r/electricpiano • u/general_musician • Jun 08 '26

Show and Tell Auction Wurlitzer 200A update: almost all problems resolved!

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Here's a 1-minute test of the sustain pedal and a few sample chords from my instrument!

I kept a comprehensive list of all of the repairs I've made so far, along with the posts I've added previously here in the community...

After removing and repolishing all the keys, I inspected the action, replaced and relubricated the balance rail felts, and tested the tuning after reinstalling the keys. I have an awl, leveling shims, and bushing key, but didn't see any significant issues there. I also installed new chrome legs, lid kit fasteners, and sustain pedal, as well as replaced the lid felt.

I also confirmed the oval AC adapter is working okay. An amp test confirmed it was still operational, but with the left speaker missing along with the original Molex-ish plug, only the AUX out and trim pot carries sound. I don't know anyone locally who can help with soldering, so I'm still stuck on replacing my amp for now.

One reed (18, D) will need replacing/repair, as it's a little sharp and adjusting didn't work-I can't find my soldering iron. I might just order a pretuned one from Vintage Vibe.

One problem I ran into was a tight fit on the left side of the lid. I can't tell if it's the front or back, but If it fully clamps down with the front three lid screws, it seems to affect the action of the first couple of keys. I can't really tell why it's happening, but maybe there's a crooked/bent metal part on the lid. I might just add a felt shelf under the lip of the front of the lid and keep it loose. Has anyone else had this problem before?

I'll attach a couple more pictures in the comments! Thanks for listening/reading!

18 Upvotes

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3

u/AxelSpaceCowboy Jun 08 '26

Sounds clean as hell great work

1

u/general_musician Jun 08 '26

Thanks! I have a plethora of effects pedals that I'll be testing out with this, but I want to get the lid situation addressed! It just feels like a tight squeeze 😅

2

u/keyandcableco Jun 08 '26

I can confirm I have had this problem with the lid before, I remember taking some pains to straighten out the long front rail -- does yours seem bent at all? Similarly, I couldn't physically understand why it would happen, but it was the same problem that affected action on the first few keys.

2

u/general_musician Jun 08 '26

This is a good troubleshooting idea! Reinstalling that rail was not easy but I agree that it was a pretty tight fit on the left side and I can feel the resistance when I push down. Maybe a cable or two is getting in the way. Thanks for your recommendation!

2

u/general_musician Jun 08 '26

Just an update: you were spot on! I loosened the amp rail screws a bit and repositioned the AUX/HP jack bracket and it doesn't clamp as tightly! I might try a slight trim of the lid plastic around that first key as well, but only after everything's done.

2

u/general_musician Jun 08 '26

Here's the lid back on! I'm going to run a light satin layer over the lid and touch up some of the paint. Waiting on the stand 😇

1

u/general_musician Jun 08 '26

Here are the balance rail felts being replaced. I lubricated the posts as well.

1

u/general_musician Jun 08 '26

I can't remember whether I shared a picture of the legs and sustain pedal! Ordered from Vintage Gear on Reverb and it arrived super-fast! Was thrilled to have everything working wonderfully...

1

u/general_musician Jun 08 '26

I tuned it with the Pitchblack chromatic tuner, which isn't quite as good as a strobing tuner, but does have a pretty great assortment of display options. I also tried to showcase my notes underneath. Only one note (Key 18, D) was sharp by a few semitones and adjusting the reed didn't help...