8 Best Rhodes VST Plugins 2025

For me, no soft synth or grand piano can replace the soul of a vintage electric piano when you need that classic, electric warmth in your track. So, here are some of the best Rhodes VST plugins to catch that sound!

There’s something magical about the Rhodes electric piano, that warm, bell-like tone that somehow feels smooth and punchy at the same time. Whether it’s Stevie Wonder’s buttery chords, Herbie Hancock’s funky stabs, or that dreamy ’70s jazz-fusion sound, these electric pianos have that vibe.

Now, getting your hands on a real vintage unit? That’s another story. They’re heavy as a fridge and need constant maintenance, and unless you’ve got space, money, and a good chiropractor on speed dial, a plugin is the way to go. Luckily, VSTs have come a long way, with some nailing every detail, from the softest key noise to the iconic “bark” when you really dig in.

I’ve tested some of the best VSTs in that sense, and I’m here to help you find the perfect electric piano for your setup, whether you’re playing jazz, funk, neo-soul, or just vibing with some lo-fi keys on a rainy night.

So, let’s dive into the best Rhodes VST plugins of 2025 because nothing beats that warm, electric glow in a mix!

1. Rhodes Anthology

I’ve tried many Rhodes plugins, but Anthology is the only one that feels like stepping into music history.

Anthology is not just a virtual instrument; it’s an archive of meticulously restored classic and rare models, sampled by the original Rhodes team.

Whether you want the warm bell tones of the Sparkletop 73 (1965) or the refined attack of the MKV 73 (1984), this collection gives you four legendary instruments in one.

The simple interface makes it easy to dial in a classic sound without diving through complex menus. What I love most is the Timbre Shift feature, which lets me re-voice the pianos in real time, giving me way more tonal control than a typical Rhodes plugin. Combined with authentic preamp and FX models, it’s an absolute dream for sound shaping.

• 4 Iconic Models

This is where Anthology shines. You get the MK1 Stage 73 (1976) for warm, vintage tones, the Sparkletop 73 (1965) for a shimmering, bell-like sound, the MKV 73 (1984) for dynamic control and clarity, and the MK7 73 (2010) for a modern, funky take on the original one. Each model is sampled in stunning detail with all its quirks and character.

• Timbre Shift & Global Tune

The Timbre Shift feature, borrowed from the V8 Pro, lets you tweak the tonal response of each piano in real time. Need something brighter or darker? No problem. Plus, Global Tune lets you fine-tune each instrument for perfect pitch control.

• Authentic Preamp & FX Modules

The same preamp and FX found in the V8 Pro are included, meaning you get authentic warmth, drive, and modulation built right in. No need for extra plugins, it’s all here, from subtle amp saturation to lush chorus and phasers.

While the sound is as real as it gets, I wish there were more built-in presets to switch between different styles quickly.

That said, the intuitive layout makes crafting custom sounds fast and enjoyable. Whether I’m after smooth jazz tones, funky Clav-style attacks, or dreamy lo-fi textures, this plugin nails it.

Anthology comes in VST3, AU, and AAX formats for macOS and Windows users.

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2. Electra 88 Vintage Keyboard Studio

Electra 88 goes beyond being “just” a virtual piano, as it’s a fully stocked vintage studio, complete with amps, pedals, and effects that shape the sound in ways no other Rhodes plugin does.

If you’re searching for those warm, dreamy reverb-laden keys or gritty, distorted electric tones, Electra 88 has you covered.

The GUI has a left-to-right signal flow that makes it super intuitive. You get dedicated sections for pedals, amps, and studio effects, each with deep tweakability.

I also like the preset browser, another highlight; you can search by musical descriptions or genres, making it easy to find the right tone without endless scrolling.

• 1974 Suitcase Mark 1 Emulation

Electra 88 isn’t just based on any Rhodes; it’s an extremely detailed recreation of a ‘74 Suitcase Mark 1. The warmth, attack, and sustain feel incredibly lifelike, with deep sampling and dynamic response that rivals any hardware model.

