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Thanks a lot for the detailed reply, really appreciated.

Yes, the noise is present even if the sustain pedal is completely disconnected from the piano.

Regarding the "damper return springs": yes, I meant the long-neck screws with rubber grommets that push into the metal clips at the rear of the damper levers. What's interesting is that the noise gets progressively quieter as I remove more of those, and returns as they're reinstalled. My hand pressed on those doesn't make any difference but pressure on top of those wood dampers they are connected to reduces or eliminates the rattle.

At this point I probably wouldn't notice it anymore, since I can't hear it once the piano is powered on. Earlier, when it was sitting on a keyboard stand instead of the legs, it was much worse, and I could actually hear it even with the volume turned up.

Since you mention that these instruments do produce some mechanical noise, I'm starting to think this might be normal. My only concern is whether it could become more noticeable again once everything is fully reassembled with the lid back on.

Hi all,

I'm hoping for a reality check from other Wurlitzer owners.

I have a Wurlitzer 200 that I want to sell. When I unplug it there's little mechanical rattle/resonance around the middle octave. It's not a single note, more like a narrow midrange band. It disappears when the sustain pedal is pressed and only noticeable when I hold down a key a little longer.

A few observations from troubleshooting:
   •   The noise is purely mechanical (present with the piano powered off).
   •   It becomes progressively quieter as I remove more of the rear damper springs, and comes back as they're reinstalled.
   •   It changes depending on how the piano is supported (legs vs stand, slight twisting).
   •   Light pressure on the right-hand side of the damper rail makes it disappear.
   •   Thin fiber/cardboard shims installed between the damper rail and its metal support on the right side. They initially changed the resonance, but after some playing the noise returned.
   •   Reed bar shields are installed.

For context: my parents (both 70+) can't hear the rattle at all and think I'm imagining things. I tried to record it with my phone but the noise from the phone was higher. I can't hear the noise when the amp is on. 

So the simple question:
Is this kind of unplugged mechanical resonance normal for a Wurlitzer 200/200A, or am I overthinking it? When I had it on a keyboard stand without the legs it was worse and I could also hear it with the amp turned on.

Any insight appreciated. Thanks.

I have had bigger rattling noise problem before, but then it's been the case that's been loose, but I've checked everything now, almost completely dissembled everything and start to think this is normal.