Vintage Synth Repair

hi, i just joined this group because i just came
across a wurlitzer 200a.  i got it home and the
original cable didn't
come with it so my friend removed the original oval
three prong connector and wired an extension cord to
it.  i turned it on and it worked, the keys worked and
the vibrato did too, it was a little static-y but not
bad.  then it was left on for a little while, i came
back to it and the keys wouldn't make any sound.  the
speakers still work and i can hear the vibrato pumping
and the volume sizzle softens as i lower the level,
but the keys still aren't amplified.  i thought maybe
it was a problem with the power cable so i connected a
iec connector to it but it's still the same.  does
anyone have any idea what this could be?  please let
me know what i should do if you get the chance. 
thanks!

troy 


__________________________________
Do you Yahoo!?
Yahoo! Calendar - Free online calendar with sync to Outlook(TM).
http://calendar.yahoo.com

Troy
It could be something simple. The 200a used a lot of push on connectors from
cables to the amp board. It's possible le one of them is loose, or it may be
electrical. Do you get anything trough the headphone jack? Or aux jack?
Sorry your friend wired in an extension cord. Was it a three wire? Those
cables are generally available from a variety of sources. If it was staticy,
something may have shorted out in the amp. Was the static noise adjustable
with the volume control or vibrato? Check the input cable from the small
preamp board up on the reed pick-up bar. May also be a dc power supply
problem. Do you by any chance have a service manual for it? 

Also, there is a yahoo group specifically devoted to Wurlitzer electric
pianos and an archive list that may be of help to you in the future. Hope
this gives you a start. 

I have parts, reeds, and other stuff if you get into a jam.

Keith Niver
Master Certified Wurlitzer Tech

-----Original Message-----
From: troy kimura [mailto:so_ber@...] 
Sent: Saturday, June 07, 2003 2:18 PM
To: vintagesynthrepair@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [vintagesynthrepair] a new member...


hi, i just joined this group because i just came
across a wurlitzer 200a.  i got it home and the
original cable didn't
come with it so my friend removed the original oval
three prong connector and wired an extension cord to
it.  i turned it on and it worked, the keys worked and
the vibrato did too, it was a little static-y but not
bad.  then it was left on for a little while, i came
back to it and the keys wouldn't make any sound.  the
speakers still work and i can hear the vibrato pumping
and the volume sizzle softens as i lower the level,
but the keys still aren't amplified.  i thought maybe
it was a problem with the power cable so i connected a
iec connector to it but it's still the same.  does
anyone have any idea what this could be?  please let
me know what i should do if you get the chance. 
thanks!

troy 


__________________________________
Do you Yahoo!?
Yahoo! Calendar - Free online calendar with sync to Outlook(TM).
http://calendar.yahoo.com

------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor ---------------------~--> Get
A Free Psychic Reading! Your Online Answer To Life's Important Questions.
http://us.click.yahoo.com/Lj3uPC/Me7FAA/ySSFAA/QnLolB/TM
---------------------------------------------------------------------~->

To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
vintagesynthrepair-unsubscribe@egroups.com

 

Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/

Hi Keith, i checked the headphone and aux jacks,
neither work now, though when the speakers worked, the
aux did too.  the extension cord had three wires, but
the ground was cut off of the plug itself.  also, when
i turn up the volume, the static increases, and vice
versa.  when i bang on the keys sometimes i get a
crackle or pop that sounds like its trying to play but
doesn't produce anything really....also i can hear the
vibrato breathing louder as i turn up the volume, and
i can hear the adjustment of the vibrato as well.  i
don't have a manual so im not familiar with the names
of the parts yet....where is the reed pick up bar and 
the preamp?  when it comes to electrical im in the
dark, but im trying to learn!  thanks alot for your
help though!  