• Pedals, Amps & Studio FX

What sets Electra 88 apart for me is its built-in vintage studio tools. You get a full pedalboard (chorus, flanger, phaser, tape echo, etc.), 3 amp models with mic placement options, and a modulation section with tape wow, flutter, and Leslie effects.

• Customizable Delay & Reverb

The delay section features Ping-Pong, Mono, Wide, and Stereo settings, plus Old, New, and Digital styles, letting you craft anything from subtle echoes to full-on ambient washes. Pair that with 5 vintage reverb types, and you can take your Rhodes sound from tight and punchy to washed-out and ethereal.

I must admit, it’s not the cheapest plugin, and I did notice a few preset-loading hiccups here and there, but that doesn’t take away from how stunning it sounds.

Whether I’m playing funky, raw grooves or soft, cinematic pads, Electra 88 delivers a level of depth and control that most VSTs can’t match.

Universal Audio Electra 88 comes in VST3, AU, and AAX formats for macOS and Windows users.

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3. AAS Lounge Lizard EP-4

If you love the warmth and organic feel of real electric pianos but hate dealing with sample libraries, Lounge Lizard EP-4 might be your dream.

Instead of relying on static recordings, Lounge Lizard EP-4 uses physical modeling to recreate the sound in real time, giving it a level of responsiveness that feels alive under your fingers.

Split into three main panels, the UI has Play, Edit, and FX sections, so you can dial in a sound quickly or dive deep into customization. It also has a Character Control feature that lets you emulate famous studio signal chains, so getting a vintage-recorded vibe is as simple as turning a knob.

• Authentic Physical Modeling Engine

Unlike sample-based plugins, Lounge Lizard recreates every detail of the sound dynamically, responding to how you play in real time. You can tweak hammer hardness, tine decay, damper noise, and pickup placement to craft anything from a soft, dreamy Wurlitzer tone to a hard-hitting, funky bark.

• Character Control for Vintage Studio Emulation

One of my favorite features is the Character Control, which applies classic studio signal chains, from cabinets to preamps to microphones. This makes it incredibly easy to get a polished, record-ready sound without needing extra processing.

• Flexible FX Engine for Deep Sound Shaping

The FX section is packed with some of the best-sounding modulation, delay, and reverb effects I’ve heard in a Rhodes plugin.

The chorus is smooth and lush, the auto-wah is perfect for funk, and the reverb lets you go from tight and punchy to massive ambient washes.

The only thing to keep in mind is that it’s not sample-based, so if you’re looking for a hyper-realistic, ultra-detailed recreation of a specific vintage Rhodes model, you might prefer something like Rhodes V8. But if you want a versatile, ultra-playable, and expressive that responds like the real thing, Lounge Lizard EP-4 is definitely a must-try.

Lounge Lizard EP-4 comes in VST3, AU, AAX, RTAS, NKS, and standalone formats for macOS and Windows users.

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4. Rhodes V8 Plugin

Another rhodes VST plugin, The Rhodes V8 is the official software version of the legendary Mk8, crafted by the same team behind the hardware.

The sound of V8 is deep, detailed, and incredibly responsive, with up to 127 velocity layers and 30,000 samples recorded at 96kHz/24-bit. Anything from soft, expressive jazz chords to digging into aggressive funk lines, this Rhodes VST feels like playing the real thing.

When I tested the unit, I found the interface to be clean, modern, and easy to navigate, with key controls like drive, EQ, and Vari-pan front and center.

What I love is how customizable the sound is, especially in the Pro version, which lets you tweak the timbre, tuning, and dynamics of individual notes, something no other plugin offers.

• Standard and Pro Versions

With 208 factory presets, 120 profiles, and detailed velocity layers, the V8 captures every nuance of the real instrument. The Standard version delivers the raw, classic sound, while the Pro version lets you sculpt every detail to your liking.

