Wurlitzer Model 111 LOCAL PICKUP ONLY Model Electric Piano (1955), made in Corinth, Mississippi, serial # 1298, Fleckstone finish.
This is quite a rare vintage keyboard, a very early variation of the classic Wurlitzer Electric Piano made only during 1955. This Model 111 followed directly on the first iterations the Models 100 and 110, and further rapid development yielded the Model 112, the first Wurlitzer electric piano to go into full production. The Models 100, 110 and 111 are sometimes described as "prototypes" for the more familiar model 112, but really they are more short-run pre-production examples which allowed the company to fine tune the instrument before committing to full production.
Compared to the 112 very few of the Model 111 were made, estimates based on serial number data ranging between 2-400 examples. It retains the now odd looking but very 1950s darker reddish-brown "Fleckstone" finish used on the 110. Most Model 112s were finished out in a lighter shade. The most important structural change from the 110 was making the action accessible from the top by removing the cover screws instead of having to slide it out the front. The production run was very short, with features transitioning from the 110 to the 112 over just a few months. The large and heavy sustain pedal mounts on the right side and is often missing; this one is intact.
This model lacks integral legs, but instead sits on a sort of small table with wrought iron legs, a laminated wooden slab carrying the same Fleckstone finish. A matching bench comes in the set, functional if not exactly deluxe! This keyboard was likely assembled in the spring of 1955; Wurlitzers appear to have been first advertised for sale around June that year.
This series of Electric pianos powered countless recordings in the 1950s, '60s and '70s most famously Ray Charles' "What'd I Say". The early Wurlitzers are superb sounding instruments, but were not as sturdily engineered for road use as the later 1960s versions, so not many survive in good original condition. We would not recommend touring this clean and complete instrument, it is very well maintained and would make a fabulous studio or home piece, with the classic "woody" vintage Wurlie tone.
Height is 34 in. (86.4 cm.), 39 in. (99.1 cm.) width, and 22 3/8 in. (56.8 cm.) deep.
Overall this is a lovely, relatively clean and original example of this rare "Early Wurlie". The fairly fragile original Fleckstone finish on the piano casing has scuffs, dings and chips (and a few small cigarette burns!) but no heavy loss and generally presents very well, especially for nearly 70 years on the planet. There are small chips to a few key tips. The original tube amplifier has been re-capped and the tubes are correct new old stock. The power cable has been replaced by a modern detachable type.
The keyboard action has been aligned, lubricated and regulated and the reeds and pickups tuned and voiced. The instrument is complete including the oft-missing early-pattern sustain pedal, the hinged detachable keyboard cover, the metal-leg support table and the matching bench seat. The support table and seat have some small chips off the edges. Overall this is a very nice example of this rare first-year model, a lovely instrument with a distinctive sonic character. Unfortunately due to its size and fragility we will not be able to securely ship this item, it is sold for direct pick-up only. Overall Excellent - Condition.
