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Average Price: $2,989

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$4500+

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Description

Discover the timeless charm of the Wurlitzer 120, a classic portable electric piano that brings the golden era of music right to your fingertips. Known for its distinctive sound that has graced recordings by legendary artists like Ray Charles, this instrument is a piece of musical history. Whether you're recreating the soulful hits of the '50s or crafting your own modern melodies, the Wurlitzer 120 offers a unique blend of vintage vibe and contemporary versatility. With its compact design, it perfectly fits the lifestyle of travelling musicians or those making music in cozy spaces.

Key Features:

  • Portable design ideal for musicians on the go or with limited studio space
  • Iconic electric piano sound that defined an era in music history
  • Used by legendary artists, providing an authentic vintage experience
  • Versatile tone suitable for a wide range of musical genres

Product specs

Brand Wurlitzer
Model 120 64-Key Electric Piano
Finish Beige, Brown
Year 1956 - 1962
Made In United States
Categories Electric Pianos
Analog / Digital Analog
Color Family Brown, Tan
Key Size Full Size
Keyboard Action Weighted
Number of Keys 64 Keys

FAQs

What is the key action like on the Wurlitzer 120 electric piano?

The Wurlitzer 120 features a weighted keyboard action, providing a feel that is closer to an acoustic piano, making it suitable for expressive playing and dynamic control.

How does the Wurlitzer 120 compare to the Wurlitzer 112 in terms of size and maintenance?

The Wurlitzer 120 is smaller and lighter than the 112, with a revised mechanical action that simplifies maintenance. Its amplifier design is also more compact, contributing to its portability and ease of use.

Is the Wurlitzer 120 suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Wurlitzer 120's analog sound and portable design make it a popular choice for live performances, offering a distinctive electric piano tone that cuts through a mix.

What are the tonal characteristics of the Wurlitzer 120?

The Wurlitzer 120 is known for its warm, rich, and slightly gritty electric piano sound, which is ideal for genres like jazz, blues, and rock.

How many keys does the Wurlitzer 120 have, and are they full-sized?

The Wurlitzer 120 has 64 full-sized keys, providing an authentic playing experience similar to that of a traditional piano.

Anthony Marinelli Music

Anthony Marinelli Music

Wurlitzer Electric Piano Sound Comparison: 120 vs 140 140B 200

Video thumbnail for Wurlitzer Electric Piano Sound Comparison: 120 vs 140 140B 200 by Anthony Marinelli Music

Wurlitzer Electric Piano Sound Comparison: 120 vs 140 140B 200

Anthony Marinelli Music

Anthony Marinelli Music

Video thumbnail for Wurlitzer Electric Piano Model 120 Tube  by Vintage Vibe by Vintage Vibe

Wurlitzer Electric Piano Model 120 Tube by Vintage Vibe

Vintage Vibe

Vintage Vibe

Video thumbnail for Wurlitzer E.P model 120 112  Comparisons Both rebuilt by Vintage Vibe by Vintage Vibe

Wurlitzer E.P model 120 112 Comparisons Both rebuilt by Vintage Vibe

Vintage Vibe

Vintage Vibe

Video thumbnail for Wurlitzer Electric Piano model 120 tube - Restored by Vintage Vibe by Vintage Vibe

Wurlitzer Electric Piano model 120 tube - Restored by Vintage Vibe

Vintage Vibe

Vintage Vibe

Video thumbnail for Wurlitzer 120 electric piano by Kid Andersen

Wurlitzer 120 electric piano

Kid Andersen

Kid Andersen

Video thumbnail for 1950's Wurlitzer 120 Electronic Piano by keyboard resource

1950's Wurlitzer 120 Electronic Piano

keyboard resource

keyboard resource

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Wurlitzer 120.

Setup and maintenance

  • A short circuit in the Wurlitzer 120 amp is causing it to blow fuses, highlighting the importance of getting it serviced for safety and performance.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Connecting the reedbar pickup's phono output directly to a guitar amp, bypassing the phono preamp, can reduce noise issues.

    Source
  • Users suggest contacting Tropical Fish for advice on potential compatibility of 200/200a amp replacements for the 120a model, as exact compatibility is uncertain.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The reedbar pickup can be fed through a DI box with ground lift to potentially alleviate excessive EMI-related buzz and hum during recording.

    Source
  • It's noted that the Wurlitzer 120a may require a power transformer to generate a signal capable of interfacing with external amps or recording interfaces.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Despite noise issues, the adapted setup is manageable for live performance but requires noise reduction for recording purposes.

    Source

User experience

  • One owner experienced amp failure after approximately 8 hours of use following years of storage, highlighting potential reliability issues with long-unused units.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Concerns exist about the high costs of amp replacements, with some users feeling apprehensive about spending $200-300 on potentially incompatible parts.

    Source

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Artist usage

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See how Ray Charles uses Wurlitzer 120

Ray Charles

Keyboardist

U.S.A. for Africa

...
Verified via Photo

Ray Charles pioneered the Wurlitzer 120 electric piano in the late 1950s and early '60s. This is the model that he used on the hit “What'd I Say." This photo comes from a performance by Ray Charles and his band at Maceo's in Nashville, circa 1959.

He can be seen playing it in the studio here and here.

Additional photos of Ray playing the piano in concert can be found here, here, here, and here.

See how Malcolm Todd uses Wurlitzer 120

Malcolm Todd

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Lyrical Lemonade

The Wurlitzer 120 is in Charlie Ziman's home studio and is frequently used in Malcolm's records, mainly in Malcolm Todd's 'Demos Before Prom' as seen in the album cover.

See how Ron "Pigpen" McKernan uses Wurlitzer 120

Ron "Pigpen" McKernan

Singer, Keyboardist

Grateful Dead

...
Verified via Photo

This Wurlitzer 120 was purchased and used by Pigpen in the late '60s. It has a Leo’s Music Incorporated Oakland CA sticker on back. The piano was up for auction by Sotheby's in 2021.

Roadie Steve Parrish said that this electric piano was used by Pigpen for both rehearsals and gigs.

See how Alan Price uses Wurlitzer 120

Alan Price

Singer, Keyboardist

The Animals

...
Verified via Photo

Alan Price occasionally used a Wurlitzer 120 during his time with the Animals. While he primarily played a Vox Continental, he also used a Wurlitzer on several studio tracks and at some early performances.

Album Usage

The Wurlitzer 120 has been featured on the following albums:

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

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