Rhodes Custom Shop American Classic MK8: This Stunning Limited Edition Will Sell Out Fast
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The new Rhodes Custom Shop is officially open! The first in a series of highly exclusive limited editions is the American Classic MK8 – a chrome-clad dream for all fans of classic muscle cars. But you’ll need to be quick!
Rhodes Custom Shop American Classic MK8
In the world of guitars, “Custom Shop” stands for hand-crafted special editions made by expert builders – highly exclusive, but also very expensive instruments for true enthusiasts. Rhodes is now doing the same and officially unveils the new Rhodes Custom Shop first announced at NAMM 2025. The first Custom Shop model is the stunning American Classic MK8.
If you’re a fan of classic muscle cars, you’ll love the design, which is inspired by the legendary 1965 AC Shelby Cobra. The cover in “Guardsman Blue” is emblazoned with “Wimbledon White” racing stripes and the panel is made of hand-polished chrome. With additional details like a walnut front logo plate, a custom black-on-silver rear logo, and all-black knob caps, the American Classic MK8 looks simply stunning.
Under the hood, it’s a Rhodes MK8 with all the bells and whistles. In addition to a preamp with overdrive, envelope, wah, and vari-pan, the Custom Shop model includes an analog effects unit with compressor, phaser, chorus, and delay. A MIDI option is also available at additional cost.
Price and Availability
If you want to call the exclusive Rhodes Custom Shop American Classic MK8 your own, you’ll need to be quick: The limited edition is only available to order for 48 hours. Every instrument is hand-built to order and individually numbered. Rhodes says that the American Classic will never be reissued after the 48-hour order period ends. Future Custom Shop releases will be limited in the same way.
While Custom Shop guitars can cost several times as much as the regular models, the American Classic MK8 is only moderately more expensive than the standard MK8 at $15,995 / £11,995 / €13,995 plus tax where applicable. The MIDI option is available for an additional £1,299. If you pay in full at the time of ordering, you’ll receive a Rhodes stand for free. Alternatively, you can pay 20% up front and the rest at delivery.
The standard Rhodes MK8 is also available at Thomann*.
More Information
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2 responses to “Rhodes Custom Shop American Classic MK8: This Stunning Limited Edition Will Sell Out Fast”
Wow – that is incredibly ugly! And the MK8 is crazy expensive to start with. I guess they think they’re the same as Steinway with their Art Case pianos. They’re not.
it certainly is “stunning” – just not in a good way (in my opinion). I love the Rhodes (used to own one one back in the 70s) and I’m glad that more people can own one. I loved race cars as a kid (in the 60s). So I get the aesthetic. But I don’t see what race car looks have to do with musical instruments. Maybe the marketing geniuses know what they are doing.