Are Wurlitzer Pianos Good Pianos?
Anyone who learned to play the piano at home in the last half a century is likely familiar with the name Wurlitzer. These simple home pianos were a standard in homes around the world for decades. They were ideal for beginning pianists or hobby players who needed something that was reliable and consistent in quality.
Because Wurlitzers were intended to be home instruments, they have rarely appeared on a stage. Nevertheless, if you find one available today, you might be surprised by how it has stood the test of time!
History of Wurlitzer Pianos
Wurlitzer pianos were first produced in 1880. Throughout the last few decades of the 19th century, they quickly became known as a reliable brand for home players and beginning pianists.
As the century drew to a close, Wurlitzer began producing other instruments, most particularly organs. During this time, tariffs made it difficult to access organs imported from Europe; the company made it possible for organists to access instruments from an American supplier.
Through the 20th century, Wurlitzer continued to adapt to changing trends in amateur musicianship. One of the most important and successful developments was the production of the spinet piano. This stood at 39 inches tall, which was a good option for many families who didn’t have space for larger instruments. Wurlitzer spinet pianos were highly popular throughout the middle of the 20th century.
In later decades, the company also introduced some of the earliest electronic pianos. These were not only some of the first pianos to recreate true-to-life sounds but also lighter and more portable, making them a good option for many buyers.
Wurlitzer sold piano production to the Baldwin company in 1988. Baldwin continued to manufacture Wurlitzer-brand pianos until 2009.
Are Wurlitzer Pianos Good?
Many pianists who grew up before the turn of the 21st century started playing on a Wurlitzer piano. These instruments were ubiquitous in homes for decades because they were small, affordable, and consistent in quality.
To answer the question: are Wurlitzer pianos good? You have to specify that these pianos were never meant to be professional instruments. Wurlitzer pianos are not on the level of other, more widely-known brands such as Yamaha or Steinway.
However, Wurlitzers are respectable instruments that are considered right in the middle in terms of quality. What is even more impressive, however, is their durability.
Most Wurlitzers were manufactured with a special Wurl-On Finish. This made them uniquely resistant to damage from fluctuations in temperature and moisture. Many people are surprised to find Wurlitzer pianos that are many decades old but still in prime condition.
This is also why Wurlitzer is one of the top brands that you may find being sold secondhand to this day. Though it has been decades since these instruments rolled off the manufacturing line, you may be able to track one down that still plays as beautifully as it did when it was new.
What do Wurlitzer Pianos Sound Like?
Wurlitzer pianos are known for their distinctive “reedy” sound. People are usually most familiar with the Wurlitzer 200 model, which was introduced in 1968. The 200 had internal speakers and a plastic lid. It was considered one of the earliest and highest-quality electronic pianos and was widely used for music studies — especially in universities — for decades.
One of the biggest benefits of this model was that an instructor could communicate with students via headphones, making it possible to instruct dozens of players at the same time.
This model is recognizable thanks to its sharp tones, which also feature mild overdrive and reverb. These qualities made it a popular choice in jazz and pop music throughout the 20th century (Ray Charles and Norah Jones have famously preferred Wurlitzer pianos).
Pros of Wurlitzer Pianos
The pros of Wurlitzer pianos generally come down to their durability and longevity. They include:
- Resistant to aging and damage — Wurlitzer pianos include protective elements that make them highly resistant to damage from temperature and humidity fluctuations. This means that they are likely to still be playable even if they have been in storage for years or decades.
- Decent quality — Wurlitzer pianos are considered medium-quality instruments that are respectable, though not on par with higher-quality pianos such as Yamaha or Steinway.
- Affordable — Most Wurlitzers are likely to be more affordable than other pianos, especially if you are looking for a vintage model.
- Size options — Wurlitzer specialized in spinet models for much of the 20th century, meaning that these pianos are a good choice for smaller living spaces. The electronic models were made to be transported by packing them into a special case.
Cons of Wurlitzer Pianos
The cons of Wurlitzer pianos essentially boil down to the fact that, while good quality, they are not on par with many higher-quality models. These include:
- Playing quality — Wurlitzer pianos were by and large intended for home use, not for professional performances. What is more, they are generally not suited for people who want to play a lot (such as players practicing for many hours a day). Wurlitzers are best suited to beginners and hobby pianists.
Who Are Wurlitzer Pianos Suited For?
Wurlitzer pianos are by and large considered good instruments for amateur pianists. That means people who are just learning to play or who play occasionally as a hobby.
They aren’t well-suited to pianists who want to be professional musicians. As a general rule, Wurlitzers don’t stand up very well to hours of daily play; if you are practicing for two to three hours a day with the intent of becoming a professional pianist, you will need a higher-quality instrument.
Alternatively, if you are looking for something solid and reliable that you can play occasionally, a Wurlitzer may be a great choice. These instruments are great for moderate amounts of playing, such as for beginners or hobby pianists.
How Much Are Wurlitzer Pianos Worth?
If you come across an authentic Wurlitzer piano in a secondhand store — or if you still have one sitting in an attic or storage room — you might be wondering how much it is worth. We have discussed the amazing durability of these instruments and how they tend to be in playable condition even after many years of disuse.
That being said, you aren’t likely to make a lot of money off of a Wurlitzer piano. Though the vintage models are fascinating and historically significant, as musical instruments, they are still simply average.
Of course, the value of a Wurlitzer may vary significantly based on many factors. These include the age and condition of the instrument, what model it is, and how rare the model is. While some more common models will probably only be worth a few hundred dollars, some, such as the rare Wurlitzer 120, may be worth as much as $5,000.
When it comes to older acoustic models, pricing can vary wildly. These are generally priced as antiques rather than modern instruments, so value estimations depend on countless factors. However, there are many stories of people stumbling across these antiques sitting in storage in homes, churches, theaters, or schools and buying them for almost nothing!
Where Can You Buy a Wurlitzer Piano?
Wurlitzer largely stopped manufacturing acoustic pianos in the middle of the 20th century, so you won’t find a new model in a store. During the 1950s, the company switched to electronic pianos and more modern playing devices such as jukeboxes. There was also some continued production of spinets and baby grands, which may still be around today.
The brand transferred piano production to Baldwin Piano & Company in the 1980s. Baldwin continued to manufacture Wurlitzer brand pianos until 2009.
All of this is to say that, while you won’t find a brand-new Wurlitzer on the market, you might very well find one selling secondhand. What’s more, you might be surprised to find that any surviving Wurlitzer pianos are still in good shape! These reliable instruments are known for their durability and are likely to still be playable decades after they were manufactured.
Finding a Wurlitzer Piano
Ultimately, there is a reason why Wurlitzer is such a recognizable name for most of us. These cost-effective, durable instruments helped beginners get their start for more than a century. The company slogan was once “The name that means music to millions” and this is an accurate description. Though it is not suited to a stage — with some exceptions — Wurlitzer is a reliable brand that is perfect for moderate home playing.
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