Talk:Wurlitzer electric piano

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I disagree that the Wurlitzer is brighter, more hollow, and clearer (more vibraphone-like) than the Rhodes; to me, the opposite is true. I hear the Wurlitzer as more guitar-like, blending in with the music and being darker. What is the general consensus here?

I would say that a Rhodes is more bell-like during normal use but a lightly-played Wurlitzer actually has a "sweeter" tone. With average playing, the Rhodes has a murkier, darker tone than a Wurlitzer played in the same way - the Wurly simply cuts through better. Played hard, of course, the Rhodes has the edge - with a Wurly you'll just damage the reeds!

Simon Beck [1]

Regarding the "difference between the electric and electronic pianos", I think that this is untrue - the earliest 1950s literature refers to the instrument as an "electronic piano", and the phrase "electric piano", while technically more accurate, was never actually used by the Wurlitzer company.

Of course, if you can prove otherwise...

Simon Beck [2]

"Chicago" doesn't use a Wurlitzer; it's a Vibraphone.

[edit] Title

Could we change the title of this page to "Wurlitzer Electronic Piano", with a redirect from "Wurlitzer electric piano"? The former is the proper name of the instrument from the manufacturer, while the latter is what most people think it is. Any thoughts? —Preceding unsigned comment added by Ritchie333 (talk • contribs) 09:47, 12 September 2007 (UTC)

While I agree in principle that the manufacturer's trademark should have precedence over the common term, I should also point out:

  • retrospectively the phrase "Wurlitzer electric piano" is a more accurate description of the instrument
  • In 30 years of playing keyboards I have never heard anyone call it anything other than a "Wurlitzer electric piano"
  • The phrase "Wurlitzer Electronic Piano" is potentially misleading; it implies that the instrument is an electronic rather than an electric piano.
  • The instrument has been out of production for 25 years, and the trademark is seldom used.

Simon Beck London, UK —Preceding unsigned comment added by 79.74.194.123 (talk) 12:45, 12 September 2007 (UTC)

What are Wikipedia's principles on this? Anyone know?

Admittedly, the first time I ever heard of the Wurlitzer being an "Electronic Piano" (which it isn't) was when I bought one and saw it on the front. I've checked the manual of my Nord Electro (which emulates it) to see what it refers to, but it only mentions "Wurlitzer 200A".

--Ritchie333 15:46, 14 September 2007 (UTC)