troy


--- Keith Niver <kaniver@...> wrote:
> Troy
> It could be something simple. The 200a used a lot of
> push on connectors from
> cables to the amp board. It's possible le one of
> them is loose, or it may be
> electrical. Do you get anything trough the headphone
> jack? Or aux jack?
> Sorry your friend wired in an extension cord. Was it
> a three wire? Those
> cables are generally available from a variety of
> sources. If it was staticy,
> something may have shorted out in the amp. Was the
> static noise adjustable
> with the volume control or vibrato? Check the input
> cable from the small
> preamp board up on the reed pick-up bar. May also be
> a dc power supply
> problem. Do you by any chance have a service manual
> for it? 
> 
> Also, there is a yahoo group specifically devoted to
> Wurlitzer electric
> pianos and an archive list that may be of help to
> you in the future. Hope
> this gives you a start. 
> 
> I have parts, reeds, and other stuff if you get into
> a jam.
> 
> Keith Niver
> Master Certified Wurlitzer Tech
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: troy kimura [mailto:so_ber@...] 
> Sent: Saturday, June 07, 2003 2:18 PM
> To: vintagesynthrepair@yahoogroups.com
> Subject: [vintagesynthrepair] a new member...
> 
> 
> hi, i just joined this group because i just came
> across a wurlitzer 200a.  i got it home and the
> original cable didn't
> come with it so my friend removed the original oval
> three prong connector and wired an extension cord to
> it.  i turned it on and it worked, the keys worked
> and
> the vibrato did too, it was a little static-y but
> not
> bad.  then it was left on for a little while, i came
> back to it and the keys wouldn't make any sound. 
> the
> speakers still work and i can hear the vibrato
> pumping
> and the volume sizzle softens as i lower the level,
> but the keys still aren't amplified.  i thought
> maybe
> it was a problem with the power cable so i connected
> a
> iec connector to it but it's still the same.  does
> anyone have any idea what this could be?  please let
> me know what i should do if you get the chance. 
> thanks!
> 
> troy 
> 
> 


__________________________________
Do you Yahoo!?
Yahoo! Calendar - Free online calendar with sync to Outlook(TM).
http://calendar.yahoo.com

OK
First thing, I would order a complete service manual from Morelock's Organ
Service in Rienzi, Miss. I don't like the fact that the ground is cut off
the plug. That could possibly induce some hum. The pick=up bar is the long
metal plate that surrounds the reeds. The preamp board is a small board
mounted on the top middle of the pick-up bar. Remove the long metal shield
and you should see it. With your description, it sounds like you have some
debris that lodged between a reed and the pick-up bar, essentially shorting
it out. Take a vacuum and carefully vacuum around all the reeds. Do NOT use
compressed air. Carefully lift a group of dampers and vacuum and inspect the
reeds and clearance. Take a business card and run it along both sides of all
the reeds for clearance. Make sure the piano is unplugged when you do all
this. Then recheck the piano and let me know what happens. Do you know what
notes make the loud snapping sound. That may give you a clue which reeds are
touching the pick-up bar. 

Keith

-----Original Message-----
From: troy kimura [mailto:so_ber@...] 
Sent: Sunday, June 08, 2003 12:21 AM
To: vintagesynthrepair@yahoogroups.com
Subject: RE: [vintagesynthrepair] a new member...


Hi Keith, i checked the headphone and aux jacks,
neither work now, though when the speakers worked, the
aux did too.  the extension cord had three wires, but
the ground was cut off of the plug itself.  also, when
i turn up the volume, the static increases, and vice
versa.  when i bang on the keys sometimes i get a
crackle or pop that sounds like its trying to play but
doesn't produce anything really....also i can hear the
vibrato breathing louder as i turn up the volume, and
i can hear the adjustment of the vibrato as well.  i
don't have a manual so im not familiar with the names
of the parts yet....where is the reed pick up bar and 
the preamp?  when it comes to electrical im in the
dark, but im trying to learn!  thanks alot for your
help though!  

