A Wurlitzer - MINE finally

[james]

I have been chasing a Wurlitzer 4100 Series for some time. Well, I finally got MINE in the house before 4PM today. This one is a 4100A like the one I lost, but has a different cabinet. This one is in so so conditon, but most everything works except for the Pedals. It does need a cleaning inside completely, but all stops do work as well as all controls except the Master Volume. However, it will be a worthwhile project for me since I know a at least 3 techs that I might be able to choose one to come look at this organ as well as get it going for me. The keys are just beautiful all pearly white, and all stops tabs look like new. The case has some scratches as well as the bench, but for something this old not too much more can be expected in most instances.</P>


Wish me luck on this project since I really needed something going again to get myinterests in the organs somewhat. Since I beganan earnest search, and found a few that I might chose something to my liking I have begun to play theorgans I already had once again. I just just need a jump start to get that playing interest back. I enjoythis Fourm so much, but really had grown lax on playing.</P>
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I hired a piano teck to go move the organ for me which was around 85 miles from where I live. Who knows??? Maybe I spent a bit too much, but like the old saying "if you are going to have a dance, you need to pay the band." I felt the man I bought it from was for the most part as honest as he could be since the organ hadn't been played in sometime. He had it in his bedroom so that the kids couldn't be around it all that much when passing through the house. The piano tech told me he lived in a beautiful home and everything was just spotless.</P>
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Please share you comments with me.</P>


James</P>

[andyg]

Re: A Wurlitzer - MINE finally



Congratulations. TT! Sounds like this one has been well cared for. With a bit of a dust over and a service, I'm sure it will give you a lot of pleasure. Enjoy!</P>


Andy</P>
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[skippy]

Re: A Wurlitzer - MINE finally



Best of luck with your new (old) toy. My blue book shows it as of 1959 - 1963 vintage. Obviously a valve job. What are the tibia/flute footages? Sounds like all you need is a bit of pedal contact cleaning and a potclean or replacementand you are on your way.</P>


Like you, I have taken up playing organs again after decades of playing keyboards. These old analog beasts do have a soul of sorts that I can not find in hi-tech digital gear. I get the same connection if I play the accordion. It does not get more analog than that.</P>


ENJOY, Skippy</P>
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[james]

Re: A Wurlitzer - MINE finally



Thanks AndyG, and Skippy,</P>


Yes, I agree with you on the old valve jobs or tubes as we say here in the USA. This organ has its own unique sound that is warm, yet rich, soothing, and not harsh. The Flute footages are 16' 8' and 4'. There are no pitches above 4'. It has both inter and intra manual couplers. I hope to get some pics posted sometime on here. I am not that good with the computer yet, but do learn all the time. The Flute and String of 4' pitches on both manuals add enough brillance to be heard well without any piercing or metallic sounds on the ears.</P>


I am so glad fool me was able to find something that went out in trade at one time. This one does look like it had some good care although some of the cabinet is just so so. Who knows if I had kept the one I had back when it might need the same work as this one needs. I do find it a worth while project, and do look forward to getting it back into good shape.</P>
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James</P>

[Clavier]

Re: A Wurlitzer - MINE finally



James, I'm happy to hear about your new acquisition. I know you've been wanting one of these for a while. I hope you make plenty of inspiring music with it.</p>

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-Joe.
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[james]

Re: A Wurlitzer - MINE finally



Thanks AndyG, Joe, and others for your great comments. Today I called the semi retired tech I used to work with, and he did agree to help me with this organ. However, he said not this week, but for me to call him on Monday and we would schedule a time. I just hope he doesn't back out on me. I know his health is not what it used to be, but I told him I was so thankful he agreed to come check this out. He is really good with the older electronic organs.</P>


I learned a lot from him, and in many of my comments here on the Organ Forum I have shared that info rather than keep it to myself. I know this Wurlitzer needs a thorough cleaning, but the very few times I have played on the keys it seems to have sounded out louder as well as work properly. The Pedals do not work, and I learned that is best since it is easier to trace the cause. It is just a project that I hope to have back into good playing condition which will give me something to look forward to enjoy having and playing. We all must remember these organs need to be played as the electric current running through them helps keep them clean of dust, etc. I can tell this one must really be dusty inside.</P>


James</P>

[Guest]

Re: A Wurlitzer - MINE finally

Im still a "beginner" organist, but I am working on it. I have a Wurlitzuer 4500 with non-operational pedals. I will keep an eye on this topic, just in case the problem is similar to the problem in my organ.