Is Wurlitzer a good piano brand? If you prefer to try pianos from some old brands, then Wurlitzer might be the one you are looking for. Considered as one of the oldest piano brands in the market, we are now going to check out if they are worth the try in these modern times.
History Of Wurlitzer Pianos
Wurlitzer pianos have a storied history that dates back to the late 19th century. The Wurlitzer Company, originally founded in 1853 as a manufacturer of musical instruments and later known for its iconic jukeboxes, ventured into piano production in the late 19th century.
In the late 19th century, the Wurlitzer Company, under the leadership of Rudolf Wurlitzer, began manufacturing pianos in Cincinnati, Ohio. These pianos were recognized for their quality craftsmanship and innovative features.
Wurlitzer’s pianos gained popularity for their unique spinet and console designs. They introduced the “Butterfly Grand,” a grand piano with an unusual wing-like shape that became a distinctive and iconic instrument.
During the early 20th century, Wurlitzer continued to innovate in the piano industry, offering electric player pianos and orchestrations, which were elaborate mechanical instruments that could replicate the sound of an entire orchestra.
In the mid-20th century, Wurlitzer became famous for its electric pianos, particularly the Wurlitzer Electric Piano 200 series, also known as “Wurlys.” These electric pianos featured a reed-based sound mechanism and became widely used in popular music, jazz, and rock.
While Wurlitzer’s piano manufacturing eventually ceased, their legacy lives on through the enduring popularity of vintage Wurlitzer electric pianos, which continue to be cherished by musicians and collectors for their distinctive sound and design.
Sound Quality
Is Wurlitzer a good piano brand when it comes to sound quality? Wurlitzer pianos, particularly their historical upright and grand pianos, hold a unique place in the world of musical instruments. Known for their distinctive sound and classic design, Wurlitzer pianos have left an indelible mark on the music industry.
Wurlitzer pianos are celebrated for their bright and distinctive tonal character. Unlike traditional acoustic pianos, which tend to produce a warm and mellow sound, Wurlitzer pianos have a more percussive and lively quality. This brightness makes them well-suited for certain musical genres and styles, including pop, rock, jazz, and gospel.
Wurlitzer is perhaps most famous for its electric pianos, including the Wurlitzer Electric Piano 200 series. These instruments, often referred to as “Wurlys,” have a signature sound characterized by a bell-like tone with a pronounced attack. The electric pianos employ reeds and a hammer mechanism, producing a unique and instantly recognizable sound. The Wurlitzer electric piano is renowned for its expressiveness and ability to cut through a mix in a band or recording setting.
Wurlitzer pianos, especially their electric models, have excellent dynamic response. Musicians can achieve a wide range of expression and dynamics by varying their playing intensity. From soft and delicate notes to sharp and percussive accents, Wurlitzer pianos offer responsiveness that allows for nuanced performances.
Wurlitzer electric pianos have a unique sustain and decay characteristic. While they may not sustain as long as some acoustic pianos, their shorter decay adds to the instrument’s distinctive sound. This quality contributes to the instrument’s percussive and punchy nature.
Wurlitzer electric pianos often feature built-in tremolo and vibrato effects, which can further shape the sound. These effects add depth and character to the sound, allowing musicians to explore various tonal possibilities.
Wurlitzer pianos are versatile instruments suitable for various musical genres. While they are most commonly associated with popular music styles, they have also been used in jazz, funk, soul, and even classical music. Their unique tonal qualities make them a valuable addition to any musician’s toolkit.
Vintage Wurlitzer pianos, particularly the electric models from the mid-20th century, have gained iconic status among musicians and collectors. Their sound, aesthetics, and historical significance contribute to their enduring appeal.
Proper maintenance and tuning are essential to preserving the sound quality of Wurlitzer pianos, especially vintage electric models. Regular tuning and occasional servicing by qualified technicians can ensure that the instrument continues to produce its characteristic sound.
Wurlitzer pianos, particularly their electric pianos, are known for their distinctive and bright sound quality. Their unique tonal character, dynamic response, and vintage appeal have made them beloved instruments in various musical genres. Whether in the studio, on stage, or in the living room, Wurlitzer pianos offer a unique sonic palette that continues to captivate musicians and enthusiasts alike.
Build Quality
Is Wurlizter a good piano brand when it comes to build quality? Wurlitzer pianos, including their historic electric pianos and more traditional acoustic models, have garnered a reputation for their distinctive build quality and craftsmanship.
Electric Pianos
Wurlitzer electric pianos are renowned for their iconic design and construction. Their compact and sleek appearance, often featuring a distinctive chrome harp cover and colorful legs, has made them instantly recognizable and highly collectible.
The build quality of Wurlitzer electric pianos is impressive. These instruments were constructed with durability in mind, using quality materials such as hardwoods and metal components. The sturdy build ensures that vintage Wurlitzer electric pianos can withstand the test of time.
The heart of the Wurlitzer electric piano is its reed-based sound production mechanism. The reeds, made of high-quality steel, are precision-tuned to produce a clear and bell-like tone. The hammer action, when combined with the reeds, allows for expressive and responsive playing.
The keybed on Wurlitzer electric pianos is well-constructed, providing a comfortable and playable surface for musicians. The key action is designed for fast and dynamic playing, making it suitable for a variety of musical styles.
Many Wurlitzer electric pianos include a sustain pedal and vibrato effect. These features are integrated seamlessly into the instrument’s design, allowing musicians to shape their sound and add expressiveness to their playing.
Acoustic Pianos
Traditional Wurlitzer acoustic pianos, both upright and grand, were built with a focus on craftsmanship and attention to detail. Skilled artisans were involved in the construction process, ensuring that each piano was assembled with precision.
The use of high-quality materials, including select hardwoods for the soundboard and cabinet, contributed to the pianos’ durability and sound quality. These materials were chosen for their resonance and ability to withstand changes in humidity and temperature.
Wurlitzer acoustic pianos typically feature sturdy iron plates that support the string tension. This construction element enhances tuning stability and contributes to the piano’s longevity.
The soundboard in Wurlitzer acoustic pianos is carefully designed and crafted to optimize sound projection and resonance. The selection of spruce wood and the precise shaping of the soundboard contribute to the piano’s rich and warm tonal character.
Wurlitzer acoustic pianos are known for their responsive and well-regulated action mechanisms. The components of the action, including the hammers, dampers, and keys, are carefully adjusted to ensure consistent playability and dynamic response across the keyboard.
The cabinet design of Wurlitzer acoustic pianos often reflects classic and timeless aesthetics. The attention to detail in the cabinet’s construction enhances the instrument’s overall appearance and complements its sound quality.
Both Wurlitzer electric and acoustic pianos from past decades have gained a strong vintage appeal among musicians and collectors. The quality of their construction contributes to their longevity, making well-maintained vintage Wurlitzer pianos highly sought after.
To maintain or restore the build quality of vintage Wurlitzer pianos, proper care and occasional restoration work may be required. Skilled technicians and restorers can ensure that these instruments continue to perform and sound as they were originally intended.
Wurlitzer pianos, whether electric or acoustic, are known for their distinctive and well-crafted build quality. The construction materials, attention to detail, and durability of these instruments contribute to their unique sonic characteristics and timeless appeal. Whether as vintage collector’s items or playable instruments, Wurlitzer pianos continue to be celebrated for their craftsmanship and construction excellence.
Is Wurlitzer a good piano brand? Yes it is, and although the production of Wurlitzer pianos have already been discontinued, their older pianos are still worth a try.
