Wurlitzer 200 vs 200A

[AceFrehley21]

So I got a questions guys, I’m sure it’s been asked hundreds of times in the past so I apologize if that’s the case, but I want to buy a Wurlitzer, and I was wondering if a 200A is a must over the 200 and if so why? I love Supertramp, the Doors, Steely Dan and many other bands from that era, and I did some research and figured that since the 200a was released in 1975 that Supertramp used a 200 on crime of the century (74’) and the albums before, and Pink Floyd the same with Dark side of the moon(73’). I could be very wrong but basically I just want to know the main differences between the two, and how to know if possible which bands used which ones in their recordings.

[Electrickey]

Best to scour Youtube clips on the two models and see which one you are more attracted to as far as sound. I've got a 200A but prefer the sound of the 200. But then again I provide backline and riders call for the A version more than not.

If you have the opportunity to demo both, then that will be your guide as far as what speaks to you best.

The amps are different, the speaker mountings on the A are attached to the lid whereas the 200 the speakers are attached to the piano. The sound of the speakers attached to lid is more directed.

[DocWurly]

There are actually hybrid 200A's from late 1974 with the speakers mounted on the rail.  All of these are in the serial number range of 9xxxx.  It appears they were basically 200's that had the new amps put in at the last minute.

I'll let others weigh in on the relative merits of the two models. Apparently the reeds changed in character in the late 70's, but this probably doesn't apply to all 200's.  There are 3 or 4 amp variations in the 200 years; there are 2 amp variations in the 200A years.  Speakers changed over time.  Production quality changed over time, down and back up.

I just worked on a 200 from 1968, one of the first 100 made.  The reed pyramids were impeccable (and therefore the tone was fantastic, and the speakers were pretty nice.  However, the amp was a mess and needs to be either completely reworked or (I'm recommending) replaced with a new one.

These instruments can vary so much in their condition and character, that I'd simply make sure to check one out and play it before committing to buy.  And look around a bit, if possible.  There are fine and terrible ones from any era.