troy


--- Keith Niver <kaniver@...> wrote:
> Troy
> It could be something simple. The 200a used a lot of
> push on connectors from
> cables to the amp board. It's possible le one of
> them is loose, or it may be
> electrical. Do you get anything trough the headphone
> jack? Or aux jack?
> Sorry your friend wired in an extension cord. Was it
> a three wire? Those
> cables are generally available from a variety of
> sources. If it was staticy,
> something may have shorted out in the amp. Was the
> static noise adjustable
> with the volume control or vibrato? Check the input
> cable from the small
> preamp board up on the reed pick-up bar. May also be
> a dc power supply
> problem. Do you by any chance have a service manual
> for it?
> 
> Also, there is a yahoo group specifically devoted to Wurlitzer 
> electric pianos and an archive list that may be of help to
> you in the future. Hope
> this gives you a start. 
> 
> I have parts, reeds, and other stuff if you get into
> a jam.
> 
> Keith Niver
> Master Certified Wurlitzer Tech
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: troy kimura [mailto:so_ber@...]
> Sent: Saturday, June 07, 2003 2:18 PM
> To: vintagesynthrepair@yahoogroups.com
> Subject: [vintagesynthrepair] a new member...
> 
> 
> hi, i just joined this group because i just came
> across a wurlitzer 200a.  i got it home and the
> original cable didn't
> come with it so my friend removed the original oval
> three prong connector and wired an extension cord to
> it.  i turned it on and it worked, the keys worked
> and
> the vibrato did too, it was a little static-y but
> not
> bad.  then it was left on for a little while, i came
> back to it and the keys wouldn't make any sound.
> the
> speakers still work and i can hear the vibrato
> pumping
> and the volume sizzle softens as i lower the level,
> but the keys still aren't amplified.  i thought
> maybe
> it was a problem with the power cable so i connected
> a
> iec connector to it but it's still the same.  does
> anyone have any idea what this could be?  please let
> me know what i should do if you get the chance. 
> thanks!
> 
> troy
> 
> 


__________________________________
Do you Yahoo!?
Yahoo! Calendar - Free online calendar with sync to Outlook(TM).
http://calendar.yahoo.com

------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor ---------------------~--> Get
A Free Psychic Reading! Your Online Answer To Life's Important Questions.
http://us.click.yahoo.com/Lj3uPC/Me7FAA/ySSFAA/QnLolB/TM
---------------------------------------------------------------------~->

To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
vintagesynthrepair-unsubscribe@egroups.com

 

Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/

hi again Keith, i did what you said but it seemed
pretty clean in there and none of the reeds were
touching the pick up bar.  i tried connecting the aux
to the amp though and i found something that might be
the problem.  when i connect the aux out i get no
sound from the amp, regardless of the little
adjustment knob.  when i connect the phones plug to
the amp i get a little something--also which is not
affected by the adj. knob.  the knob is not bolted
down and looks the wiring looks a little questionable,
though i'm not sure how its supposed to look.  coule
this be the source of my frustrations?  as for
specific keys sounding, most of them crackle or sound
a little when i bang on them hard.  and as for the
plug, i reconnected an IEC connection, and use a good
grounded cord.  does this make any more sense?? 
thanks again for your help, and i will look into
getting the manual for sure.  do you happen to know
any good wurlitzer websites off hand?  if not, no
sweat!  thanks again, troy


--- Keith Niver <kaniver@...> wrote:
> OK
> First thing, I would order a complete service manual
> from Morelock's Organ
> Service in Rienzi, Miss. I don't like the fact that
> the ground is cut off
> the plug. That could possibly induce some hum. The
> pick=up bar is the long
> metal plate that surrounds the reeds. The preamp
> board is a small board
> mounted on the top middle of the pick-up bar. Remove
> the long metal shield
> and you should see it. With your description, it
> sounds like you have some
> debris that lodged between a reed and the pick-up
> bar, essentially shorting
> it out. Take a vacuum and carefully vacuum around
> all the reeds. Do NOT use
> compressed air. Carefully lift a group of dampers
> and vacuum and inspect the
> reeds and clearance. Take a business card and run it
> along both sides of all
> the reeds for clearance. Make sure the piano is
> unplugged when you do all
> this. Then recheck the piano and let me know what
> happens. Do you know what
> notes make the loud snapping sound. That may give
> you a clue which reeds are
> touching the pick-up bar. 
> 
> Keith
> 


