Messages

[Why a Digital Wurlitzer?]

A second email landed in my inbox yesterday and I thought it would be good to post it here.

Discover Why the 250 D is a Digital Masterpiece

We're excited to share some insights about our decision to develop the new Wurlitzer as a digital piano, staying true to our heritage while embracing modern innovation.

Why a Digital Wurlitzer?

By blending the timeless charm of the vintage Wurlitzer with cutting-edge technology, we've crafted a completely new instrument that redefines sound quality, versatility, and functionality. Here's what this means for you:

Superior and Consistent Sound Quality: Enjoy the rich, expressive tones of high-definition sampling combined with advanced modeling in any environment—home studio, small stage, or large arena.

Enhanced Versatility: Incorporate up to 7 DSP effects, and take advantage of USB (MIDI and Digital Audio I/O), Bluetooth, and MIDI connectivity.

Modern Functionality: Experience a powerful, reliable, and flexible instrument ideal for creative exploration, sound design, and professional use.

Practical Benefits: Benefit from easier maintenance and improved portability.


Sampling Technology vs. True-to-Life (T2L) Technology

Traditional sampling technology relies on static samples, often limited by dynamics, potential for unrealistic looping, and memory constraints. In contrast, the T2L technology powering the Wurlitzer 205 D combines high-definition sampling with advanced modeling to deliver a highly realistic and expressive plaining experience:

Unlimited Polyphony: Play complex passages without note dropouts.

Extended Dynamics: Achieve a wider range of expression and subtlety.

Realistic Resonance: Enjoy authentic sound interactions and long decay times.

Continuous Timbre Shaping: Experience nuanced and highly expressive performances.


Stay tuned for more exciting updates and behind-the-scenes insights. We can't wait for you to experience the new Wurlitzer.

Best,
The Wurlitzer Family

Personally this reads like someone who doesn't really understand what a Wurlitzer *is*, unfortunately this confirms that we won't be getting any new electromechanical Wurlitzer under that name.

I ended up replacing the capacitors on the preamp since that seemed to be advisable even if I didn't have the issue I do, while it did make it sound a fair bit cleaner the problem still remained (even replacing the transistor didn't change this.) I currently am just taking the output from the accessory jack directly into my audio interface, which does work perfectly for me. I wish I knew why it had that problem but for now I am happy to just DI it.

The full email sent from Wurlitzer reads:

We're proud to announce the Wurlitzer 250D, a masterpiece designed for professional musicians and passionate amateurs alike.

In collaboration with Dexibell, the renowned Italian producer of electronic pianos, we're breathing new life into the revered Wurlitzer sound. By combining Dexibell's industry-leading sampling and advanced modeling technology with our heritage of exceptional craftsmanship, we are developing the new Wurlitzer 250D. This partnership marks a significant milestone in evolving our classic sound with cutting-edge innovations, creating a one-of-a-kind instrument that is authentic yet modern.

Stay tuned for more exclusive updates and behind-the-scenes insights. We can't wait to share this exciting journey with you.


Best,
The Wurlitzer Family

I can't help but think it's just going to be a sampler, which was very disappointing to hear given that there is seemingly a market for new electromechanical pianos with the Rhodes MK8 and the VV piano.

Ever since I got my Rhodes there has been an intermittent issue where the output of the headphone jack constantly has the tremolo on, even if it is switched off. If I turn on the tremolo, weirdly, it is *almost* normal with a slightly dip in volume when it would normally cycle. I thought it was a preamp issue so I recapped it and replaced the transistor, unfortunately this didn't really do anything about the weird tremolo. Has anyone had this issue before? A majority of my Rhodes usage is through the headphone jack whether it's just recreational playing or recording.

I remember this happening a few months ago but the problem seemingly resolved itself until recently. I opened up the power amp section to see if there was anything that looked out of place, I did find two black wires that weren't connected to anything but they looked like they had never been soldered to anything. Hoping someone on this forum has encountered this issue before so I can get back to playing like normal.

In case it's relevant to the particular model it's a 1980 MK2 Suitcase 88.

Thank you so much!

I recently purchased my first Rhodes, it's a Mark II suitcase in amazing condition (though the damper felts desperately need to be replaced, and there's a couple of issues with the pre-amp). I looked for the serial number which I know is supposed to date it but It seems that the final number was either erased or never stamped on in the first place, I have attached a picture of the serial numbers I could find (nothing "below" the tonebars is visible.) Is there any way to tell what year this is from without that? It's an 88 key suitcase with wooden hammers.