For many musicians creating a smooth rhodes sound is not as easy as people think. Just recently a product was launched by a good friend Jamal Hartwell called the Neo Soul Suitcase and let me tell you that it sounds sweet. The plugin only works with the Kontact 4. I know it sucks because many of you have the free plugin or don't have the availible funds. Jamal is working on creating a free version for the plugin. However, this will help you to create a sweet rhodes sound.
For those who own a motif/mox/korg or any other high quality brand if you are looking to create that smooth rhodes sound for free. Take a look at these tips:
1) Look at the different rhodes patches
For the motif the different sounds that we have are: Neo Soul, Vintage 74, Early 70's (these are just a few examples) what I would usually do is combine the sounds and layer them over top of each other. Again, this is based upon personal preference.
2) Look at the velocity curve
Generally, the velocity curve is usually hard, soft, medium. You would want it to be hard because it gives it more of a touch and feel sound and you hear the lift when you touch the note.
3) Look at vibrato
I love the vibrato because it adjusts the sound and the quality of this. I would always have this on because it gives it more power and sensitivity in the notes that you are playing.
Note: One thing to remember is that your personality will come through your playing. You want to get the feel that you want in your playing. So creating the smooth rhodes sound is very easy. These are just three areas where you can really influence the sound. I also invite you to check out the Neo Soul Suitcase I would highly recommend it if you are looking to get a better rhodes sound.