Get the best free Rhodes VST plugins online to use with your favorite music software. I have included free Rhodes plugins for Windows and Mac computers.
In this round-up of free Rhodes plugins, I have included lists of each plugin’s features, screenshots, and videos to see how the plugins work.
After downloading and testing hundreds of free VST plugins, I found these to be the best free Rhodes VST plugins.
Best Rhodes VST Plugins
- DSK RhodeZ
- 4Front R-Piano
- Keyzone Classic
- DSK Elektrik Keys
- Mr. Ray
- Clavia Lab
- EP-Station
- Big Blue Piano
- MDA E-Piano
- DPiano-E
- Sweetcase Free Rhodes VST
- LazySnake
- Orange Lounge
- Rhodes Soundfonts
- RhodyMK1
Instructions: Click the links below to visit each Rhode plugin. Look around each website for the download link or button. Do not install any suspicious software.
1. DSK RhodeZ
DSK RhodeZ is a free Rhodes VST plugin that offers a variety of sounds and settings to help you create the perfect Rhodes sound.
There are six different Rhodes variations, each with its unique sound. There is velocity response, an amp, envelope and micro-detuner, HP/LP filter, and three different effects, including reverb, flanger, and chorus.
Features:
- 6 Rhodes variations
- Velocity response
- Amp envelope and micro-detuner
- HP/LP filter
- 3 effects (Reverb, Flanger, Chorus)
Pros:
- Diverse Rhodes piano sounds
- Adjustable velocity response
- Onboard effects for creative sound shaping
- Analog stereo chorus for rich tones
Cons:
- Limited to Rhodes piano sounds
- Windows Only
- Lack advanced features
DSK Plugin | PC
2. 4Front R-Piano
4Front R-Piano recreates the classic sound of a Rhodes keyboard, with its gentle overdrive and characteristic sound.
This module is not based solely on samples but instead uses 127 continuous layers to create a smooth vintage Rhodes sound.
A MIDI keyboard is recommended for this plugin for the best experience. The plugin is available for both Windows and Mac users.
- 127 Continuous Layers
- Compressor
4Front R-Piano | PC & Mac
3. Keyzone Classic
This plugin recreates the sounds of a vintage Rhodes piano, complete with all the character and warmth that made it so famous in the first place.
It is a sample-based instrument, so it might take a little more processing power to run than some of the other plugins on this list. But the results are worth it.
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting, Keyzone Classic is well worth checking out.
It is available for both Windows and Mac, so you can take advantage of its awesomeness regardless of your platform.
This Rhodes plugin is a favorite of mine due to its clean interface and wide feature set.
Features
- Yamaha Grand Piano
- Steinway Grand Piano
- Basic Electric Piano
- Various Presets
Keyzone Classic | PC & Mac
4. DSK Elektrik Keys
DSK Elektrik Keys is one of the best free Rhodes VST Instruments out there because it offers a realistic sound, thanks to its two layers and 13 waveforms.
You can also select an octave and use the micro-detuner for precise adjustments.
Plus, it comes with delay and flanger effects for extra creativity. You can use it on Windows and Mac, making it a versatile option for everyone.
Features
- Electric Pianos
- 2 layers, 13 Waveforms
- Effects: Delay, Flanger
- Assignable Automation
- Different Presets
DSK Elektrik Keys | PC
5. Mr. Ray
If you’re looking to recreate the classic 70s electric piano, then Mr. Ray is the plugin for you. It emulates the Fender Rhodes and the Wurlitzer EP and the FM Piano and does a great job of it.
It is one of the most popular free Rhodes virtual instruments available, and for a good reason. You can use it on Windows only, but it’s worth it for the great sound it produces.
Mr. Ray | PC
6. Clavia Lab
Clavia Lab is an electric piano that uses experimental techniques to create the complex changing harmonic content of an electric piano.
This makes it a unique and striking instrument that can’t be found in other Rhodes virtual instruments.
- Control Over All Parameters
- VU Meter
- 8 Presets
Clavia Lab | PC
7. EP-Station
EP-Station is an electric piano virtual instrument that gives you three different electric pianos to create your sound.
