A Mighty Wurlitzer is a type of jukebox that was manufactured by the Rudolph Wurlitzer Company in the early 1900s. The company, based in Cincinnati, Ohio, produced these jukeboxes from 1906 to 1974. The first models were large, free-standing cabinets with coin slots, automatic record changers, and built-in speakers.
The most famous among them, the Model 24, had a 3-foot-tall metal cabinet and featured a curtain that opened to reveal a multi-colored set of metal discs. The discs were attached to a mechanism inside the box that allowed the machine to play a different song each time someone dropped a penny in the coin slot.
Over the years, the Model 24 underwent several updates, including a jukebox style that was more commonplace in the later half of the 20th century. Later models boasted colorful graphics and lighting, and contemporary versions of the Wurlitzer feature LCD displays, Bluetooth technology, and traditional 7-inch 45 RPM singles.
Today, original Mighty Wurlitzers are sought after and highly collectible.
Are Wurlitzer organs still made?
No, Wurlitzer organs are no longer being made. In the late 20th century, the Wurlitzer Company went out of business, with the last organs manufactured in January 1983. However, the Wurlitzer brand has not been completely erased from the music industry.
TouchTone Music, a Tennessee-based company, now owns the rights to the name and continues to produce new organs. These organs mimic the classic vintage models and feature high-quality sampling and sound processing technology.
Even though they may not be vintage like the classic Wurlitzer organs, they are still popular in both the home organ market and with churches, as they have been noted for their wide range of instrument tones and realistic sound.
What year was the mighty Wurlitzer installed in the Tennessee Theatre?
The Mighty Wurlitzer organ was installed in the newly renovated Tennessee Theatre in 2016. The organ is a 4-manual, 20 rank Wurlitzer theatre pipe organ that was built in 1932-33. It was originally intended for the Majestic Theatre in Atlanta and was purchased by the Tennessee Theatre in 2015.
After being fully restored to its original condition, it was installed and commissioned in 2016. The organ has the distinction of being one of only 15 in existence that has all four manuals, with a ninth set of pipes added through donations from local organ enthusiasts.
This organ was a critical part of the historic theater’s 2016 renovations and is a major asset for the city of Knoxville, TN and its patrons.
How heavy is a Wurlitzer organ?
The weight of a Wurlitzer organ can vary depending on the specific model and features, but most will weigh in between 500 and 600 pounds (230 to 270 kilograms). There are larger models that can weigh over 1,000 pounds (450 kilograms).
Wurlitzer organs feature several sets of pipes, as well as physical action reeds, motors, amplifiers and percussion instrument modules, all of which are housed in a substantial wooden cabinet. As a result, most organs will require multiple people to move them.
In addition, some models have casters, while others have fixed feet, which can make them difficult to move.
How many mighty Wurlitzer organs are there?
The exact number of mighty Wurlitzer organs that still exist today is difficult to determine, as many are privately owned and not publicly listed. According to the Wurlitzer website, they produced approximately 1500 organs between 1917 and 1974, but there is no definitive count of the organs that remain in existence.
In addition, there are some Wurlitzer organs that have been altered or modified, so it is difficult to determine which organs are considered “mighty” Wurlitzer organs.
The Wurlitzer Company, supported by a network of local and national organizations and clubs, works to maintain and preserve the organs that still exist. They estimate that there are still around 200 of their organs in clubs, theaters, and homes around the world, though others have speculated that the number is much smaller.
Given the difficulty of accurately calculating the number of existing mighty Wurlitzer organs, it is safe to say that the exact number is unknown.
How much does an old organ weigh?
The weight of an old organ can vary greatly, depending on the size and type of organ. Grand organs can weigh several tons and consist of many heavy parts such as pipes, leather pouches, benches, and casework.
Smaller organs, such as reed organs, can weigh around 500 lbs. The smaller organs tend to consist of many wooden parts, like the bench, casing, and keys, but the large organs contain many more metal parts and components, making them incredibly heavy.
Additionally, some large organs may require heavier materials to ensure they hold up to the tuning and maintenance components that need to be performed over time.
When did they stop making Wurlitzer pianos?
The Wurlitzer company officially stopped producing pianos and organs in 2014, although many products still remain available on the secondary market. Founded in 1853 in Cincinnati, Ohio, the Wurlitzer brand of pianos and organs n had defined the “American sound” of popular music in the 20th century.
While the company had seen ups and downs throughout it’s history, the decision to discontinue manufacturing music instruments was due to failure to keep up with the changing market. With the arrival of digital keyboards, electric pianos and other electronic instruments, the demand for traditional instruments decreased significantly and Wurlitzer was no longer able to economic viability for the future.
