1/14/02: See my removable keyboard
modification, as well as the third-knob mod.
The model 200-series Wurlitzer electric pianos were constructed around
1970 and represent some of the most sought after tone in jazz and popular
music. The most popular model of these pianos is the Model 200A, a
portable road-ready electric piano (cost ~$400 to $1000). The tone of
these electric pianos is very mellow and almost harp-like when the keys
are pressed gently, but becomes very pleasantly overdriven when they are
stuck with more force. These instruments are rather dynamic because of
this overdriving and sound very good with almost any instrument,
especially guitar.
The particular pictures below are of the Model 214, which is almost
exactly like the model 200, except it has a console below it (removable).
The console contains (4) 8", 22-ohm woofers, which provide a generous
amount of sound compared to the two small 4"x6" speakers in the model 200.
The keyboard part of the 214 is somewhat removable, but requires removal
of screws (see my removable keyboard mod), and would
require an external sustain pedal if used without
its console.
The 200-series have a very complicated piano-like action (many
intricate wooden lever arms, felt bumpers, see pic below), but strike
small steel reeds
instead of strings. The largest reed is approximately 2" long, the
shortest, 3/4". Each reed forms a capacitor with a charged metal plate
near by. The "capacitor" output is amplified by a preamp stage and an
amplfier stage before feeding the speakers. There are two resistors in
the amplifier stage which get very hot. They are both 200-ohm, 1-watt and
5-watt units. I replaced each of these with two 100-ohm, 10-watt
resistors in series from radio shack (see above pic indicating in blue
where the resistors now are), and now the Wurlitzer gets louder
without distorting and runs longer before heating up a lot. Each pair of
resistors now dissipates 20 watts of power (instead of 5).
My future plans for this instrument are to make it a detachable keyboard
and add a lot of peripherals. I want to take out the screws that hold the
keyboard portion on and replace them with 4 latches so you can take it
apart in seconds without removing screws. I want to add another amplifier
in the speaker cabinet, as well as some kind of Moog-like synthesizer
controls, probably all analog, some good echo/reverb/delay, a
compander, flange, an EQ, and maybe some other tricks. I think it would
be nifty to add an expression pedal or two to the console so you can
control some effects with you foot. This model has a hidden pull-out
writing tray under the right side of the keyboard that would make a good
spot for a bunch of controls. I want to keep the installation "stealth"
so you can tell it's modified (any expression pedals would be noticeable,
though).
