Wurlitzer Electric Piano Sound Comparison: 120 vs 140 140B 200

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ABOUT THIS VIDEO
This very special video features the beloved Wurlitzer Electric Piano and is the ultimate guide to learn about it. It was the piano of choice for iconic songs by Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, Marvin Gaye, Van Halen, Queen, Pink Floyd, and Supertramp to name a few.
In this video you'll be able to hear musical examples which highlight the sonic differences between the most recorded Wurlitzer models including the 120, 140, 140B and 200 series. You'll be able to decide for yourself which model best fits YOUR sound.
This is part of my collaboration with the amazing Dr. Mix, so please check out the companion video on his channel @Doctormix which hosts our in-depth look at the Fender Rhodes.
The massive array of electric pianos in this video are courtesy of Ben Bove. retrorentals.net He's the piano tech of choice for superstar artists, he's the foremost Fender Rhodes historian and as you'll see, he's also quite an amazing piano player. Thank you Ben!!
00:00 Anthony's Intro
01:06 Ben Bove compares the Wurlitzer 200 and 140B
01:59 140B "Never Loves a Man (The Way I Loved You) by Aretha Franklin
02:45 140B "Dancin' in the Moonlight" by King Harvest
04:13 200 vs 200A Discussion
06:47 Anthony's 200 Modified for efx pedals through on-board speakers
11:01 Albhy Galuten's 120 & 140 Tube Models
11:41 120 "What'd I Say" - Ray Charles
13:09 200 "What'd I Say" - Ray Charles
13:29 140B "What'd I Say" - Ray Charles
13:39 120 "What'd I Say" - Ray Charles
14:34 Comparing Sustain of 120, 140B & 200
16:59 140 Tube Model
18:06 And the Winner Is...
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ABOUT ANTHONY
Anthony's musical touch as both composer and performer is connected with some of the most influential creative minds over the last 40 years. He’s composed and conducted original orchestral scores for over 80 feature films including Young Guns , Internal Affairs , The Man From Elysian Fields , 15 Minutes and Planes, Trains & Automobiles , been commissioned by the Los Angeles Philharmonic for his symphonic work "In the Family Way", written over one thousand TV commercials in a myriad of musical styles, co-founded Levels Audio Post (LA's premiere post production facility) and performed and arranged on big-box-office films and influential hit records such as Michael Jackson's Thriller .
His extensive work as a young arranger, orchestrator and performer for Quincy Jones , Jack Nitzsche , Lamont Dozier , Arthur Rubenstein and Giorgio Moroder was vital in launching his own career. His early years pioneering modular analog synthesizers along with his wide-ranging music scholarship positioned Anthony at the center of the music technology revolution. He attended the University of Southern California School of Music as a piano and composition major.
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[@gregsullivan7408]

Impressed at Dr Mix's restraint.....or did someone lace his drink with a strong sedative? 🤣

[@NexxuSix]

Anthony, thank you for this video! My father worked for Wurlitzer in Dekalb, IL as an electronic technician. He was involved with the development of the Sideman, one of the first drum machines available at the time. He also helped with installing the organ and P.A. System at the Houston Astrodome. These days I create music with synthesizers, and my family has been involved with the music industry for a very long time.

[@analogemma]

I love the sideman! You still around Dekalb?

[@NexxuSix]

@@analogemma I’m in the surrounding area… As you may know, the Wurlitzer building in DeKalb was converted to a warehouse many years ago. The organ that was in the building to my understanding was relocated in order to preserve the history. All other contents of the building were scrapped out from what I know.

[@analogemma]

@@NexxuSix yea! I was just curious cause I’m down here in the Plainfield area lol

[@NexxuSix]

@@analogemma I’m not too far from DeKalb =)

[@analogemma]

@@NexxuSix fun!! Did your dad keep anything cool?

[@chillpillology]

10,000 bonus points for riffin on dancing in the moonlight

[@brendadavis140]

I have my mom’s 140 that my dad gave her for her birthday in the mid 60s. I love it!

[@MPPelli]

I like all of them, but I'd have to go with the 200(A), as it's the Wurlitzer sound of the 1970s with bands like Supertramp, Queen and Pink Floyd.

[@jconli1]

I was given a 140B by my recording teacher in college... it was "taking up space." Mid-'90s, when Rhodes, Hammonds, and Wurlies were still frequently given away. Really wish I held on to it... one of the warmest, barkiest Wurlies I've ever heard. Great video, love your channel.

