Wurlitzer Found (Dead) On Side Of Road...........

[Guest]

I was heading to work today and found a Wurlitzer Model 555 on the side of the road under an overpass. It had a note stuck to it that read: Free Organ or trash....... </P>


I don't normally make it a habit of picking up trash on the side of the road, but it's in fair condition, so I figured it might work.... I also purchased a piano about 2 months ago coincidentally and have enjoyed it alot, so I took interest in this immediately. I might have only gained another piece of trash..............?</P>


Anyway, I don't know anything about organs. I have played heavy metal guitarfor a long time though and have always loved all musical instruments...................</P>


The upper tier (proper terminology?)of keys works ok, but the middle set and the lower set do not work.</P>


I have noticed there are two transformers located in the upper half of the cabinet (near the power amp?). Only one of these transformers (the smaller of the two)gets warm whenthe organ isturned on. The only other thing that seems to work is the cassette player. </P>


Can anyone help me with basic checks to possibly repair this thing.</P>


From what I gather,Wurlitzer organs are not very sought after. </P>


What would you have done if you saw a Wurlitzer abandoned on the side of the road?</P>

[jimmywilliams]

Re: Wurlitzer Found (Dead) On Side Of Road...........



Picking stuff off the side of the road ... well it's second nature for me - I passby an interesting "pile" and have to keep the blinders on...</P>


You said you don't know anything about organs so pardon me if what I suggest sounds too "basic"... </P>


The middle and botom manuals (row of keys) on this organ are the "real" organ manuals.The one at the very top appears to be some sort of extra solo voice "synthesizer" with its own volume control (from the photos I have seen of this organ; I do not know much about Wurlitzers).</P>


For the manuals that are not working, be sure you turn on the voice tab switches or "stops"(on the left side of each manual) - each manual has its own set ofstops so each manual can play diferent instrument sounds. You have 13 bass pedals (do they play? They have their own set of stops too) but next to them is a large pedal; that is the master volume pedal for the organ. Press that all the way down (like a gas pedal) and see if you get anything. </P>


Just try these things for now. The organ might be working for all you know. If you knew how to try all this already, you already know more about organs than "nothing" . </P>


Some people onthis board are very familiar with Wurlitzers and may be able to help you further once you establish whether or not your organ manuals can in fact produce sound.</P>


It is good to know you cared enough about the organ to try to save it. Hopefully it will be salvagable. Maybe, maybe not...you never know...</P>


-jim</P>

[Guest]

Re: Wurlitzer Found (Dead) On Side Of Road...........



Thanks for the response. </P>


I do know a little more than nothing about organs, but just enough to get sound. The large (expression) pedal does seem to affect the sound volume of the top manual, but that's it. The otherfloor pedals (wooden) don't do anything. The small transformer is the only one that gets warm when the organ is turned on. Could it be a faulty transformer? If the top manual works and the cassette player works and the volume pedal works, what would be keeping the rest from working? Does that narrow it down somewhat? Thanks for any help, it is much appreciated. My 3 year old daughter is wanting to play this organ badly (me too, of course).
</P>

[andyg]

Re: Wurlitzer Found (Dead) On Side Of Road...........



Diagnosis at a distance is almost impossible, but we'll try a little.
</p>

That top keyboard is indeed a synthesizer. It's totally separate from the rest of the organ, but does go through the main amps. If absolutely nothing works except for the synth, amps and volume pedal, then it's pointing to something like a total loss of power to that part of the organ. You'll need the service manual to trace things through, but look around for basic things like obviously loose connections, blown fuses etc. You'll also need some soldering and mechanical skills to do the work. Getting a tech in is not an option.DO BE CAREFUL! There are lethal voltages in the power supplies, even when they are turned off. Capacitors can hold their charge for some time, for example.
</p>

Whatever you do, don't be tempted to spend any real $ on this as it isn't worth it.This era of old Wurlitzers are OK, but they're not vintage enough to be collectable and not new enough to be worth much. If you and your daughter have got the organ bug and want to learn and play, then look around and you'll see that the home organ market is so dead that more recent, fully working organs are being given away or sold for pennies</p>

Andy
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[bluetantra]

Re: Wurlitzer Found (Dead) On Side Of Road...........



There is almost no information about Wurlitzer electronic organs on the 'net. The only source for service manuals and specialized parts is Morelock's Organ Service. They have no web site, but their contact information is here: http://www.mitatechs.com/morelock1.html. Be cautiousof an overly-warm transformer. This could indicate an electrical fault which can permanently damage the transformer.</P>

[Guest]

Re: Wurlitzer Found (Dead) On Side Of Road...........



Yea, I have checked all fuses that I can see without taking alot of stuff apart.</P>


I have noticed there are two transformers sitting in the upper area of the cabinet. One (smaller)gets slightly warm when the power switch is turned on. The other (larger)transformer stays ice cold. I'm assuming this is the main transformer. It is not getting a primary voltage feed or the transformer is bad,,,? </P>


I don't have access to a manual and I don't want to spend any real money on this organ. I'm already eyeing another organ on e-bay (orgasonic?).</P>


Would this Wurlitzer have any salvageable parts inside? Anyone need parts for a Wurlitzer?</P>

[andyg]

Re: Wurlitzer Found (Dead) On Side Of Road...........



There might well be some useful parts in there, if it's just the power supply that's failed. The working Orbit synth, the leslie unit, perhaps.</p>

Let us know what you've got your eye on - Orgasonics are usually old, verrrrrry old. It would probably need more work than the Wurli! Depending on the model, you might end up with an organ with a lot of rather stringy sounding voices.</p>

We'll guide you through the minefield!
</p>

Andy
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