Production Credits

Producer: Stevie Wonder

Engineer: Gary Olazabal, John Harris

Recorded at: Crystal Sound Studios (Los Angeles)

Signal Chain

Instrument: Rhodes Suitcase 73

Amp: Rhodes Suitcase Amplifier

Recreation Tips

  • Start with a Rhodes VST or a well-maintained Rhodes electric piano.
  • Use the built-in vibrato or chorus effect sparingly to add subtle movement.
  • Apply a touch of compression to even out the dynamics and add punch.
  • Use a bright EQ setting to enhance the clarity and bell-like quality.

Original Gear

  • Rhodes Suitcase 73(keyboard)
  • Rhodes Suitcase Amplifier(amp)

Substitutions & Recommendations

Arturia KeyLab Essential 88 + Arturia V Collection (Stage-73 V)$400-500

Alternative to: Rhodes Suitcase 73

The Stage-73 V plugin accurately models the Suitcase 73's bell tones and built-in effects, with the controller providing weighted keys for authentic feel

ReverbSweetwater
Native Instruments Scarbee Vintage Electric Pianos$150-200

Alternative to: Rhodes Suitcase 73

Detailed sampling of vintage Rhodes models with multiple mic positions and the ability to adjust pickup settings for that bright, percussive tone

ReverbSweetwater
Vintage Electric Pianos MK V-Stage$3000-4000

Alternative to: Rhodes Suitcase 73

Modern recreation of the classic Suitcase 73 with authentic tines and pickups, delivering the same bell-like clarity and dynamic response

ReverbSweetwater
Fender Twin Reverb$1200-1500

Alternative to: Rhodes Suitcase Amplifier

Clean, bright amplification that preserves the Rhodes' natural character while adding subtle tube warmth, similar to the Suitcase amp's clarity

ReverbSweetwater

Sources

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