[@crz1990]

I bought a 206 student model (Oct.1969) on ebay for $300 shipped from NY to ND in 2009. KZbin made me want to chop it to a ‘200’ and get a vibrato knob. But I loved it for the Carpenters sound I got. Even with the crackle and hiss through the bassy cabinet I never changed a thing.

[@AlexanderShibilski]

Anthony’s weekly video is about Wurlies?!? Oh man, you got my attention

[@AlexanderShibilski]

Great video, I made that comment at start of premier. Lovely video!

[@chesthairascot3743]

Ahahahahaha, the bit about the vibrato noise perfectly describes my Kawai EP-308. This instrument never breaks; it just gains more character.

[@furiobisotti8150]

Anthony, huge thanks to you, Ben and Claudio. You shared a huge quantity of information with all key fanatics in the world. Quality of those two vids are amazing. Big hugs to you all. We all love you. Keep on with this quality and devotion!

[@peturmagnason]

It was a joy to listen this guy. Everytime I play my friends 200A I can’t stop. The sound and the vibrations from the keys to the fingers, is like a glue to my soul. But it doesn´t beat the Rhodos imo

[@Axoguin]

man, i love the sound of a wurtlizer, they sound amazing

[@anthonymarinellimusic]

They are!

[@GabrielErikAlexmarski]

Me too

[@sawsquaresinetube]

That was the fastest 18mins of my life! That was awesome, I loved the comparisons! They all sound great and could have a perfect fit in the right song for each. I like the 200’s most because they are in so many of my favorite songs. Thanks for sharing! 👏🏼❤️

[@Noisegenerationrecords]

I love the sound of a good Wurlitzer, thanks Anthony 😊

[@paultorbert6929]

Vintage Vibe does fabulous restoration work and their recreation-builds are beautiful as well !!!!!!! Got my reminder/notifications on !!!!

[@testohtoby]

Omg the Wurli is my favourite e-piano and the 120 is soooo underrated 😍👌

[@tumuluswarden3846]

Great video! The 140B is sick, but man the sustain on the 120 is beautiful. Thank you for your time and the awesome content as well. I used your Thriller Bass patch on my Behringer 2600 and had some fun with the LFO/Voltage Processor. Now I have a few new patches thanks to you!

[@ladyapp-titude]

Only thing I ever owned was “the tan one” or the "big clunky wooden one", as we might have called it. We didn’t know model numbers. I sold it and got a Hohner Pianet, and shortly after sold that and got a Rhodes 73 Suitcase.

[@GlassTarantulah]

Anthony keeps giving the real! The only brotha on KZbin worth watching 💎💎💎

[@kgbinfo]

Call me basic, but I like the sound of the 200 the best out of all of em!

[@gregsullivan7408]

Not basic - normal. 😉

[@gerardoherrera5819]

I've been learning about the world of keyboards, pianos and synthesizers for almost a year now and I love these videos. Thank you Anthony for these interesting and entertaining videos. Greetings from Chile

[@wizardmix]

I have a 140 series with the tube and the knobs up top that's in "fair" condition. It definitely needs to be serviced. It's not noisy though so that's a +

[@jlrjlrjlr]

Uh oh, I've been toying with the idea of getting a 200 or 200a... now I want one with the EFX mod as well!

[@basmatine]

The old Wurlitzer building still still standing in downtown Detroit on Broadway.

[@poppopw5305]

Now I'm mentally going over all the songs that used some iteration of the Wurlies. Fantastic video! Thank you!

[@gregsullivan7408]

FWIW, IMHO one of the very best songs that feature a natural sounding Wurly is "Jeans On", by David Dundas. The instrument is RIGHT in the foreground and there's hardly any other instruments at all. (love the kazoo type sound as well though - it complements the Wurly nicely)

[@cactus-wren]

Fantastic! So unique the sound they have. An iconic instrument!

[@ElNabulsi]

200A is my fav by far! Thanks so much for the video.

[@PJRII]

Thanks Anthony, great video on the Wurlys.

[@xtra8dj]

This was fun, thanks.

[@cfytcf]

Great video, the editing in of the photographs as the music kicks in - great!

[@slimshekar]

That was the coolest thing I've listened to in a while! Thank you!

[@JohnGauge790]

Looking forward to this one.

