What makes Wurlitzers unique in the electric piano world is that they have a built in amplifier that generates the sound. This means that the electronics are a major part of servicing these instruments. Because of the power this draws Wurlitzers are connected to mains electricity and have live voltage running through it. This means […]

A transformer is a device in an electronic circuit that changes the voltage of AC current. It consists of two coils of wire wrapped around a magnetic core. The primary winding is connected to the input voltage, usually mains power. The secondary winding is connected to the output for the electronic device. In an Wurlitzer […]

A resistor is a component in an electronic circuit that is used to create resistance. It achieves this by limiting the flow of electric current. If we compare electrical flow of energy to a water pipe, a resistor is like a tap that can limit the amount of water being moved through the pipe. Resistance […]

(See Transistor for general information about transistors.) A power transistor, also known as an output transistor, is a special type of transistor that is able to handle higher voltages and currents. With the amplifiers inside a Wurlitzer piano and Rhodes suitcase, the job of a power transistor is the output stage of the amp right […]

(See Power Transistor for this specific transistor type) A transistor is an electronic component found inside most electronics. It is a type of semiconductor, and a key component in amplifying a signal in a circuit. Depending on the type, the way a transistor works is to act as an amplifier or switch – where signal […]

Capacitors are a component used in an electronic circuit that is designed to store current for when it’s needed. In simple terms they are are somewhat similar to a battery that in that they store energy. In electric pianos they are found in many places, from a single one on the bass boost potentiometer on […]

The pickup on a Rhodes piano is an adjustable coiled electromagnetic mechanism that ‘picks up’ the vibration of the tine and converts into electricity. The pickup itself is a long length of thin copper wiring around a magnet. The pickup very similar to the type of pickup found on electric guitars. Considering early Rhodes models […]

An electrolytic capacitor is a polarised type of capacitor that is inside many electronic circuits, including Rhodes preamps and Wurlitzer amplifiers. The reason they are used is because they can store a much higher charge, or capacitance, then regular film or ceramic capacitors. In audio circuits like a Wurlitzer or Rhodes amplifier this is done […]

A fuse is a piece of wire inside a glass or ceramic housing that is designed to break or blow if the current exceeds the stated amount. This is primarily to protect the person using the electronics to avoid an electric shock or fire. It is also to protect the electronics of a piece of […]