Followup to the Wurlitzer grand in the original post with the lift-off lid, photos attached:
Since the tuning pins were exposed and I could reach the strings for muting, I thought at first that I could tune the piano without removing the top. But as I started I then realized that a dozen or so of the pins were partially covered by the edge of the lid and I wouldn't be able to reach them. So the lid had to come off. It is quite light, maybe 30-40 pounds, and I found it possible to lift off by myself without any assistance or other supports. Luckily the instrument was well away from any walls or other obstructions so I could easily reach all around it.
The serial number put it at 1940-1941. Overall I think it was cheaply made. The top is quite flimsy, and the leg supports are scarily weak looking (pictured). I'm amazed the thing is still standing on three legs
after 80 years. It tuned up well though; harmonics worked out pretty good. This particular instrument has been reconditioned and restrung about 20 years ago.
Thanks everyone for commenting and providing advice!
------------------------------
Walter Bagnall
Chillicothe OH
------------------------------
Original Message:
Sent: 09-25-2024 14:57
From: Walter Bagnall
Subject: Wurlitzer Art Deco design
I'm going tomorrow morning. I'll take some photos and followup. The owner said she thought it dated to the '40s, which kind of jives with the Art Deco look.
------------------------------
Walter Bagnall
Chillicothe OH
Original Message:
Sent: 09-25-2024 12:22
From: James Kelly
Subject: Wurlitzer Art Deco design
that is rad probably should be in the PTG museum. I have seen some strange designs like a designer piano that had chrome legs, different material on the case like a naugauhyde . A number of pianos where made of aluminum and used on cruise ships. Do you have any idea when this design was used ?
------------------------------
James Kelly
Owner- Fur Elise Piano Service
Pawleys Island SC
(843) 325-4357
Original Message:
Sent: 09-25-2024 11:22
From: Geoff Sykes
Subject: Wurlitzer Art Deco design
Here's what the one I worked on looked like with the cover removed. There is no "lid". The fallboard is a rolltop. I posted about it here last November and was told that it was an experimental model and not many of them were ever made.
------------------------------
Geoff Sykes, RPT
Los Angeles CA
Original Message:
Sent: 09-25-2024 10:39
From: James Kelly
Subject: Wurlitzer Art Deco design
Stamped metal ? that is one bizarre design take plenty of pictures of that bad boy maybe the music desk lifts out of the rest of the lid and you can get to the tuning pins. Is there a lid prop stick ?
------------------------------
James Kelly
Owner- Fur Elise Piano Service
Pawleys Island SC
(843) 325-4357
Original Message:
Sent: 09-24-2024 13:46
From: Walter Bagnall
Subject: Wurlitzer Art Deco design
I am going tomorrow to service a 1940's era Art Deco style grand (Wurlitzer). The client asked 'Will you have someone with you to lift off the lid? Every other tuner had to have someone help lift off the lid'. She sent pictures (attached). It looks like the tuning pins would be exposed sufficient for tuning, so I don't know what to think. I haven't seen it in person yet. Any thoughts from the group on this type of lid?
------------------------------
Walter Bagnall
Chillicothe OH
------------------------------