[@simonemyszkowski8153]

I just love ya man. Keep it up

[@anotheryoutube4635]

Awesome video, thank you Anthony!

[@pedrofadigas]

Wonderful colab Dr. Anthony Mix! 👊

[@MichaelScottGordon]

Such a great episode with Dr. Mix! Thanks for this follow-up too! This has been both fun and informing.

[@ravitaly]

Anthony I love this video! Have just discovered your channel and find it very inspiring. Makes me motivated to study wurlitzers and synths more! Looking forward to what else your channel brings

[@BobReidToronto]

I loved this! Bought my 200 from a buy & sell newspaper (!) when I was in high school. Still have it. Have had it lovingly serviced by Toronto's Wulitzer Whispherer John Wolff ... but I had no idea of these other models. Thank you so much for this education on the most magical electric piano of them all :)

[@Gerald_Daniel]

Since I haven't dealt with that subject much, I am particularly grateful for this video.

[@mallorga1965]

Thanks for the information put into this video.

[@cactus-wren]

Great video, times flies when I watch your videos always! Great content. Thank you. Have a nice day!

[@Gregorydavidmusic]

They’re all amazing in their own way 🤘

[@adwind3055]

Thanks Anthony for another great video. The evolution of the Wurlitzer has always been something, I wanted to know, but did not know where to get it. And now it is even brought to us, the easy way. Thanks man.

[@Citracid]

So cool thank you man

[@endlessinfinitymusiccreation]

Awesome Video. Anthony. The 140 sounds the best.

[@ischmidt]

When Ben started playing What'd I Say on the 120 it was like an electric shock. Just instant goosebumps, because that *is* the sound of that legendary record.

[@dmcgwhisper5945]

Excellent!

[@mrdavies7894]

I'm loving your collaborations with Dr Mix! Two great KZbinrs taste great together!

[@MikkelGrumBovin]

Just excellent tour de force of sweet old Wurlitzer earcandy ,- Thanx Mr.Marinelli !

[@danniielle]

Loved this video Anthony! Keyboards are my primary instrument and the Wurli 200A and 140B are some of my favourites. 😎💖

[@velonaut303]

I love the these pianos. I played a 200 in my highschool jazz band.

[@GizzyDillespee]

Somehow Yamaha got their Wurly emulation right in their Reface and CK keyboards. It's not the real deal, but I mean as far as what's available on similarly priced digital keyboards, it's the best I've found.

[@GizzyDillespee]

It's actually my favorite digital wurly in any digital hardware instrument I've tried... I haven't tried the Gemini modeling, GSI, though, and I've heard good things about that one.

[@MusicoElectronico]

Great video as usual! I love the magic sound of a Wurlitzer even more than a Fender Rhodes 🎶 🎵 ❤️

[@lisabethlawrence]

me too! Just something about it is so special!

[@gregsullivan7408]

Me too!

[@analogemma]

Very excited for this video! I only have a 140a to compare so I’ve never been able to do a video on this :(-more please! If you’re ever in Chicago I’d love to let you mess around with any of the electric pianos I got, I go through a bunch so there’s always something new lol

[@andre.schwantes]

Thank you. God bless you all.

[@Sam9wilson9]

Very cool! ❤. Ya 140 for me too. Thou I love the look of 200 for sure 👍

[@steverichard1740]

I have a 145, I love it! Original amp was tube, but I had a Retrolinear replacement amp installed so it would not have any amp issues

[@alexmello9192]

Ben Bove gave my Rhodes some loving and was amazing, chill, on point with the work. highly recommend his work!

[@adamlangley6033]

I really wish Ken would of played your 200. Thanks for this look at the amazing Wurlitzer :) @@ The boat anchor story was appalling!

[@elazmohiftenfifter4340]

From 1957: Steve Allen "Electrified Favorites" -- out of print. Crunchy model 120 all the way.

[@frankpiccinini1652]

Very nice video! proud owner of the only 44 notes wurli, the 106-p. School models are awesome!

[@markaprill6501]

Nice. You really hit the areas I’m interested in. It would be fun to hear what you would buy for a keyboard setup from scratch…say for different budgets. 5k, 10k etc. Your opinion is extremely valuable to us amateur and aspiring musicians.

