Rhodes Honors Legendary Pianist Oscar Peterson with Custom Shop ‘Night Train’ Piano

Jazz-inspired MK8 celebrates the sound and spirit of one of the greatest pianists of all time.

Leeds, United Kingdom, September 4, 2025 — Rhodes Music today unveils the Rhodes MK8 ‘Night Train’, the latest edition in its Custom Shop line of bespoke electric pianos. Following an inaugural release that sold out within 48 hours, the series returns with a design paying homage to jazz legend Oscar Peterson. Night Train draws its name and visual inspiration from the 1963 album of the same name, known for its nocturnal atmosphere and iconic cover art. This limited-edition model blends musical heritage with striking design, offering collectors and musicians a modern instrument that nods to the golden age of jazz. Night Train is made to order and will not be produced again after the drop concludes on September 18th.

Created in honor of what would have been Peterson’s 100th year, Night Train’s visual identity channels the atmosphere of his celebrated 1963 release while showcasing Rhodes’ commitment to modern craftsmanship. The design pairs a smoked transparent hood, custom black harp, and reflective chrome front panel with split-panel FX and I/O inlays in deep ‘Midnight’ Purple and bold ‘Freedom’ Blue, drawing directly from the album’s color palette. A classic black tolex base, pinstriped sustain pedal, and custom purple-on-black logo plates complete the distinctive look.

Built on the acclaimed MK8, Night Train features the same hand-assembled components and signature sound as the flagship model. It includes a precision 73-note keybed by Kluge Klaviaturen GmbH (Steinway Group), a fully analogue signal path, a Rhodes-designed preamp with 3-band parametric EQ and modulation tools, a true bypass stereo FX section, and optional MIDI integration.

“We are excited to introduce ‘Night Train’ as our second Custom Shop release, an ode to Oscar Peterson, one of the greats of the piano world,” said Oliver Harvey-Ball, Rhodes Custom Shop Master Builder. “To honor an artist’s influence with a single design is an impossible feat, but with ‘Night Train’, we pay tribute to a moment that defined his legacy. On what would have been his 100th birthday, we offer our heartfelt thanks to Oscar for the music and inspiration he gave to the world.”

Key Features – Night Train MK8

Smoked Transparent Hood with custom black harp for a refined, stealthy aesthetic
Reflective Chrome Front Panel featuring a deep Midnight Purple preamp inlay and Freedom Blue FX inlay
Custom I/O Panels: Midnight Purple left panel and Freedom Blue right panel
Pinstriped Sustain Pedal in matching Freedom Blue and Midnight Purple
Classic Black Tolex Base for a timeless finish
Custom Logo Plates: Purple-on-black front and rear logos exclusive to this model
73-note Precision Keyboard manufactured by Kluge Klaviaturen GmbH (Steinway Group)
Rhodes Custom Stereo Analogue FX Processor: compressor, phaser, chorus, delay—all true bypass with expression pedal control over phaser speed, chorus speed, delay time, and feedback
MK8 Analogue Preamp: featuring parametric EQ, analogue drive, envelope control, wah, vari-pan (with 4 wave shapes), audio-rate modulation, and dual expression pedal inputs
Optional MIDI Integration: Add full MIDI capabilities for an additional £1299

Availability
Night Train is available exclusively through the Rhodes Custom Shop for a limited time. Orders open on Wednesday, September 4th at 3 PM BST and close on Wednesday, September 18th at 3 PM BST.

Each unit is built to order, individually numbered, and will not be reissued once the window closes.

Pricing

£11,995 GBP (+ VAT)
€13,995 EUR (+ local taxes)
$15,995 USD

About Rhodes
For Rhodes loyalists around the world, this is a new chapter in Rhodes' history, not a new book. With the Rhodes MK8, we’re returning to the principles, aesthetic, craftsmanship, and pride of Harold Rhodes’ originals. We’re paying homage to the past with our gaze fixed firmly on what lies ahead.