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Average Price: $2,989
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$2499
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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
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What is the key action like on the Wurlitzer 120 electric piano?
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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.
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How does the Wurlitzer 120 compare to the Wurlitzer 112 in terms of size and maintenance?
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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.
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Is the Wurlitzer 120 suitable for live performances?
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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.
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What are the tonal characteristics of the Wurlitzer 120?
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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.
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How many keys does the Wurlitzer 120 have, and are they full-sized?
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The Wurlitzer 120 has 64 full-sized keys, providing an authentic playing experience similar to that of a traditional piano.
Videos
Anthony Marinelli Music
Wurlitzer Electric Piano Sound Comparison: 120 vs 140 140B 200
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
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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.
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Mods and upgrades
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Connecting the reedbar pickup's phono output directly to a guitar amp, bypassing the phono preamp, can reduce noise issues.
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Users suggest contacting Tropical Fish for advice on potential compatibility of 200/200a amp replacements for the 120a model, as exact compatibility is uncertain.
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Features and functionality
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The reedbar pickup can be fed through a DI box with ground lift to potentially alleviate excessive EMI-related buzz and hum during recording.
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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.
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Use cases and applications
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Despite noise issues, the adapted setup is manageable for live performance but requires noise reduction for recording purposes.
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User experience
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One owner experienced amp failure after approximately 8 hours of use following years of storage, highlighting potential reliability issues with long-unused units.
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Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artistRay 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.
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.
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.
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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