[@JBrm]

Can't buy/recommend a setup without knowing what kind of music, live or recording,...

totally enjoyed this

[@moonpawprint]

Learned so much thank you as always Anthony. Can only afford to use the 200A in keyscape vst but it's a beautiful sound that could go funky or haunting

[@sunflr-music7697]

Wow! Amazing!

[@d179654582248]

So stoked to see a video like this after I got to work at Ken Rich Sound Studios for a short while a few years back.

[@anthonymarinellimusic]

Ken is a master!

[@stuartfoster8866]

Great video. I have a 140b in great condition and a 214 Wurlitzer. I love them both but prefer the 140b in both looks and sound. The action on the 140b is superb. I used to have a 145b that was great as well. Had alot more meat to the sound with the tube amp.

[@AlexisG73]

I need to upgrade the board on my 200. Great video!

[@keyboardkingpin]

We needed this badly anthony! No one is really going into depths on these thank you!!

[@elazmohiftenfifter4340]

There is a Kontakt instrument available: Tubelitzer -- a sampled 120. It's pretty good. My actual 120 is a bit "deeper" sounding, and you can switch preamp tubes for different coloration and distortion. The feel has always been a little sluggish, even after lubing the action. Be careful with those wooden legs -- they can split.

[@kelleykelley3153]

Totally feeling the 140 sound. I believe that’s what they have in Keyscape and it’s amazing! So much meatier than the 200 or 200a which I am most familiar with my creative and performing arts high school had the tan 200’s in the piano lab. Didn’t know how good we had it. 👊🏽💜👍🏽 Great video guys!!!

[@gregsullivan7408]

A quick Google reveals that it's actually the 200A in Keyscape.

[@Yellosoul]

@@gregsullivan7408 They have both in Keyscape. It’s how I discovered the 140.

[@kelleykelley3153]

@@gregsullivan7408 Keyscape has the 140B and the 200A in the library. Side by side I prefer the 140B. So thick and balanced.

[@kelleykelley3153]

If you have Keyscape don't snooze. I own way too many Wurli libraries and its the best hands down.

[@gregsullivan7408]

​@@kelleykelley3153wow that's impressive, providing two Wurlies! (I stand corrected!)

[@RobVnt0n]

waiting for it

[@infn8loopmusic]

Unserviced amps and worn out speaker cones really add to the wurlitzer charm make sure its a little out of tune and then add a touch of vibrato and reverb and 🧨🔥🫰💥 bam.

[@shahruzm]

Awesome!

[@duncanparsons]

Wow, interesting to see that post first album/pre-Indelibly Stamped era picture of Supertramp, probably taken some time late 1970, a few years before Crime Of The Century was recorded. Richard Palmer-James holding the guitar, Roger still on bass, Robert Millar not yet moved on, and Dave Winthrop joined on winds. Not seen that pic before, it's really nice to see! Great episode about the Wurly, thank you :-)

[@gophercrow]

Gold!

[@johnathanstevens8436]

Oh yes, king harvest 🎶

[@TheWarriorSongProject]

where was the sound coming from in these demos? Were they miked or did you use a line out to a DAW? It sounds like I can hear the room when he plays, and they do sound different, but how similar re they when recorded from a line out?

[@Shred_The_Weapon]

I love the history of how, even though Harold Rhodes was the musician and builder who pioneered the electric piano, the manufacturers of Wurlitzer chronologically beat Rhodes to the market. I also liked how a few Wurlitzer 100 models sat on top of an amp of their own. (I can also imagine that the sustaining switch on the amp is essentially the same as what is installed on the stage piano version with the chrome legs.) Here’s a question I’d like answered. Most of these models only have 64 keys from h c. Did any of them ever have the two missing octaves at either end? After all, Hohner took the liberty of building the Electra Piano (not to be confused with the RMI Electra model) with the same key range as the Rhodes 73. In Oct. 2023, three of the four Wurly players whose music greatly impacted me have passed on, Ray Charles, Eric Woolfson (the Alan Parsons Project) and Josef Zawinul. The fourth is Richard Carpenter, and I feel thankful that he’s still with us (as of my comment). (Beyond them, we have also got Rick Davies and solo tracks by the Beatles.)

[@gregsullivan7408]

I had the EP203W, which also sat atop a speaker cabinet. (the amp was still in the keyboard housing though). Re Wurly players - don't forget Roger Hodgson - he's still with us too!! 😀 (I wish he'd use a real one for his tours though - he's being a bit lazy IMHO 🤣🤣)

[@Shred_The_Weapon]

Lazy, @@gregsullivan7408 - or. overly preservationist?