__________________________________
Do you Yahoo!?
Yahoo! Calendar - Free online calendar with sync to Outlook(TM).
http://calendar.yahoo.com

Well, a good group site is Wurlitzer_Elec_Piano@yahoogroups.com and the
archives for that group. I would check the wiring for the aux and headphone
jacks and make sure nothing is broken or shorted and tighten them. It sounds
like you may have a power supply problem and/or amp problem. I would
probably suggest waiting until y ou get the manual as it has a lot of
troubleshooting hints in it. Where abouts do you live? Might pay to locate a
good local tech to help you troubleshoot it.

Let me know if I can help you further.

Keith Niver

-----Original Message-----
From: troy kimura [mailto:so_ber@yahoo.com] 
Sent: Sunday, June 08, 2003 2:27 PM
To: vintagesynthrepair@yahoogroups.com
Subject: RE: [vintagesynthrepair] a new member...


hi again Keith, i did what you said but it seemed
pretty clean in there and none of the reeds were
touching the pick up bar.  i tried connecting the aux
to the amp though and i found something that might be
the problem.  when i connect the aux out i get no
sound from the amp, regardless of the little
adjustment knob.  when i connect the phones plug to
the amp i get a little something--also which is not
affected by the adj. knob.  the knob is not bolted
down and looks the wiring looks a little questionable,
though i'm not sure how its supposed to look.  coule
this be the source of my frustrations?  as for
specific keys sounding, most of them crackle or sound
a little when i bang on them hard.  and as for the
plug, i reconnected an IEC connection, and use a good
grounded cord.  does this make any more sense?? 
thanks again for your help, and i will look into
getting the manual for sure.  do you happen to know
any good wurlitzer websites off hand?  if not, no
sweat!  thanks again, troy


--- Keith Niver <kaniver@...> wrote:
> OK
> First thing, I would order a complete service manual
> from Morelock's Organ
> Service in Rienzi, Miss. I don't like the fact that
> the ground is cut off
> the plug. That could possibly induce some hum. The
> pick=up bar is the long
> metal plate that surrounds the reeds. The preamp
> board is a small board
> mounted on the top middle of the pick-up bar. Remove
> the long metal shield
> and you should see it. With your description, it
> sounds like you have some
> debris that lodged between a reed and the pick-up
> bar, essentially shorting
> it out. Take a vacuum and carefully vacuum around
> all the reeds. Do NOT use
> compressed air. Carefully lift a group of dampers
> and vacuum and inspect the
> reeds and clearance. Take a business card and run it
> along both sides of all
> the reeds for clearance. Make sure the piano is
> unplugged when you do all
> this. Then recheck the piano and let me know what
> happens. Do you know what
> notes make the loud snapping sound. That may give
> you a clue which reeds are
> touching the pick-up bar.
> 
> Keith
> 


__________________________________
Do you Yahoo!?
Yahoo! Calendar - Free online calendar with sync to Outlook(TM).
http://calendar.yahoo.com

------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor ---------------------~--> Get
A Free Psychic Reading! Your Online Answer To Life's Important Questions.
http://us.click.yahoo.com/Lj3uPC/Me7FAA/ySSFAA/QnLolB/TM
---------------------------------------------------------------------~->

To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
vintagesynthrepair-unsubscribe@egroups.com

 

Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/

Troy and other Wurlitzer 200 owners

Ive just been given a Wurly 200A as well, Ive had the SAME problem. 
Im still working on it. Definately check out Wurlitzer Yahoo Group, 
tons of info there.

the service manual is here >
http://www.interwww.de/web/seipeldata/wurlmanu/

And a complete circuit diagram can be found here>
http://synthetizer-sche.chez.tiscali.fr/divers/wurlitzer/page68.jpg

I cant see how any could charge as much as they are for a photo copy 
of the manual, I could understand it it was an original.