Many classic Wurlitzer pianos and organs can still be found in homes and music stores around the world.
Is Wurlitzer a good brand?
Yes, Wurlitzer is a good brand. For over 140 years, the Wurlitzer name has been trusted for quality instruments, and the company has a long history of producing some of the world’s finest pianos and organs.
Their commitment to craftsmanship, innovation, and customer service make them a leader in the music industry. Wurlitzer pianos and organs offer superior tone and reliable performance, and their products are backed by a warranty and customer service team that is second to none.
They produce a wide range of instruments for any skill level, and are especially known for producing portable keyboards, digital organs, and even a variety of children’s instruments. Whether you’re an experienced musician or just getting started, their products are sure to exceed your expectations.
How do you date a Wurlitzer?
Dating a Wurlitzer can be quite the process, as it requires quite a bit of research into the various features, components, and production timelines that can be associated with this line of classic instruments.
Depending on the type of Wurlitzer, you may need to compare different serial numbers, model numbers, and production dates to determine the precise age of the instrument.
One approach is to look up the serial number on any relevant documentation or literature associated with the instrument. Finding the serial number can be tricky, however, as it can sometimes be printed on a tiny piece of paper inside the instrument or somewhere on the outside.
Additionally, the serial numbers for a Wurlitzer can be quite lengthy, so it is important to double check and make sure you have found the correct one.
Once you have located the serial number, you can start your research. You can look up any relevant production dates connected with the instrument in books, catalogs, and websites. Many of these sites will give you a range of dates that can narrow down the production year of your Wurlitzer.
Finally, it is always a good idea to bring the instrument to a professional if you are still unsure of the production year. Most music stores or technicians will be able to assess the instrument and give you an accurate estimate of its age.
How do I find out what year my piano was made?
To find out the year your piano was made, you can start by looking for any identifying information on the piano itself, such as a serial number, label, or date stamp. The serial number can usually be found on the front panel of the piano, inside the instrument’s lid, or stamped on the iron frame underneath the strings.
If you cannot locate a serial number or other form of identification, you can try finding out the name of the manufacturer and model of your piano. This information can also be found inside the lid of the instrument, as well as the back panel of the piano.
Knowing this information can help you to narrow down the age of the instrument.
Some manufacturers keep records of the year each piano was made. Once you have identified the manufacturer and model of the piano, you can contact their company to find out what year it was made.
If the manufacturer does not keep records of this information, it might be possible to approximate the age of the instrument based on features such as the type of hardware, design elements, or a general sense of the piano’s condition.
For more reliable results, you should consider having a piano technician or restorer look at the piano. Piano technicians and restorers have expertise in understanding different types of pianos and their age.
They will be able to determine the year your piano was made.
What wood is a Wurlitzer piano made of?
The traditional Wurlitzer pianos are made primarily of hardwoods like oak, beech, and maple. The outer casing and side panels are typically made of solid oak and beech, while the inner holes in the piano’s body have pieces made of maple.
The keyboard is usually constructed with white plastic and sometimes a thin, clear plastic, while the sustain pedals are made of aluminium or brass. Other parts may also be made out of other materials, such as plastic and metal.
What’s the difference between a Rhodes and a Wurlitzer?
The main difference between a Rhodes and a Wurlitzer is the sound they produce. The Rhodes is a type of electric piano created by Harold Rhodes in the 1940s. It was designed to be a portable instrument, with a wide range of timbres, with a bright and percussive sound.
The Wurlitzer, on the other hand, is an electric organ that was first introduced in the 1950s. Its sound is more rounded and mellow, and offers more of a classic organ-like tone. The Rhodes has become an iconic instrument in modern music, and is often used for funk and soul tracks, whereas the Wurlitzer is more commonly used for rock and ballad songs.
Both instruments can be easily amplified and offer a wide range of tonal possibilities and expression, but the sounds they generate are quite different.
Does Wurlitzer still exist?
Yes, Wurlitzer still exists! Founded in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1853, Wurlitzer has a rich and diverse history. The company is best known for its iconic jukeboxes and musical instruments, but they have also produced consumer electronics, including radios, televisions, and amplifiers.
Today, the company continues to produce jukeboxes and other music-related products and services, as well as a range of consumer electronics and vending machines. Though no longer operated by the Wurlitzer family, the company still strives to uphold the values of quality and innovation set forth by the Wurlitzer brothers in the 19th century.
