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#1

The Wurlitzer Electric Piano / Re: Wurlitzer 200A Grounding h...

Last post by mickeyziggyk - Today at 02:23:53 PM

The suggestion of engaging ground lift via a DI worked for an issue with my wurli (and other gear) and I am very grateful; a big THANK YOU in capital letters.

I've not just had "hum city" but added artefacts from my PC. I am writing this bit to hopefully grab the attention of search/agent results for anyone else in the future with a similar issue to this post. Whether it be connected via a usb-c hub or external monitor without ground lift, it sounded like my PC was being amplified in some sort Van Eck Phreaking fashion. Scrolling, typing, booting, exiting, all of these trackpad and keyboard actions were being transmitted via my audio interface. 

General advice is against unplugging the speakers as the load from the amp essentially has nowhere to go. This can eventually lead to the blowing of the main fuse which is a big headache. If you want to play without the main speakers then inserting a dummy jack plug into the headphone output will cut the speakers and engage the 8ohm resistor that is bypassed during normal operation.

As for grounding, yes these instruments can be notoriously hummy. A quick fix would be to try and plug the outlets into separate areas to avoid a ground loop, and to purchase a DI with a ground lift. Maybe this will work, maybe not. A longer term solution would be to go inside and investigate the ground wiring and try to rearrange it to see if that helps or eliminates the hum. I've found moving the green ground wires around can help tremendously. A good general rule is the ground wires should all terminate in the same place, which in the standard Wurlitzer wiring does not happen. Of course, not grounding the instrument is a safety hazard and shouldn't be left that way.

Good luck!

#2

The Wurlitzer Electric Piano / Re: 140B electronic repairs

Last post by Kevin Odhner - Today at 07:44:29 AM

Thanks!

Those are some great option.

I think what I'll do is get an IEC female to Standard 3 prong cheater plug and just use my original cord which is in very good shape.

I found one on Amazon for $7 free shipping and they even come without the wide blade on one side so my original cord will work!

In my case, the noise I get with the IEC grounded to chassis is worse than a 60hz hum..  it's more like a 120hz static buzzing sound.

Thanks again for all your help

#3

The Wurlitzer Electric Piano / Re: 140B electronic repairs

Last post by velo-hobo - October 15, 2026, 11:47:28 PM

I should add that you also needn't permanently disconnect the ground connection to chassis, or install a ground lift switch. You can simply use a ground-lift plug adapter aka "cheater plug"

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In any case, I still think it worth replacing the stock power inlet with an IEC unit. The original power cables are often in bad shape, and finding a replacement that fits can be a pain (same with modifying a cable that doesn't fit, such that it does fit and remains safe to use after doing so)

Having an IEC inlet means you never have to search around for special 2-prong extension cord for this instrument. If you forget your power cable at a gig, there's almost certainly another one nearby you can borrow.

#4

The Wurlitzer Electric Piano / Re: 140B electronic repairs

Last post by velo-hobo - October 15, 2026, 10:59:36 PM

It would be simple to add a ground lift switch so you can have the best of both worlds. All you need is an SPST toggle and put it inline with the ground conductor between the IEC inlet and where it connects to the chassis. I've done this on a couple 140B overhauls, so that it can be grounded for normal use where a little 60Hz hum is not a problem, like a live band setting, but it can be lifted and quieter for recording scenarios.

Alternatively, just cut the ground wire off the IEC inlet and leave the instrument ungrounded, as it was originally. This does remove a safety feature, of course, but you can assume that risk if you so desire.

If you scroll back to my first reply on this thread you can see in the first photo how I've implemented a ground lift mod. The ground lift toggle is to the right of the fuse holder. The ground wire goes through this switch before connecting to the chassis.

Well, may as well copy that photo into this post since it's easy and clearer, for those following along:

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Here's a photo of how it looked from the outside:

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#5

The Wurlitzer Electric Piano / Re: 140B electronic repairs

Last post by Kevin Odhner - October 15, 2026, 05:15:43 PM

Thanks!  One weird problem remains, I wonder if you have any ideas:

When I added the safety grounded IEC, I introduced significant 120hz noise amd the lid being on or off makes no difference at all. 

If I remove the ground to chassis lead from the IEC, the piano is dead quiet with the lid on, and very noisy with the lid off, as before the upgrade.

I wish I had left the AC original!!

Thanks!

#6

Other Keyboards & Software Synths / Hohner Electra piano

Last post by ANTONIO BRUNELLO - October 04, 2026, 02:21:19 PM

Hi all, i'm restoring my electra piano, the question is: What do you think about this Instrument? Seem quite strange referring at others that you can find on web, pick-up are different, there are only 2 speakers, no voltage selector...

#7

The Fender Rhodes Electric Piano / Re: custom miracle mod amazing...

Last post by ngoclongto009 - September 26, 2026, 03:30:46 AM

These measurements were taken from a VV bump


Here's a SketchUp model I made.
MiracleModBump.skp

I'm restoring my Fender Rhodes MK I. That fact that I found your skp file for the bump mod is just unmatched. Thank you. You have made my life so much easier.

I have also checked the Shadetree Keys website. That's just very amazing and helpful!

#8

For Sale / Rhodes and Clavinet Parts

Last post by Peter Hayes - September 19, 2026, 09:45:16 AM

Electronic Edge is no longer operating and there are a LOT of Rhodes and Clavinet parts available. For inventory and prices email Peter@elecedge.com.

#9

Parts, Service, Maintenance & Repairs / UK Tech Needed for EP Prototyp...

Last post by Jack F - September 15, 2026, 04:36:59 AM

Hi all,

I'm looking for a UK based EP technician with extensive experience of Rhodes/Wurlitzer & Hohner pianos for a paid, freelance role helping develop a prototype.

Must have own workshop.

UK only.

Please contact jfazey@hotmail.co.uk to express interest.


Kind regards,

Jack

#10

The Wurlitzer Electric Piano / Re: Minute cracks key caps

Last post by Tonewheel - September 14, 2026, 09:41:46 PM

I'll do that, thanks.