Beatrice Lang
The Wurlitzer electric piano is a portable instrument that was manufactured in various models from the mid-1950s until the early 1980s. The piano's sound is generated electromechanically by striking metal reeds with felt hammers, and it has a keyboard range of 64 notes. Most Wurlitzer pianos have removable legs and a sustain pedal, with some console, grand, and spinet models featuring permanently attached pedals. While the exact dimensions of different models may vary, one example of a Wurlitzer electric piano measures 18 cm x 98 cm x 48 cm.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Keyboard range | From A an octave above the lowest note of a standard 88-note piano to the C an octave below its top note |
| Notes | 64-note instrument |
| Sound | Sharper and closer to a sawtooth wave |
| Sustain pedal | Mechanical and attached via a Bowden cable |
| Speakers | One, two or four internal speakers, depending on the model |
| Amplifier | Can be connected to an external amplifier |
| Models | Console, "grand", "spinet", and standalone stage models with chrome legs |
| Legs | Removable |
| Size | Portable |
| Production years | Mid-50s to early 1980s |
| Production locations | Corinth, DeKalb, Illinois, Logan, Utah |
| Serial number | 129394L |
| Model number | 200A |
| Dimensions | 18 cm x 98 cm x 48 cm; 7 1/16 in x 38 9/16 in x 18 7/8 in |
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What You'll Learn
Dimensions of the Wurlitzer 200A model
The Wurlitzer 200A is an electronic piano that was produced from 1974 until 1983. It was an update to the original model 200, featuring an improved amplifier circuit and speaker. The action and reeds of the 200A were the same as the 200 model. The Wurlitzer 200A weighs 56 pounds (25 kg) without the legs or pedal.
The Wurlitzer 200A was externally identical to the 200 model, but was designed to be powered by a pair of high-voltage batteries and had no internal amplifier or speakers, in order to reduce hum from the instrument. The 200A also featured an improved shield over the reed and pickups to reduce mains hum, which had been a problem with the 200 model. The 1980 version of the 200A featured textured paint on the keyboard's base, the pedal housing, and the bench. This model also had square magnets on the ceramic speakers, and the metal parts were free from oxidation.
The Wurlitzer 200A had a domestic sister model, the 270, called the "Butterfly Baby Grand". This model was a semicircular, walnut-finish wooden-cased piano with twin quadrant-shaped lids angled above horizontally mounted 8" loudspeakers.
The Wurlitzer 200A was a popular instrument for bar bands and amateur musicians, as it allowed pianists to use the same instrument at each gig, instead of having to use whatever instrument was available at the venue. It was also commonly used as a student instrument in schools and colleges, with non-portable console versions available for this purpose.
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Comparison to other electric pianos
The Wurlitzer electronic piano was manufactured in several models, including console models with built-in frames and standalone stage models with chrome legs. The latter became popular with several R&B and rock musicians in the 1960s and 1970s. The Wurlitzer has a more mechanical and sophisticated action compared to other electric pianos such as the Fender Rhodes. The Rhodes piano, first created in the 1940s, has always been the most popular electric piano, but the Wurlitzer has a sharper and punchier tone. The sound of the Wurlitzer is closer to a sawtooth wave, while the Rhodes' is closer to a sine wave.
The Wurlitzer produces sound by striking a metal reed with a felt hammer, using conventional piano action. This induces an electrical current in an electrostatic pickup system running at 170 V DC. Most Wurlitzer pianos are 64-note instruments with a keyboard range from A an octave above the lowest note of a standard 88-note piano to the C an octave below its top note. The Wurlitzer is fitted with a mechanical sustain pedal and has one, two, or four internal speakers, depending on the model.
The Wurlitzer was popular with bar bands and amateur musicians as it was portable and allowed pianists to use the same instrument at each gig. The first Wurlitzer electronic piano, the EP-110, entered production in 1954. The company manufactured various models until 1983 when the last model, the 200A, was discontinued.
The Wurlitzer's sound and character inspired many songwriters and musicians to write hit songs. It was used by several legendary bands, including Supertramp, Elton John, Queen, Donny Hathaway, Joni Mitchell, the Beatles, and Steely Dan.
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The Wurlitzer's unique sound
The Wurlitzer electric piano has a unique sound that has been loved by musicians of all ages and genres. Its sound is generated electromechanically by striking a metal reed with a felt hammer, using conventional piano action. This induces an electrical current in an electrostatic pickup system running at 170 V DC. The reeds in the Wurlitzer are flat strips of metal that come in a variety of lengths to match the desired pitch or note. They have a small weight on one end and are screwed to a bar on the other.
The Wurlitzer's sound is sharper and closer to a sawtooth wave compared to other electric pianos like the Rhodes piano, which is closer to a sine wave. This gives the Wurlitzer a sharper and punchier tone. When played gently, the sound can be sweet and vibraphone-like, sounding similar to the Rhodes; but as the playing becomes more aggressive, the sound becomes more characteristic of the Wurlitzer, with a slightly overdriven tone.