You can mix and match the levels of each and change the tuning, decay time, brightness, and velocity response to get the perfect sound for you.
Plus, it comes with a tremolo, phaser, stereo chorus, and auto-pan to give your sound even more depth and life. This is one of the best free Rhodes virtual instruments available for Windows.
- Control Tuning, Decay & Velocity
- Stereo, Chorus, & Autopan Effects
EP-Station | PC
8. Big Blue Piano
This plugin is minimalistic in its interface, but it makes up for that with its realistic sound and responsiveness to various controls.
Aftertouch, the Mod-Wheel (vibrato), and Pitchbend all affect the sound of Big Blue Piano in unique ways, making it an extremely versatile plugin.
- Minimal Interface
- MIDI Aftertouch Effects
Big Blue Piano | PC
9. MDA E-Piano
This Rhodes is based on 12 carefully sampled and mastered Rhodes Piano samples. It has a 1-32 voice polyphony, ideal for complex chords and melodies.
This plugin is perfect for creating soulful and warm sounds.
Additionally, it features a unique width control, which allows you to adjust the stereo width of the instrument. This can be especially useful when trying to create a more focused sound.
- 12 Sampled & Mastered Rhodes Samples
- 32 Voice Polyphony
- Width Control
- Decay, Release, Velocity Sensitivity
- Gentle Muffling Filter
MDA E-Piano | PC & Mac
10. DPiano-E
DPiano-E is a free electric piano digital instrument for Windows. It’s simple and easy to use, with a basic interface that gives you all the controls you need to get the sound you want.
- Electric Piano Sounds
DPiano-E | PC
11. Sweetcase Free Rhodes VST
This plugin is based on vintage Rhodes pianos and features many round robins and velocity layers to create a realistic sound.
It also includes bass boost, modulation effects, and algorithmic reverb for a truly immersive experience.
Sweetcase is one of the best free Rhodes virtual instruments available because of its realistic sound and customizable features.
It is perfect for anyone looking to add a vintage vibe to their music. Great free alternative to the paid AAS Lounge Lizard VST and Arturia Stage-73 electric piano Software.
- High-Quality Electric Piano
- Samples Recorded From Vintage Analog Gear
- Phase Modulation & Parametric EQ
- Great Sound Quality
- Resizable GUI
Sweetcase | PC & Mac
12. LazySnake
LazySnake is an electric piano VST plugin that has oscillator and ADSR controls.
You can change the timbre of the sound by adjusting the volume and decay of the fundamentals and harmonics.
This plugin’s sound is excellent, and it’s perfect for spicing up your tracks with some reverb. It’s one of the best free all-round VST emulations of electric pianos.
- Built-in Effects
LazySnake | PC
13. Orange Lounge
This plugin recaptures the retro feel of electric pianos like Rhodes and Wurlitzer, giving you that classic sound you’ve been searching for.
The plugin is perfect for anyone who wants to add a touch of nostalgia to their music. It has a soft, mellow sound that can give your tracks that extra bit of warmth.
Orange Lounge is one of the simplest free Rhodes virtual instrument, making it perfect for beginners. It’s available for Windows only, so Mac users will have to look elsewhere.
Orange Loung | PC
14. Rhodes Soundfonts
Since there is a limited supply of Rhodes VSTs, another possible option is to use Rhodes Soundfonts. You can install a free SoundFont player and load the Rhodes Soundfonts into the player.
Rhodes Soundfonts
- Musical Artifacts – This website has 3 free Rhodes SoundFont files to download.
- Audio Bombs – SoundFont samples recorded from a 1977 Rhodes Mark stage piano.
- Simon Thompson Music – Link has a free Fender Rhodes stage 88 key soundfont download.
- RK Hive – A collection of free Rhodes and piano SoundFonts.
- SF4U – Various free sound fonts for piano, Rhodes, and other instruments.
15. RhodyMK1
RhodyMK1 is a 6-voice virtual analog synthesizer with some fantastic features.
It has a stereo/mono switch, velocity sensitivity, eight presets, bass and treble controls, intensity control, vibrato speed, depth controls, and a bypass button.
