Pianotech

Worked on an interesting Wurlitzer spinet today that had a one piece top covered in some type of vinyl so you could put drinks on it. No lid hinges -it had brackets with screws in the back of the case and the lid was screwed into the case. The most interesting part was the roll top key cover like you would find on a roll top desk or a bread box. Finish was blond that was a big deal in the 1950's. Any one know the model designation or  what market it was made for. It has always been in the owners family and is actually in decent shape

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James Kelly
Pawleys Island SC
843-325-4357
------------------------------

Original Message------

Worked on an interesting Wurlitzer spinet today that had a one piece top covered in some type of vinyl so you could put drinks on it. No lid hinges -it had brackets with screws in the back of the case and the lid was screwed into the case. The most interesting part was the roll top key cover like you would find on a roll top desk or a bread box. Finish was blond that was a big deal in the 1950's. Any one know the model designation or  what market it was made for. It has always been in the owners family and is actually in decent shape

------------------------------
James Kelly
Pawleys Island SC
843-325-4357
------------------------------

I will take pictures when I go back since I need to lubricate some slow hammer flanges . I can imagine it surrounded by other blond wood furniture and being the life of the party. The piano is vintage for sure and could be scarce. Have to do some research but I thing I saw a picture of a similar model being played in a bar.

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James Kelly
Pawleys Island SC
843-325-4357
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 02-12-2018 23:48
From: Chris Chernobieff
Subject: Lounge Lizard Wurlitzer

Does it look like a large radio from the 50's?

Original Message------

Worked on an interesting Wurlitzer spinet today that had a one piece top covered in some type of vinyl so you could put drinks on it. No lid hinges -it had brackets with screws in the back of the case and the lid was screwed into the case. The most interesting part was the roll top key cover like you would find on a roll top desk or a bread box. Finish was blond that was a big deal in the 1950's. Any one know the model designation or  what market it was made for. It has always been in the owners family and is actually in decent shape

------------------------------
James Kelly
Pawleys Island SC
843-325-4357
------------------------------

In the 45 years I have been tuning in the St. Louis area, I have had at least one of those I can remember.  It was Walnut instead of Blond. Can't tell you anymore than that.


------------------------------
Ken Gerler, RPT

Gerler Piano & Organ Service
Florissant (St. Louis), MO 63033
kenneth.gerler@prodigy.net
314-355-2339
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 02-13-2018 00:06
From: James Kelly
Subject: Lounge Lizard Wurlitzer

I will take pictures when I go back since I need to lubricate some slow hammer flanges . I can imagine it surrounded by other blond wood furniture and being the life of the party. The piano is vintage for sure and could be scarce. Have to do some research but I thing I saw a picture of a similar model being played in a bar.

------------------------------
James Kelly
Pawleys Island SC
843-325-4357

Original Message:
Sent: 02-12-2018 23:48
From: Chris Chernobieff
Subject: Lounge Lizard Wurlitzer

Does it look like a large radio from the 50's?

Original Message------

Worked on an interesting Wurlitzer spinet today that had a one piece top covered in some type of vinyl so you could put drinks on it. No lid hinges -it had brackets with screws in the back of the case and the lid was screwed into the case. The most interesting part was the roll top key cover like you would find on a roll top desk or a bread box. Finish was blond that was a big deal in the 1950's. Any one know the model designation or  what market it was made for. It has always been in the owners family and is actually in decent shape

------------------------------
James Kelly
Pawleys Island SC
843-325-4357
------------------------------

Original Message------

Worked on an interesting Wurlitzer spinet today that had a one piece top covered in some type of vinyl so you could put drinks on it. No lid hinges -it had brackets with screws in the back of the case and the lid was screwed into the case. The most interesting part was the roll top key cover like you would find on a roll top desk or a bread box. Finish was blond that was a big deal in the 1950's. Any one know the model designation or  what market it was made for. It has always been in the owners family and is actually in decent shape

------------------------------
James Kelly
Pawleys Island SC
843-325-4357
------------------------------

The knee board is probably covered with the vinyl too. They are referred to as Naugahide Wurlitzers. I had a Yamaha spinet a few years ago that had bad water stains on the lid. In a tip to the NaugaWurly, I covered the top with vinyl.





Rabbit cut for glueing to the edges

Rear edge folded around to the bottom for a finished look.