Over time, with aggressive playing, the reeds on a Wurlitzer will break through metal fatigue. Any debris between the reed and the pickup can cause a short circuit and produce a burst of distortion. This unique characteristic of the Wurlitzer sound has been creatively used by musicians, with the Wurlitzer featuring in recordings by artists like Sheryl Crowe, Oasis, and Noel G.
The Wurlitzer's sound has been described as "organic" and "electric piano-ness", with a unique quality that sets it apart from other electric pianos. Its sound has been enjoyed by musicians and music lovers since its introduction in the 1950s, with the Wurlitzer featuring in classic recordings such as Ray Charles' "What I'd Say" from 1959, as well as songs by Supertramp, Steely Dan, and Little Feat.
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The Wurlitzer's history
The history of the Wurlitzer piano begins with the founding of the Rudolph Wurlitzer Company in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1853 by German immigrant Franz Rudolph Wurlitzer. The Wurlitzer family originated in Vogtland, Saxonia, where they first began building musical instruments in 1659, starting with a lute. The company initially imported and resold stringed, woodwind, and brass instruments from Germany.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Wurlitzer began manufacturing pianos and organs, quickly expanding to include band organs, orchestrions, player pianos, and pipe or theatre organs. The company also operated retail stores for its products and, in the early 20th century, began to pivot to the market for coin-operated machines. Wurlitzer's theatre organs, often marketed as "The Mighty Wurlitzers", became famous in theatres during the silent movie era, impressing audiences with their enormous size.
In the 1930s, Wurlitzer unveiled a line of symmetrical grand pianos, known as "Butterfly" grands, with innovative features such as functional sound port slots and symmetrical lids that opened like butterfly wings. During this time, the company also introduced its iconic jukeboxes, which became synonymous with American popular culture and the Golden Age of jukebox design.
In the mid-1950s, Wurlitzer began manufacturing portable electric pianos, with the first model, the EP-110, entering production in 1954. These electric pianos featured a distinctive sound and compact design, quickly gaining popularity among musicians. The Wurlitzer electric piano became known for its sharp and punchier tone compared to other pianos, and its versatility in producing both sweet and aggressive sounds.
Wurlitzer continued to innovate and introduce new models, such as the iconic 200 series, which solidified their reputation as a pioneer in electric keyboard technology. Their electric pianos became synonymous with rock, jazz, and pop music in the 1960s and 70s, embraced by artists like Ray Charles, The Doors, and The Beatles. Production expanded to new factories and locations, and by the late 1970s, Wurlitzer had produced around 120,000 instruments.
However, as musicians began to favour digital synthesizers, cost-cutting measures were implemented in the late 1970s to improve profitability. The last Wurlitzer model, the 200A, was discontinued in 1983, and the company's piano and organ brands were acquired by the Baldwin Piano Company in 1988, marking the end of an era for this pioneering musical instrument manufacturer.
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Notable Wurlitzer players
The Wurlitzer electronic piano is an electric piano that was manufactured and marketed from 1954 to 1983. The sound of a Wurlitzer is generated electromechanically by striking a metal reed with a felt hammer, using conventional piano action. This induces an electrical current in an electrostatic pickup system. Most Wurlitzer pianos are 64-note instruments with a keyboard range from A (an octave above the lowest note of a standard 88-note piano) to C (an octave below its top note). The instrument is fitted with a mechanical sustain pedal and has one, two, or four internal speakers, depending on the model.
Now, let's take a look at some notable Wurlitzer players:
Ray Charles was a legendary musician who needs no introduction. He was known for his soulful voice and piano skills, and his use of the Wurlitzer piano added a unique dimension to his music.
Joe Zawinul was an Austrian-born jazz musician and composer. He was a master of the Wurlitzer piano and often incorporated it into his jazz fusion compositions, blending electric sounds with acoustic instruments.
Supertramp is a well-known rock band that heavily featured the Wurlitzer piano in their music. The distinctive sound of the Wurlitzer became synonymous with their songs, such as "The Logical Song," "Dreamer," and "Breakfast in America."
Pink Floyd is another iconic rock band that utilised the Wurlitzer in many of their songs, including "Money," "Breathe," "Time," and "Have a Cigar." The band's experimental and psychedelic sound often incorporated a range of instruments, and the Wurlitzer added a unique texture to their music.
Joni Mitchell is a renowned singer-songwriter who has incorporated the Wurlitzer piano into her folk-inspired music. Her song "Woodstock" is an example of how she blended acoustic and electric sounds to create a unique atmosphere.
These artists, among many others, have showcased the versatility and impact of the Wurlitzer electric piano in various genres of music. The instrument's distinctive sound and portable nature made it a popular choice for musicians, leaving an indelible mark on the musical landscape.
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Frequently asked questions
The dimensions of a Wurlitzer electric piano vary depending on the model. The model 200A, for example, measures 18 cm x 98 cm x 48 cm. Most Wurlitzer electric pianos are portable and have removable legs.
Wurlitzer electric pianos are generally smaller than acoustic pianos. The substitution of strings with steel reeds allowed for a more compact design, eliminating the need for space to support tension-loaded strings.
Most Wurlitzer electric pianos have a 64-note keyboard, ranging from A an octave above the lowest note of a standard 88-note piano to C an octave below its top note.
