What is a Wurlitzer electric piano?
The Wurlitzer electric piano is an electro-mechanical keyboard instrument produced from 1954 to 1983. Wurlitzers (or “Wurlis”) produce sound using flat steel reeds struck by felt hammers, and these reeds are housed within a comb-like metal plate, forming an electrostatic pickup system. This design creates a signature tone that’s soft when played gently, but gaining a rough, resonant character with increased key pressure.
What does a Wurlitzer piano sound like?
Wurlitzers arguably sound more harmonically abundant than the bell-like Rhodes, with a richer and more jangly tone. Soft playing yields a vibraphone-like sweetness, but harder keystrokes produce a gritty, growling sound.