Vintage Ad Monday Madness: Rhodes Chroma
Both of the advertisements for the Rhodes Chroma appeared in Keyboard magazine circa 1982. Check out the Apple ][ – remember those huge floppy drives? Yeeesh! Click on the images below for larger versions. The copy has been translated below each image for easy reading, and yuks.
At Rhodes we’ve always felt there’s a big difference between a keyboard that responds like a machine and one that plays like a musical instrument.
At last there’s a synthesizer that comes up to our standards.
Chroma. The first in a new family of products that takes the best of two worlds and synthesizes them into the most advanced musical instruments of its kind. A 16-channel programmable polyphonic synthesizer that combines all you can ask for in the sonic spectrum with an acoustic-style keyboard response.
So, instead of pushing buttons that look like keys, you finally feel what you’re playing.
Not only that, but Chroma’s computer-compatible keyboard is digitally based. Making it the first performance synthesizer with programmable electronic architecture.
The compatibility factor we’re most proud of though, is the one all Rhodes instruments have with people. Because the way we look at music, all the advanced electronics in the world don’t mean a thing unless you’ve got that human touch that makes music what it is.
Feeling.
Chroma. Programming depth far beyond anything you’ve ever experienced on a performance instrument. Control that puts every subtle dynamic expression right at your fingertips. Responsiveness that brings you back into the warm world of human-controlled music.
Chroma is a 16-channel, completely programmable polyphonic synthesizer with computer interface and dynamic keyboard. But the similarity to other synthesizers ends here. Because Chroma puts back the dimension of feel that was lost when synthesized music was born.
Lift Chroma from its custom-designed ATA Anvil case (included). Touch the keyboard. You’ll find 14″ wood piano keys. Center mounted for precise balance. And fully programmable for attack times, filters, waveshapes, pitch and just about anything else. All of which means Chroma can actually respond to your physical expressions. Giving you a depth of tonality and musical personality never before available on a synthesizer.
On Chroma, you start with 50 user programmable pre-sets–voice select switches that double as program controls when you switch into the programming mode. Another 1000 voice programs are included on cassette. And because Chroma is, in fact, a computer, software generates operating, program and tone controls. Giving you unprecedented flexibility. And allowing you to link Chroma to a microcomputer* or to our new Expander Module (basically, a keyboardless Chroma) to give you 32 channels of unadulterated sonic power.
Housekeeping is easy, too. Turn Chroma on and it automatically runs through its diagnostic routines. In a few seconds you’re tuned up, your components are checked and you’re ready for work.
So unleash your imagination today. See Chroma at select Rhodes dealers. Or for more information write us at 1300 E. Valencia Drive, Fullerton, CA 92631.
*Software currently available for interface to Apple II.
Thanks to the Rhodes Chroma Blog for pictures and information.