• Classic Amp & FX Section

The onboard drive, EQ, and Vari-pan deliver the essential tones straight out of the box. The Pro version adds chorus, phaser, delay, and compression, giving you everything from clean studio tones to swirling, psychedelic textures.

• Deep MIDI & Velocity Customization

The velocity response editor is another game-changer for my workflow. Some MIDI controllers can feel too stiff or too sensitive, but V8 lets you dial in the perfect feel. The note-level editing in the Pro version is perfect for fine-tuning the sound to sit just right in a mix.

While the Standard version lacks some advanced effects, it still sounds phenomenal. If you want absolute control over your Rhodes tone, the Pro version is worth every penny. For Herbie Hancock’s buttery smoothness, Chick Corea’s electric bite, or Ray Charles’ soulful grit, V8 delivers in every way.

V8 comes in VST3, AU, and AAX formats for macOS and Windows users.

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5. Arturia Stage-73 V

There’s something magical about the warm, dynamic tone of a vintage Rhodes, and Stage-73 V captures that magic beautifully.

What makes it one step ahead is Arturia’s physical modeling technology, meaning there are no samples, just a fully responsive, tweakable VST that reacts like the real thing.

It allows me to  adjust hammer hardness, pickup alignment, and tone bar resonance, giving you customization options that would take real-life Rhodes tech hours to achieve.

With 3 modeled mid-’70s pianos: the 1973 Stage, 1974 Stage, and 1973 Suitcase models, Stage-73 V is flexible. The included Twin amp and Suitcase speaker emulations add even more vintage character, and if you want to go wild, you’ve got a stompbox section packed with chorus, flanger, delay, and wah.

• 3 Classic Rhodes Models in One Plugin

You get the 1973 and 1974 Stage 73 models, each with slightly different tone controls, and the 1973 Suitcase, which comes with built-in stereo tremolo. I enjoy the unit as it’s like having multiple pianos at your fingertips, each with its own sonic character.

• Deep Customization with Advanced Physical Modeling

Unlike sample-based plugins, Stage-73 V lets you modify the very components of the instrument. You can adjust pickup alignment, hammer hardness, and tone bar resonance, shaping the sound like a real technician would.

• Twin Amp & Stompbox FX for Vintage Vibe

The modeled Twin amp brings classic vibrato, spring reverb, and gain, while the stompbox section gives you flanger, chorus, delay, auto-wah, and more. It’s an instant vintage setup, all inside the plugin.

While the sound is warm, dynamic, and realistic, I do wish it had more factory presets for quick inspiration. But if you love customizing your Rhodes tone to perfection, Stage-73 V is one of the most flexible and rewarding options out there.

Arturia Stage-73 V comes in VST, AU, AAX, and standalone formats for macOS and Windows users.

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6. AIR Music Technology Velvet 2

For those looking for classic electric piano sounds without the hassle of deep tweaking, Velvet 2 is an affordable, no-fuss Rhodes and Wurlitzer plugin that delivers legendary vintage tones with built-in effects.

Velvet 2 is like having a full collection of iconic electric pianos from the ’60s and ’70s in one easy-to-use instrument.

The interface keeps things simple and vintage-inspired, making it quick to dial in a warm Rhodes, punchy Wurlitzer, or soft Pianet-T.

Plus, with 350+ professional presets, you can instantly load a record-ready sound or dive into timbre, velocity, and mechanical noise adjustments for extra realism.

• 5 Classic Electric Pianos in One

Velvet 2 emulates five legendary models, including the Stage 73, Wurlitzer 200A, and Hohner Pianet-T, each with realistic dynamic response and tonal variation. It’s a one-stop shop for vintage EP lovers.

• Vintage Mode

I love the Vintage Mode, which automatically tweaks the sound to match classic recordings. Whether I want Stevie Wonder’s buttery tone or Ray Charles’ bright Wurlitzer, this mode makes it easy.

• Built-in FX

The preamp section includes tube overdrive, compression, and EQ, while the FX rack offers chorus, flanger, phaser, wah, and tape delay.

