01. 100 (Prototype, 1954) Wurlitzer Electronic Piano

For the next duration, I will be uploading documentation on every model of Wurlitzer Electric Piano ever produced, chronologically.  Approximately 1 page per model, 5 instruments per week, around 40 instruments total.  And then the accessories.  

This will take a several weeks, as each page is a photo essay… and an essay.  In the meantime, if the instrument you are curious about isn’t here, I refer you to my complete list, on which these blog entries are based: Here.

The Wurlitzer Electronic Piano Model 100. Extremely rare, perhaps a prototype or the model placed in test markets.  How many were made? Do any still exist? In fact, did any ever exist under that name, or is it a myth? Not mentioned in most Wurlitzer literature–not even in the “reed compatibility” memos. Certainly, though, there was at least one displayed 1954 prototype that was a little different than the known Model 110. Photo shows wrought iron legs (dif from those on the 110) and a music stand that spans the whole instrument and attaches on the sides. (does this double as a carrying handle?) Is there a damper pedal? I’m guessing not.

These differences aside, I presume that this was generally very similar to the 110, so refer to that page for details.  One possible difference could have been the reeds.  There do exist New Old Stock reeds which lack the grind found on early commercial Wurlitzer Electronic Pianos.

The advance-hype article below is from June 1954; the cute press photo of Mae Munro is from July 17 1954.

This last photo seems to be a 110. Note the difference in the legs.

“Young Musicians’ Neighbors See Hope In Silent Piano.”