[@jr2527]

I have a 140b my dad bought in the 60s, and it had been modded with a rheostat and jack in the lid, which were, strangley disconnected before he got it, but he kept it until 2019, when i got it put a VV rebuild kit in it. Such a wonderful instrument.

[@SurprisedAzaleaFlower-gj3tc]

Cool 😊

[@mrstephenpariah]

I used to have the non-portable ep300, built into a wooden cabinet. Slightly different sound, not widely distributed outside Europe.

[@stevem.1853]

I'd love to know how they got the sound on "That's The Way Love Is" (Marvin Gaye)- it sounds like it's plugged into a Fender Champ that's turned up all the way.... Thanks for another great video 👍👍👍

[@gregsullivan7408]

Yep it sounds like heavy distortion/overdrive - you could get close by using a distortion pedal/plugin etc IMHO.

[@TZKeyz]

VERY INTERESTING! I never owned one, but have played both versions but years between these 2 models. Classic keyboard for sure with a "feel."

[@elazmohiftenfifter4340]

Tubelitzer -- sampled model 120

[@connor.chan.jazzman]

Gosh, what i would do to be in a room full of these beautiful pianos. Awesome video! Wurlitzer pianos are among my favorites. Rhodes are better for me personally but man. Itd be wonderful to buy one of these someday

[@JonayPS]

I love the Wurlitzer that was used on Elvis Presley's version of the Ray Charles song "What'd I Say".

[@gregsullivan7408]

Sounds very similar to the sound in the Ray Charles version IMHO, but I hear some kind of chorusing/beating in the bass, I think. (I'm referring to the bass instrument - not the bass notes of the Wurly, but maybe there is a "clash" between the bass & Wurly?)

[@JonayPS]

@@gregsullivan7408 It's probably the same thing.

[@monsieursolitaire6214]

The 120 reminds me also the Donny Hathaway sound, which I love, so… 120! :)

[@jr2527]

One of the lesser known bands that has an old wurli in it is Queens of the Stone Age. There are some old videos of them on stage with a 140b as well. Really eclectic keyboard use in their albums.

[@gregsullivan7408]

Awesome - thankyou so much! (I'd like to be reincarnated as Ben II next life 🤣 - what a superbly knowledgeable tech AND a great player!!) I had a 200 series (EP203W) which seemed to have a strange problem - I could never get ALL reeds ringing well, and it seemed to be extremely sensitive to the tilt of the harp - if I slightly tilted it, reeds which were good would go bad, and bad reeds would become good. It was so frustrating. Anyone have any ideas? Academic now because I sold it. Which is my favourite? Whatever Supertramp used, along with their team of studio engineers. 😉

[@gonzinigonz]

Good stuff :)

[@FoulOwl2112]

I've got a 63 Hammond F100 Extravoice tube oscillator synth/organ. Perfect working condition. I can't find a whole lot of history on them. Other than the original manual. Was wondering if you're familiar with them ? Or perhaps played one?

[@thiagoborges892]

I wish I were rich so I could play with these kinds of cool expensive toys!! Definitely a privilege!!

[@anotheryoutube4635]

12:45 Engineering at its finest.

[@Andrew-rz7qt]

I have an awesome plugin by arturia of a Wurlitzer and love it so much so that once I see one come up for sale I'm going to buy one. On the plugin I have it chained to a guitar amp with a little dirt on it and it sounds ace.

[@RetrolinearAudio]

Cool video :) ^^^ Amp manufacture!

[@nickmastro6870]

I recently obtained a "chopped" Wurlitzer 700 console model, similar to a 120. Not a ton of info on it. Hoping I can get it modded to have a sustain pedal, not sure how difficult/expensive that will be

[@rhetthuff1]

Enjoyed the video! I have RetroLinear preamps in both my 200's and am a big fan. Anyone know whats going on with Aretha's grand at 2:05? Looks like there's a shell to increase clearance for mics or something.

[@elsongs]

Which Van Halen song uses a Wurli?

[@saftpackerl]

I would like to know too!

[@gcoudert]

So popular that Carl Perkins wrote a song about it: 'Wurlitzer one for the money...' 🎶🎼🎵🎸OK, I'll see myself out...

[@saftpackerl]

:D ...bye bye