The spring and room reverb give everything an authentic analog feel, so I don’t have to reach for external plugins. It’s not as deeply tweakable as some high-end emulations, but for fast, great-sounding electric pianos with minimal CPU load, Velvet 2 is a killer choice. Perfect for funk, jazz, R&B, and lo-fi, or just adding some warm, vintage charm to any track.

Velvet 2 comes in VST, VST3, and AAX formats for macOS and Windows users.

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7. Waves Electric 88 Piano

If you want a straightforward, great-sounding vintage electric piano plugin without the complexity of deep editing, Waves Electric 88 Piano is a solid choice.

It’s designed to capture the “soul” of a classic ’70s electric piano, not just the sound, and it does that beautifully, in my opinion, with expert multisampling and a natural, human-like velocity response.

Electric 88 Piano is perfect for live use, thanks to its standalone mode and NKS integration, which makes it seamless to control with NI Komplete hardware.

• Authentic Multisampling

Every key has been sampled with full dynamic response, capturing all the signature tine, key-up, and key-thump nuances. The result is a deeply expressive instrument that reacts naturally to playing dynamics.

• Classic Amp & Drive Controls for Vintage Vibe

The amp and drive controls let you grit things up for a raw, live-stage feel, while the mic settings help adjust the character for different mix placements.

• Built-in Effects for Instant Polished Sound

With tremolo, chorus, phaser, reverb, and compression, you don’t need extra plugins to shape your tone. Just load up a preset, tweak it to taste, and you’re good to go.

While it doesn’t have the deep customization of some modeling-based Rhodes plugins, I think it nails the sound and feel of a vintage EP with zero fuss. If you’re looking for a plug-and-play Rhodes VST that sounds amazing out of the box, Waves Electric 88 is a fantastic pick.

Waves Electric 88 Piano comes in VST, AU, and AAX formats for macOS and Windows users.

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8. Scarbee Classic EP-88S (Kontakt)

Scarbee Classic EP-88S is one of the most detailed Rhodes libraries ever made if you’re after a deeply authentic, obsessively sampled electric piano.

Classic EP-88S is a labor of love, with over 8,000 samples, 30 velocity layers, and extensive noise reduction to ensure flawless tone across all 88 keys.

Unlike the Scarbee Mark 1, this version expands the dynamic range and introduces custom keyboard amp settings and a unique 3-band EQ, inspired by the modifications used by the legendary George Duke.

The interface is designed for both ease and depth, with 45 snapshot presets to get you started and a smart Key Action Calibration tool to optimize performance with your MIDI controller.

• 2 Iconic Rhodes Models with 88 and 73-Key Variants

You can dial in the woody warmth of the 1974 model or the metallic bite of the 1976 version, plus adjust the amp settings to match the tone of various Mark I modifications.

The 88-key version is darker, but thanks to advanced sampling and processing, I can push it into a brighter, punchier territory when I need it.

• Advanced Playability & Performance Features

Scarbee’s Advanced Release Sample System ensures natural sustain and resonance, while the pedal behavior system makes repeated notes and sustain interactions feel lifelike.

The Note Off Delay feature subtly adjusts the timing of releases to match the original instrument’s response, which quickens my workflow significantly.

• Flexible FX and Processing for Custom Tones

The built-in FX section includes custom preamp options, a 3-band EQ, and a stereo imaging knob, allowing for deep tone shaping.

You can also route FX in different ways, before or after the amp, giving you tons of tonal possibilities, which I like.

The dedication and detail in this library are great, though keep in mind that it runs in Kontakt (Free Player or Full), so if you’re not in the Native Instruments ecosystem, you might need to adjust your workflow. But if you’re looking for one of the most expressive, deeply sampled, and playable Rhodes plugin emulations out there, Scarbee Classic EP-88S is an absolute gem.

Scarbee Classic EP-88S runs in Kontakt (Free Player or Full) and is NKS-ready for macOS and Windows users.

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