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Regards,

Jon Page
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Original Message:
Sent: 02-13-2018 01:52
From: Willem Blees
Subject: Lounge Lizard Wurlitzer

I've tuned a couple of those, too.  It might be the same one Ken is now tuning.  The fall board "curls" up when pushed in. As far as the top is concerned, it's supposed to be hinged, but with the vinyl top.  I think the brackets were added by someone.  

Sent from my iPhone

Original Message------

Worked on an interesting Wurlitzer spinet today that had a one piece top covered in some type of vinyl so you could put drinks on it. No lid hinges -it had brackets with screws in the back of the case and the lid was screwed into the case. The most interesting part was the roll top key cover like you would find on a roll top desk or a bread box. Finish was blond that was a big deal in the 1950's. Any one know the model designation or  what market it was made for. It has always been in the owners family and is actually in decent shape

------------------------------
James Kelly
Pawleys Island SC
843-325-4357
------------------------------

Original Message------

Worked on an interesting Wurlitzer spinet today that had a one piece top covered in some type of vinyl so you could put drinks on it. No lid hinges -it had brackets with screws in the back of the case and the lid was screwed into the case. The most interesting part was the roll top key cover like you would find on a roll top desk or a bread box. Finish was blond that was a big deal in the 1950's. Any one know the model designation or  what market it was made for. It has always been in the owners family and is actually in decent shape

------------------------------
James Kelly
Pawleys Island SC
843-325-4357
------------------------------

Its definitely a Naugha model. Interesting that the top of the lid has a huge water ring on it like the one on the Yamaha before it was covered.
Someone had a large tip jar atop the piano , scorpion bowl or gold fish.. The tambour door that comes down over the keys is a clever design.
Definitely adding some pictures to my picture album . Just when you think you have seen it all.
BTW there is a web site called 1stDibs.com that has some totally Aluminum pianos on it even a picture of one being used on a cruise ship. Maybe it doubled as a food warmer for the midnight buffet. Any one of you cruise ship piano techs ever seen one ???

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James Kelly
Pawleys Island SC
843-325-4357
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 02-13-2018 07:21
From: Debra Legg
Subject: Lounge Lizard Wurlitzer

A lot of naugas were slaughtered, back in the day, to make those pianos. Tragic really.

Deb  (ducking)

Original Message------

Worked on an interesting Wurlitzer spinet today that had a one piece top covered in some type of vinyl so you could put drinks on it. No lid hinges -it had brackets with screws in the back of the case and the lid was screwed into the case. The most interesting part was the roll top key cover like you would find on a roll top desk or a bread box. Finish was blond that was a big deal in the 1950's. Any one know the model designation or  what market it was made for. It has always been in the owners family and is actually in decent shape

------------------------------
James Kelly
Pawleys Island SC
843-325-4357
------------------------------

I’ve seen several of these in my area, including one with ivory naugahide and walnut trim, with the tambour fallboard -- a fairly attractive combination.

Wurlitzer branded these pianos “Leatherette Spinets.”

John Granholm


Original Message------

Its definitely a Naugha model. Interesting that the top of the lid has a huge water ring on it like the one on the Yamaha before it was covered.
Someone had a large tip jar atop the piano , scorpion bowl or gold fish.. The tambour door that comes down over the keys is a clever design.
Definitely adding some pictures to my picture album . Just when you think you have seen it all.
BTW there is a web site called 1stDibs.com that has some totally Aluminum pianos on it even a picture of one being used on a cruise ship. Maybe it doubled as a food warmer for the midnight buffet. Any one of you cruise ship piano techs ever seen one ???

------------------------------
James Kelly
Pawleys Island SC
843-325-4357
------------------------------

Came across two of these in the ‘70’s. One in a nursing home, one in a church conference room. Interesting, is all I can say.

Gary Doudna RPT
Registered PianoTechnician
doudna440@gmail.com
920-839-5007


Original Message------

I’ve seen several of these in my area, including one with ivory naugahide and walnut trim, with the tambour fallboard -- a fairly attractive combination.

Wurlitzer branded these pianos “Leatherette Spinets.”

John Granholm

James Kelly wrote:
"BTW there is a web site called 1stDibs.com that has some totally Aluminum pianos on it even a picture of one being used on a cruise ship. Maybe it doubled as a food warmer for the midnight buffet. Any one of you cruise ship piano techs ever seen one ???"

Naw - pretty much all Yamaha C3s - the ones with cast iron plates.

