Either you will think this is very cool, or you won't. You can't knock Wurlitzer for not trying different styles! This spinet was built in 1939 in DeKalb, Illinois, a mere four years after the console revolution, and it shows just how quickly some manufacturers caught on to that spirit of revolution.
The parts of the case where wood can be seen are made of cherry, stained brown rather than the usual red. The rest of the case is covered in cream-colored vinyl, lightly stippled, which has darkened over time. The keybed emerges like an appendage from the dominant vertical box, making the legs almost unnecessary. The angled front, which serves as a music desk, is actually part of the lid, which is not hinged - after unscrewing, one simply lifts it off. My favorite parts are the roll-top fallboard, the faux lyre, and the decorative brass-plated ferrules at the top of the legs.
Compare this Wurlitzer to the one I wrote about earlier.
Related website:
A short history of the Wurlitzer Company.
6 comments:
I am looking at a blond'ish version of the Wurlitzer spinet piano you have listed as being manufactured in DeKalb Illinois. I am wondering if you have any idea what would be a fair price to pay for it? It seems to be in excellent condition with the exception of a small cigarette burn on a key top in the upper register. I can provide a photo, if you are interested? mlynn@traversearea.com
Hi there,
I just ran across a 1939 Wurlitzer, same styling as the one featured in your post - roll-top fallboard, same colorings and accents, but this one is a grand! The lid doesn't tilt but rather you can loosen some bolts underneath the piano and then tilt up the front of the lid, which is actually a metal housing. If you take it completely off, then you're left with a piano with no outer rim.
Regards,
Zeno Wood
That Wurlitzer looks like the one used on an episode of The Three Stooges back in the mid '50s. The plot of that episode was about Shemp recovering from a nervous breakdown and he decides to take up the piano for relaxation. But low and behold Shemp "sees" an extra pair of hands playing the piano due to his delusions. Shemp then panics and slams the piano's lid down on the imaginary hands, alas on his own hands too!
Great article! I love it
Nice wooden windows
I have this piano. Does anyone know the worth and how many were originally made? Mine still plays beautiful.
Post a Comment