What an Online Listing Can Tell You About a Wurlitzer’s Condition
If you're looking at a listing for a used Wurlitzer electronic piano online, you're probably not going to have a lot of information about the condition of the amplifier or mechanical action. However, the photos and the description can tell you much more about the Wurlitzer’s condition than you might expect.
In this article, we explain how to read the listing to learn the maximum amount of information about a keyboard you are thinking about buying.
What a Wurlitzer’s Appearance Can Tell You About Its Condition
Most problems in a Wurlitzer can be repaired. In fact, some issues are even desirable, because they reduce the cost of the keyboard without increasing the work required to improve playability. For instance, if you already planned to replace key bushings, finding a Wurlitzer with extremely deteriorated bushing felt gives you the ability to negotiate on asking price without adding to your workload.
However, when you choose a vintage keyboard, you should take care to avoid a few extremely rare issues that will add complexity to a restoration. The two most important issues are environmental damage and impact damage. Environmental damage most often occurs when the keyboard has been stored in an extremely humid area or one with extreme temperature swings. Impact damage is sometimes evident in keyboards that have a history of extensive use, or were perhaps stored improperly.
Wurlitzer 140 vs. 200 vs. 200A: What’s the Difference?
Wurlitzer in the 140 series are transitional models: more reliable than Wurlitzer’s earlier electronic pianos, but not as portable as later models. On the other hand, the 200-series is the iconic final iteration of Wurlitzer keyboards: smaller, lighter, more chrome. If there’s a Wurlitzer 140 (or any of its many variants, from the 140b to the 145) that has caught your eye, you may be wondering if buying it is a good idea. How does it stack up against the 200a? Does it require more work? What are the practical differences between them? This guide is here to help.
What Should Come With a Fender Rhodes Stage Piano: A List
Fender Rhodes keyboards came with quite a few parts and accessories, many of which are subtle and easy to lose. If you’re unfamiliar with the Rhodes, it can be hard to tell if a keyboard you’re thinking about buying is complete or not.
What is the Difference Between a Wurlitzer 200 and a Wurlitzer 200a?
The Wurlitzer 200 and 200a are extremely similar. If you are trying to decide between the two models, you should first of all realize that there are no bad decisions here. When restored, both types of keyboard are equally reliable, high-quality instruments. And, of course, both of them have that iconic Wurlitzer sound.
If you can’t decide between a Wurlitzer 200 and a 200a, this guide may help. Below, we’ve listed the differences between the 200 and the 200a.
How Many Wurlitzers Should I Have?
This may sound crazy, but if you can’t decide which model of Wurlitzer is right for you, you may need two Wurlitzers. All Wurlitzer models have subtle differences between them, from the amp to the reeds to the feel of the keyboard. In some respects, these differences can make two Wurlitzers of different models sound like two totally different instruments. In order to achieve all of the tonal possibly a Wurlitzer can offer, you may need two Wurlitzers.
What's the Difference Between a Rhodes and a Wurlitzer?
The Rhodes and the Wurlitzer are sometimes mentioned interchangeably, but they’re actually pretty different. We do spent 99% of our time around electronic pianos, but trust us: it’s not just our bias talking. A Rhodes and a Wurlitzer sound different, feel different, and were invented in completely different contexts. Most studios would benefit from one of each. (Well, one Rhodes and two or three Wurlitzers - but now this might be our bias talking.)
What keyboard amp should I choose?
If you are psyched about your new keyboard or synth and need a way to amplify it other than going direct to a PA, there are options for you! Amplifiers come in many shapes and sizes and have varying features. If this is the first (or only) amp you are purchasing for your keyboard, it is first a good idea to decide what your needs are and what you will be using it for most.
Here are some uses you might have for a keyboard amplifier.