Wurlitzer sourcing & custom restoration

Tropical Fish can put its electronic piano sourcing skills to work for you by locating an instrument suitable for restoration and helping to acquire it. If you are not able to focus all of your efforts on finding, securing, and restoring the right instrument there can be a lot of uncertainty. We can make the process seamless by individually sourcing, evaluating and rebuilding an instrument specifically for you.

Finding the right Wurlitzer

First we can determine what your ideal Wurlitzer model is, what features are important to you, and what your primary use will be. We would then identify promising instruments through our existing network and the broader vintage market. We would pre evaluate instruments based on their condition, originality and suitability for restoration. We would explain how that instrument has the right potential to be good restored instrument for you. And together we would decide if it is a keyboard you would like us to pick up and begin restoring.

A complete restoration

Once the suitable Wurlitzer has been acquired we will begin a thorough restoration just like all the others we have done over the years. It will receive the same level of attention that each Wurlitzer has received from us. We will make sure that the mechanical action is in great shape, the keyboard is playing a feeling wonderfully, the amplifier is rebuilt or replaced, the instrument is electrically reliable, and the cosmetics are as great as they can be.

How the process works

Initial consultation - This is where we discuss what you are looking for, what your budget is and how you intend to mostly use the Wurlitzer. Because there are different models of Wurlitzer electronic pianos with different advantages, our goal is to pair you up with a model that best meets your needs.

Search and acquisition - We will locate, evaluate and purchase a Wurlitzer on your behalf. During this process we will send you listings and photos of available instruments, and we will decide which is best for you.

Restoration - When the instrument makes it to our shop, we run a thorough evaluation on the instrument and give you a list of what needs to be done to bring it to optimal playing condition. Since there are a few options at this stage (primarily in the area of cosmetics) we will iron out any last restoration details and get on the same page. Then, our restoration will begin.

Delivery - Once the restoration is complete, we will make arrangements to send your newly restored instrument to you. If you are in our general area this could be a hand delivery, or if you are further away it might be a shipment.

Pricing & availability

Each project is quoted individually and the final price is made up of factors including sourcing, acquisition, restoration and transportation expenses.

To begin the search we require a deposit, and projects are accepted on a limited basis. The search is done within an agreed time frame.