Another distinguishing difference is the sensitivity to the dynamic performance that the Wurlitzer EPs possess. The resulting tone or timbre is quite distinct from a Fender Rhodes that uses ‘tines’ (that more closely resemble tuning forks), is harder, even described as having a ‘bark’. These reeds vibrate when struck by the felt hammers and the vibration is then ‘picked-up’ in a similar way to that of an electric guitar. The EP-110 uses metal ‘reeds’ (a flat strip of metal similar to a wooden reed on a saxophone or clarinet), of differing lengths according to the desired pitch to make its sound.

Fender Rhodes made an equally fashionable electric piano that has also stayed highly popular today, but that whose sound is radically different from the Wurlitzer. What separates this piano from its rivals is the way it produces the sound. This was unceremoniously titled the EP-110. It was in 1954 that Wurlitzer produced their first EP. Keep in mind the Wurlitzer motto at the time was “Everything Musical”, so you can understand the entrepreneurial diversity with which the company approached the market of the time. This included the range of mechanical instruments that were built around the turn of the last century for approximately thirty years. Other pianos featured in the Wurlitzer catalog for which they became equally well-respected and renowned. Many of these instruments have stood the test of time and if you should find one in good condition, you will not be disappointed. This was amusingly called their ‘Wurl-On-Finish’ that made the pianos highly resistant to temperature changes and moisture or dryness in the air. Without embarking on in-depth scrutiny of the engineering of these characteristics, suffice it to say that they were devised to enhance the richness of tone as well as make the playing experience first class.Īn additional selling point to these now historic pianos, both upright and grand, was the durability of their finish.

Two other notable features were part of the Wurlitzer models, the ‘pentagonal soundboard’ and ‘tone-crafted hammers’. The design of these instruments was particularly eye-catching and innovative. Wurlitzer produced acoustic pianos from quite early in the company’s history.

Wurlitzer spinet piano serial 0798