You can tweak the sound to your liking, and with eight presets, you can save your favorite settings for easy access later on.
RhodyMK1 is one of the best free Rhodes plugins for musicians to take their music production to the next level. It is available for Windows only.
Please note that this plugin still appears online if you search for it, but it only appears on questionable websites.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is A Rhodes Plugin?
A Rhodes VST plugin is a software instrument that emulates the sound of a Rhodes piano. The Rhodes keyboard is an iconic electric piano that was first introduced in the 1960s.
The sound of the Rhodes keyboard is characterized by its warm and mellow tone, which is produced by hammers striking metal tines that are then amplified through a series of pickups.
Many Rhodes VST plugins offer additional features such as adjustable parameters for shaping the sound, effects processing, and the ability to customize the instrument’s dynamic response.
What Is The Best Rhodes VST?
When it comes to free Rhodes VST plugins, there are plenty of great options to choose from. If I had to choose just one, I would say that the best Rhodes VST plugin is Sweetcase.
Sweetcase is based on vintage Rhodes pianos and features many round robins and velocity layers to create a realistic sound. It also includes bass boost, modulation effects, and algorithmic reverb for a truly immersive experience.
What Is Unique About the Rhodes Piano Plugin?
These plugins aim to faithfully replicate the acclaimed Rhodes electric piano sound, an iconic tone featured in countless music productions. These plugins sample the legendary Rhodes electric piano, just like the celebrated Rhodes V8 Pro, and provide a range of tonal colors and nuance for which the original instrument is known. They are available in VST format, making them compatible with most digital audio workstations (DAWs).
What Are Some of The Best Free Rhodes VSTs for 2024?
Some of the best free options among the Rhodes VST plugins in 2024 include “Lounge Lizard EP-4”, “Arturia Stage-73 V”, “Rhodes V8 Plugin”, and “Addictive Keys.” They accurately replicate the legendary Rhodes electric piano sound and feel, all at no cost.
What makes the ‘Lounge Lizard EP-4 a great Rhodes piano plugin?
Lounge Lizard EP-4 is popular for its high-quality sound and the flexibility it offers players. This is thanks to its unique modeling technology, which reproduces the tonal characteristics of popular vintage electric pianos. Its simple user interface and a wide array of editable parameters make it a favorite among musicians.
How does the Arturia Stage-73 V compare to free Rhodes piano VSTs?
While free ones can be appealing, paid plugins like Arturia Stage-73 V sometimes offer more features and higher audio quality. Arturia’s Stage-73 V plugin features an advanced physical modeling engine that replicates the physical mechanisms of the original Rhodes pianos, providing a highly realistic-sounding Rhodes tone. Some musicians consider it the best electric piano plugin on the market.
How Does the Rhodes V8 Pro Plugin Differ from Other Rhodes VSTs?
The Rhodes V8 Pro plugin offers an extensive library of samples that recreate the sound of the legendary Rhodes electric piano. It provides a high degree of customization, allowing creators to tweak the sound to suit their style. Plus, its comprehensive effects rack makes it a versatile tool for any studio.
What Are the Most Popular Paid Rhodes VST Plugins?
Here is a list of the most popular paid Rhodes VST plugins:
– Native Instruments Scarbee Mark 1
– Toontrack Ezkeys Classic
– Spectrasonics Keyscape Electric Piano
– Xln Audio Addictive Keys
– Applied Acoustics Systems Lounge Lizard Ep-4 Electric Piano
– Air Music Technology Velvet 2
– Waves Electric 200 Piano Virtual Instrument
– Arturia Stage-73 V
These Rhodes plugins are all great free alternatives to paid plugins like Waves Electric 88 Piano, Applied Acoustics Systems Lounge Lizard EP-4, Spectrasonics Keyscape Electric Piano, Toontrack Ezkeys Classic Electrics, Native Instruments Scarbee Mark, AIR Music Technology Velvet 2 Vintage Electric Pianos Software, Arturia Stage-73 V, and the XLN Audio Addictive Keys Electric Piano plugin.
I hope you find these free Rhodes VST Plugins helpful with making music.
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