Schel Sullivan

--- In vintagesynthrepair@yahoogroups.com, "Keith Niver" 
<kaniver@m...> wrote:
> Well, a good group site is Wurlitzer_Elec_Piano@yahoogroups.com 
and the
> archives for that group. I would check the wiring for the aux and 
headphone
> jacks and make sure nothing is broken or shorted and tighten them. 
It sounds
> like you may have a power supply problem and/or amp problem. I 
would
> probably suggest waiting until y ou get the manual as it has a lot 
of
> troubleshooting hints in it. Where abouts do you live? Might pay 
to locate a
> good local tech to help you troubleshoot it.
> 
> Let me know if I can help you further.
> 
> Keith Niver
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: troy kimura [mailto:so_ber@y...] 
> Sent: Sunday, June 08, 2003 2:27 PM
> To: vintagesynthrepair@yahoogroups.com
> Subject: RE: [vintagesynthrepair] a new member...
> 
> 
> hi again Keith, i did what you said but it seemed
> pretty clean in there and none of the reeds were
> touching the pick up bar.  i tried connecting the aux
> to the amp though and i found something that might be
> the problem.  when i connect the aux out i get no
> sound from the amp, regardless of the little
> adjustment knob.  when i connect the phones plug to
> the amp i get a little something--also which is not
> affected by the adj. knob.  the knob is not bolted
> down and looks the wiring looks a little questionable,
> though i'm not sure how its supposed to look.  coule
> this be the source of my frustrations?  as for
> specific keys sounding, most of them crackle or sound
> a little when i bang on them hard.  and as for the
> plug, i reconnected an IEC connection, and use a good
> grounded cord.  does this make any more sense?? 
> thanks again for your help, and i will look into
> getting the manual for sure.  do you happen to know
> any good wurlitzer websites off hand?  if not, no
> sweat!  thanks again, troy
> 
> 
> --- Keith Niver <kaniver@m...> wrote:
> > OK
> > First thing, I would order a complete service manual
> > from Morelock's Organ
> > Service in Rienzi, Miss. I don't like the fact that
> > the ground is cut off
> > the plug. That could possibly induce some hum. The
> > pick=up bar is the long
> > metal plate that surrounds the reeds. The preamp
> > board is a small board
> > mounted on the top middle of the pick-up bar. Remove
> > the long metal shield
> > and you should see it. With your description, it
> > sounds like you have some
> > debris that lodged between a reed and the pick-up
> > bar, essentially shorting
> > it out. Take a vacuum and carefully vacuum around
> > all the reeds. Do NOT use
> > compressed air. Carefully lift a group of dampers
> > and vacuum and inspect the
> > reeds and clearance. Take a business card and run it
> > along both sides of all
> > the reeds for clearance. Make sure the piano is
> > unplugged when you do all
> > this. Then recheck the piano and let me know what
> > happens. Do you know what
> > notes make the loud snapping sound. That may give
> > you a clue which reeds are
> > touching the pick-up bar.
> > 
> > Keith
> > 
> 
> 
> __________________________________
> Do you Yahoo!?
> Yahoo! Calendar - Free online calendar with sync to Outlook(TM).
> http://calendar.yahoo.com
> 
> ------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor --------------------
-~--> Get
> A Free Psychic Reading! Your Online Answer To Life's Important 
Questions.
> http://us.click.yahoo.com/Lj3uPC/Me7FAA/ySSFAA/QnLolB/TM
> -------------------------------------------------------------------
--~->
> 
> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
> vintagesynthrepair-unsubscribe@egroups.com
> 
>  
> 
> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to 
http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/