I'll throw some answers on this one. The older rhodes had several
differences. They started out with a hammer mechanism that was similar
to a piano, with a cloth/felt type hammer (I think wood core), then later
they started experimenting with different types of plastic/rubber tips
mounted on plastic hammers. Also several different arrangements with the
actual key I think. Then the amp changed as far as how it was mounted,
the electronics inside, and the type of cord used. Somewhere in the
progression the keys and guide pins that they pivot on were switched to
plastic (not my favorite modification because the keys feel kinda
sloppy). Also, the face (logo) plate changed a bit, and there were a few
different plastic lids- curved, flat, and there was some kind of "sparkle
top" thing that is supposed to be really cool, but I've never seen one.
I only refer to the suitcase models as that is what I like best.
As far as value and rarity, I rarely see the older style, but the value
is always relative, since the people that don't appreciate or know their
worth will just sell them for $50 because they "take up too much space in
the garage". Then again, they often buy Kenny G and Michael Bolton
records.
-- DEREK TARR PRODUCTIONS E-MAIL: dtprod@connectnet.com WEBSITE: http://www2.connectnet.com/users/dtprod FTP: ftp.connectnet.com/users/dtprod/incoming P.O. Box 965-Cardiff-CA-92007