------------------------------
Terry Farrell
Farrell Piano Service, Inc.
Brandon, Florida
terry@farrellpiano.com
813-684-3505
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 02-13-2018 09:50
From: James Kelly
Subject: Lounge Lizard Wurlitzer

Its definitely a Naugha model. Interesting that the top of the lid has a huge water ring on it like the one on the Yamaha before it was covered.
Someone had a large tip jar atop the piano , scorpion bowl or gold fish.. The tambour door that comes down over the keys is a clever design.
Definitely adding some pictures to my picture album . Just when you think you have seen it all.
BTW there is a web site called 1stDibs.com that has some totally Aluminum pianos on it even a picture of one being used on a cruise ship. Maybe it doubled as a food warmer for the midnight buffet. Any one of you cruise ship piano techs ever seen one ???

------------------------------
James Kelly
Pawleys Island SC
843-325-4357

Original Message:
Sent: 02-13-2018 07:21
From: Debra Legg
Subject: Lounge Lizard Wurlitzer

A lot of naugas were slaughtered, back in the day, to make those pianos. Tragic really.

Deb  (ducking)

Original Message------

Worked on an interesting Wurlitzer spinet today that had a one piece top covered in some type of vinyl so you could put drinks on it. No lid hinges -it had brackets with screws in the back of the case and the lid was screwed into the case. The most interesting part was the roll top key cover like you would find on a roll top desk or a bread box. Finish was blond that was a big deal in the 1950's. Any one know the model designation or  what market it was made for. It has always been in the owners family and is actually in decent shape

------------------------------
James Kelly
Pawleys Island SC
843-325-4357
------------------------------

Debbie Legg wrote:
"A lot of naugas were slaughtered, back in the day, to make those pianos. Tragic really."

Debbie, no shame here - that is why you never see any naugas anymore - Wurlitzer (and Jon Page) made them go extinct!    :-(

------------------------------
Terry Farrell
Farrell Piano Service, Inc.
Brandon, Florida
terry@farrellpiano.com
813-684-3505
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 02-13-2018 07:21
From: Debra Legg
Subject: Lounge Lizard Wurlitzer

A lot of naugas were slaughtered, back in the day, to make those pianos. Tragic really.

Deb  (ducking)

Original Message------

Worked on an interesting Wurlitzer spinet today that had a one piece top covered in some type of vinyl so you could put drinks on it. No lid hinges -it had brackets with screws in the back of the case and the lid was screwed into the case. The most interesting part was the roll top key cover like you would find on a roll top desk or a bread box. Finish was blond that was a big deal in the 1950's. Any one know the model designation or  what market it was made for. It has always been in the owners family and is actually in decent shape

------------------------------
James Kelly
Pawleys Island SC
843-325-4357
------------------------------

Original Message------

Debbie Legg wrote:
"A lot of naugas were slaughtered, back in the day, to make those pianos. Tragic really."

Debbie, no shame here - that is why you never see any naugas anymore - Wurlitzer (and Jon Page) made them go extinct!    :-(

------------------------------
Terry Farrell
Farrell Piano Service, Inc.
Brandon, Florida
terry@farrellpiano.com
813-684-3505
------------------------------

Original Message------

Decades ago in my Wyoming days, why hell I remember driving across the open range going from call to call and having to slow down for a Nauga Drive.  There'd be hunnerds of 'em bein' drivn down the state hyway like it was the dusty trail.  Squeaky terrible sounding critters they were.  Sounded like an old horse with a cold all wheezy and stuff.  EEEsh.  I remember thinking they ought to put these things out of their misery!!  And UGLY!!!   OMG They'd make a freight train take a gravel road!!

James:  I had someone who tried to refinish one of those years ago.  A big mistake!!!!!

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Clarence Zeches
Piano Service Enterprise School of Technology
Toccoa GA
706-886-4035
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 02-12-2018 23:45
From: James Kelly
Subject: Lounge Lizard Wurlitzer

Worked on an interesting Wurlitzer spinet today that had a one piece top covered in some type of vinyl so you could put drinks on it. No lid hinges -it had brackets with screws in the back of the case and the lid was screwed into the case. The most interesting part was the roll top key cover like you would find on a roll top desk or a bread box. Finish was blond that was a big deal in the 1950's. Any one know the model designation or  what market it was made for. It has always been in the owners family and is actually in decent shape

------------------------------
James Kelly
Pawleys Island SC
843-325-4357
------------------------------