Avion Studios

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  • The RetroFlyer - Active Preamp for Passive Rhodes

The RetroFlyer - Active Preamp for Passive Rhodes

$245.00
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The RetroFlyer - Active Preamp for Passive Rhodes

$245.00

NOTICE - Thank you all so much for being so into the Retroflyer! Intro VIDEO and J3PO demo at the bottom of this page. Also new face plates!

You never knew your Rhodes could sound this good. First you Retro-fit, then you Retro-Fly!

We never expected the level of positive response and we’re so grateful for it! Here’s just a sample of some of the amazing feedback we’ve received regarding the RetroFlyer:

So I’ve just fitted the retro flyer into my road worn/battered/broken tone potted/general mess of a mk1 Rhodes and it is alive again!
The thing sounds amazing. Now I have a spare tremolo unit needing a new home too. Thanks.

Love these guys. Great communication, great product. Buy one!

Once I plugged it into my tweed clone it was perfect. Silent, responsive, clear. Exactly what I was hoping it would be. I’d thought my piano had several problems that might need fixing but it turns out it just needed the retro flyer!

I can’t believe how good this thing sounds. I thought the video and samples were overselling it, but it sounds even BETTER. The tremolo is so musical, just the perfect compliment to the Rhodes. Thank you all so much for your work on this product.

Goodbye flat, dull Rhodes sound - hello Retroflyer!

The Retroflyer is an active preamp with volume, mid boost/cut and fully adjustable tremolo designed to fit perfectly into passive Mark I and II Fender Rhodes. We wrote a huge blog post about it if you want heaps of info but here are the bullet points:

  • High-headroom, high-detail, low-noise preamp circuit

  • High input impedance with full frequency and dynamic range

  • On board 3-position high pass filter

  • 7db Balanced Mid Boost/Cut

  • Twin VCA true stereo tremolo

  • Custom faceplate w/ custom dual concentric knobs (both made in the USA)

  • High quality, name brand components throughout

  • Extensive power filtering, power supply included

  • Complete kit installs in less than 15 minutes

  • 1 year warranty with lifetime support

  • Designed, tested and manufactured by Avion Studios in the USA.

This design represents hundreds of hours of work and we honestly couldn’t be happier. It frankly sounds fantastic. The bass is full, the mids are clear and the highs shine.

First you Retro-fit….then you Retro-fly!

Other notes: If you’re installing the RetroFlyer into a Bass Rhodes or formerly Peterson location please let us know. There are few changes we make to either the gain structure or badge respectively. Need a stereo to dual mono splitter!? We have them now.

UK Distribution: Doug over at Klassic Keys is a TOP keyboard technician and vendor who has RetroFlyers in stock and ready ship.

International buyers: The included power supply will work for 110-240 VAC so it will work in your country! You may need to supply your own IEC AC cable. These are very common and inexpensive. We will often include cables for EU or AU when available. Shipping options include both USPS Priority and UPS Expedited.

More Info

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NOTICE - Thank you all so much for being so into the Retroflyer! Intro VIDEO and J3PO demo at the bottom of this page. Also new face plates!

You never knew your Rhodes could sound this good. First you Retro-fit, then you Retro-Fly!

We never expected the level of positive response and we’re so grateful for it! Here’s just a sample of some of the amazing feedback we’ve received regarding the RetroFlyer:

So I’ve just fitted the retro flyer into my road worn/battered/broken tone potted/general mess of a mk1 Rhodes and it is alive again!
The thing sounds amazing. Now I have a spare tremolo unit needing a new home too. Thanks.

Love these guys. Great communication, great product. Buy one!

Once I plugged it into my tweed clone it was perfect. Silent, responsive, clear. Exactly what I was hoping it would be. I’d thought my piano had several problems that might need fixing but it turns out it just needed the retro flyer!

I can’t believe how good this thing sounds. I thought the video and samples were overselling it, but it sounds even BETTER. The tremolo is so musical, just the perfect compliment to the Rhodes. Thank you all so much for your work on this product.

Goodbye flat, dull Rhodes sound - hello Retroflyer!

The Retroflyer is an active preamp with volume, mid boost/cut and fully adjustable tremolo designed to fit perfectly into passive Mark I and II Fender Rhodes. We wrote a huge blog post about it if you want heaps of info but here are the bullet points:

  • High-headroom, high-detail, low-noise preamp circuit

  • High input impedance with full frequency and dynamic range

  • On board 3-position high pass filter

  • 7db Balanced Mid Boost/Cut

  • Twin VCA true stereo tremolo

  • Custom faceplate w/ custom dual concentric knobs (both made in the USA)

  • High quality, name brand components throughout

  • Extensive power filtering, power supply included

  • Complete kit installs in less than 15 minutes

  • 1 year warranty with lifetime support

  • Designed, tested and manufactured by Avion Studios in the USA.

This design represents hundreds of hours of work and we honestly couldn’t be happier. It frankly sounds fantastic. The bass is full, the mids are clear and the highs shine.

First you Retro-fit….then you Retro-fly!

Other notes: If you’re installing the RetroFlyer into a Bass Rhodes or formerly Peterson location please let us know. There are few changes we make to either the gain structure or badge respectively. Need a stereo to dual mono splitter!? We have them now.

UK Distribution: Doug over at Klassic Keys is a TOP keyboard technician and vendor who has RetroFlyers in stock and ready ship.

International buyers: The included power supply will work for 110-240 VAC so it will work in your country! You may need to supply your own IEC AC cable. These are very common and inexpensive. We will often include cables for EU or AU when available. Shipping options include both USPS Priority and UPS Expedited.

Here’s a slightly long winded video about the RetroFlyer.

Giving an overview of what, why and a bit of how.

HIGHLY recommended demo from Julian “J3PO” Pollack. A great example of how musical the RetroFlyer can be in the hands of great musician.

Even MORE RetroFlyer! In the studio with Mark Oselski. Fantastic player giving a short and sweet example of the RetroFlyer.

From Poland with love! Another great sample of the RetroFlyer doing some Jazz. This short video shows how to subtlety control the tremolo on the fly.

Below is really great example of the clean dynamic sound of the RetroFlyer.

Plus it’s a great arrangement and performance by Keith Foley!