I have been on a quest in search of a new keyboard to buy. I presently own a Minimoog and a Roland RS50 (and even a Yamaha CS-60, but it is not working now, and it is too heavy to take to gigs), so for the most part I have very solid gear. But I continually think about what keyboard I would get next if I had the choice. After doing a fair bit of research, I have decided upon a RMI 368 electric piano. Why did I choose this model? Well there are a number of reasons. The most important one being that both Tony Banks and Rick Wakeman used one on the early 1970's. The sound of many early Genesis recordings owe a lot to the RMI 368. The sound was crisp and sharp, yet not sounding quite like a real piano.

That is a big part of the charm of this instrument. Before digital sampling, and before the Yamaha CP-70, the RMI was one of the only ways to get a decent piano-ish sounding keyboard. The tone of the RMI was
unique and quite pleasing. Listen to it being played by Rick Wakeman on the Yessongs tour in 1973.

Here is the exact video I am referring to. The RMI 368 is the first keyboard he begins to play.


If you would like to read more about the RMI paino, here are too great articles that go into more detail.

http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/Dec01/articles/retrozone1201.asp?print=yes

This is a great article, and describes how important the RMI was to the sound of PROG music in general.

http://www.alphabeck.co.uk/hoep/goodbad.htm

And this article gives an interesting perspective how most old electric pianos are junk, with the acception of the RMI and some Yamaha models.

Well, I think I will put a wanted ad in craigslist for a RMI 368 for sale in the Toronto area. That is if
there is one.