Wurlitzer 140B electronic piano

Features of the Wurlitzer 140b

• Classic Wurlitzer electronic piano tone

• Same reeds as a Wurlitzer 200A

• Same (or, arguably, slightly better) feel as a Wurlitzer 200A, due to similar mechanical action

• Onboard 6x9 speaker, or use the speaker output with any 8 or 16 ohm cabinet

• Solid state amplifier with tremolo

The Wurlitzer 140B has all of the great and tone and functionality of a Wurlitzer 200A, but in a slightly older design. The case is steam-bent wood, and a steel lid provides shielding for the reed bar. The Wurlitzer 140B is often considered to have a stronger tone and more solid feel than the 200A, perhaps due to the harp’s wooden mounting. The reeds are compatible with the 200-series, so they not only sound great, but they are the latest revision of reeds that Wurlitzer designed.

The amplifier is an early solid state amp that uses germanium output transistors, which have a rich, tube-like tone. The unique topology of the amplifier—which uses a driver transformer as a phase inverter—was common in the early 1960s and quickly abandoned as transistors became smaller and more powerful by the end of the decade. (A transformer is more expensive than a transistor, in both materials cost and installation cost.) Although the amplifier has an old design, it is very reliable and features a remarkably low-noise design for the time period. It has a unique sound that is well-suited for recording.

NOTES ON CONDITION

This 140B has some external scuffing and paint wear. The interior is very good original condition, and shows the typical signs of age but without evidence of mishandling. We are in the process of replacing worn-out felt, for the most consistent feel and excellent playability. The keys have been buffed and polished to their original cream white color. This keyboard includes its original legs and pedal. It does not include the original key cover.

restoration details

• Keys: new bushing felt and key cloth; keys buffed and polished

• Key bed: new balance, front rail & back rail felt; key bed frame removed for thorough cleaning

• Mechanical action: new jack springs and jack felt; all action centers lubricated; capstans polished; action eased and regulated

• Reeds: intonation within a <2-cents of equal temperament; bent or weak reeds replaced with new reeds

• Electronics: rebuilt amplifier, with new electrolytic capacitors, power-handling and preamp resistors; all original wiring replaced with new, higher-quality wiring that is twisted and shielded where appropriate; “phono” input replaced with passive aux output; two-prong receptacle replaced with grounded IEC

Note that restoration is in progress, and photos were taken before the amplifier restoration was completed. The two-prong receptacle visible in the photos will be replaced by a three-prong, grounded IEC receptacle.

We have evaluated this keyboard just as we evaluate all customer keyboards: by disassembling it down to the keybed, and identifying worn-out felt and other parts. Once those parts are replaced, we regulate the keyboard. With new felt and jack springs, it is possible to dial in regulation the way that Wurlitzer originally intended. The result is a keyboard that is touch-responsive and ready to play, with consistent tone and feel across every key.

PICKUP & DELIVERY

This keyboard is currently in restoration, and will be ready for pickup or delivery within 2 weeks. Expedited service may be available; please contact us if you require the keyboard by a certain date.

Delivery is available within approximately 250 miles of New York City for a fee. If you do not see a delivery option for your address at checkout, please contact us for a quote.

Because the instrument’s weight is just over the allowable weight for standard ground shipping, we are only able to offer freight. Please contact us for a quote.