Understanding the process:
Out of the ‘big 3’ vintage electric pianos (Rhodes, Wurlitzer, and Clavinet), the tuning method on a Wurlitzer piano is the most unique. Wurlitzers are like Rhodes in the sense that the tuning usually last a very long time. Where they differ is that the process of tuning a note is much more intensive and time consuming. Here’s why: instead of tines on a Rhodes or strings on a clavinet that are relatively easily adjusted, a Wurlitzer piano has metal strips called reeds that generate the tone. These reeds are struck by small felt hammers which are then amplified by a metal comb. The reeds are longer in the bass and shorter in the treble as the mass changes the pitch. Basically the heavier the reed the lower it will be, and vice versa. However the reeds themselves will not be in tune when inserted in to the reed bar, and therefore need mass added or removed in order to fine tune properly. This is done by adding solder at the tip of each reed to adjust the pitch.
Because the solder acts as a weight, it can be manipulated to fine tune the reed. If we want the reed to be flatter (i.e. heavier), we can add solder. If we want the reed to be sharper (i.e. lighter), then we remove solder. The solder is filed into a pyramid shape before the reed is inserted. This is for several reasons:
1) It ensures the widest part of the reed is the metal reed itself, and stops the solder from coming into contact with the electrostatic pickup bar which can cause cracks and pop, or shorting the reed bar (harmless but annoying).
2) It allows for the ideal voicing. If reeds are not filled in a pyramid shape, they can sound dull and lifeless.
3) If changes to the tuning are needed, we can quickly file the top of the reed to remove mass, or add a small drop of solder at the back to add mass. These are quick ways to work without affecting the structure of the reed.
A word of warning:
As with anything on Wurlitzers, we have to give a note of caution. Unlike Rhodes and Clavinets, Wurlitzers have mains electricity going into them, and the reed bar and amplifier have high voltages that are an electrical shock hazard. Of all the vintage pianos, Wurlitzers are the most tricky and high stakes, so be careful. This is not an instrument to be guessing or winging it. We don’t say this to discourage you, but to ensure your safety. Of course you can always bring it to us, too. Still going ahead? Ok, read our article on Wurlitzer safety before attempting tuning. Especially if you have limited electronics experience. Remember, there’s mains current and voltage going into these, so please be careful.
The tuning process:
Now we understand the way the mechanics of the reed works, we can undertake the tuning. If you are looking to replace a broken reed, this is a more consuming process to create the pyramid shape before fine tuning. You can read about that here.
The reed is kept in place on the reed bar via the reed bar screw. Check There are a few ways in which the pitch can be adjusted:
- Filing the reed to make it sharper. Ideally this is done with the reed removed otherwise there is a risk of the solder filings getting caught in reed bar and creating pops and crackles, though people do do it this way.
- Adding solder to the reed to make it flatter. This requires removal of the reed and a small blob of solder added towards the back of the reed. Keep the soldering iron on a low heat so you do not melt the pyramid shape of the reed, as correcting this is a tedious process. Adding too much is common and filing the reed back like the point above can be used for fine tuning adjustment.
