In almost all cases, this is because the headphones that you have are stereo headphones whereas the signal coming out of the headphone output of a Wurlitzer piano is mono. This means that (usually) only the left (tip) side of the headphones will be heard as there is no collection to the right (ring). Solution […]

This is related to our post about popping and crackling as it is usually the same issue. By far the most common is that there is debris caught between the reed and the reed bar, causing it to ground slightly. The next most likely culprit is a reed that is misaligned slightly and causing the […]

What makes Wurlitzers special 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 […]

In electric pianos, a pickup is an electronic device that captures the vibration of the tine, reed, or string and converts it to an electrical signal. There are two main types of pickup that are used in electric piano instruments: Electromagnetic Pickups: Electromagnetic pickups use a magnet and coil arrangement where a magnet is surrounded […]

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 […]

The pickup system on Wurlitzer pianos is formed of two metallic bars, one for the bass and treble section of the piano, that is housed on the rear portion of the reed bar. It is a comb shaped structure that surrounds the reed of each note. It is located under the dampers and damper arms. […]

On a Wurlitzer electric piano the reed bar is the large metal bracket which houses the reeds. It is located across the entire piano, usually underneath the damper assembly. Its main functions are as follows: There are technically two reed bars on a Wurlitzer piano, one for the bass section and one for the treble […]

(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 components used in an electronic circuits that have multiple functions including storing charge, regulating voltage, filtering frequencies, coupling and decoupling, creating oscillating circuits and protecting circuits. In the very simplest sense they store and release energy like a battery, though this energy is utilised in many more different ways. In electric pianos they […]

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 […]