Help! Trying for Find Year & Type for Wurlitzer Model 4150BW

[mikeandmindy]

Hi,

We recently inherited a Wurlitzer Organ...on the back it says it's Model 4150BW. I'm trying to find out a year as well as what type of organ it is, but with no success. Might someone be able to assist? We are also trying to find out what it would also go for if we decide to sell.

[james]

mikeandmindy,

I am an avid Wurlitzer fan. These organs are literally given away or go for no more than $200.00 if they work or could be repaired. These days on electric organs the seller is almost at themercyof aprospective buyer.

Ilike the unique sound of these organs by Wurlitzer, and most of these will only sell to people like me who want them. They do have a beautiful cabinet. This series was in production from 1959-1965. Where are you located? What is the finish of the woodwork? I just recently acquired a 4100A by Wurlitzer, and posted pics on here yesterday. The one I bought for very little does need some work, and I am looking forward to getting it back into good playing condition.

James

[andyg]

Hi

TT is pretty much spot on. My Blue Book shows that the 4150BW is later in the 4150's run rather than earlier, and hints at 1963 for the year. As for value, in good, fully workingcondition it might just fetch $200, but I think the 'give away' is alas nearer the mark. It's a buyer's market and much later, bigger and more versatile organs are being given away or sold for almost nothing.

Ironic, if it had been a tube organ or one of the Wurlitzer reed driven organs, it might have been worth more.

Still, in good condition it can still make a good sound, and they do look good.

Andy

[james]

Andy,

All of these 4100 Series are Tube organs. The console model of this series was the 4460. The transistors came out in late 1964 with the first 4300 spinet, and the counterpart the 4140 spinet models. The 4500 series is the console model of the transistor series.

James

[andyg]

You're quite right, of course, which may add a couple of dollars to the value, but probably not that much. I can remember playing a 'brand new' 4300 in 1970 which made me think that one was later than you say, but it's all there in the BB.

Andy

[james]

Andy,

I don't what I did to make the last entry so BOLD, but I guess I hit the wrong thing above. I would give up all of my spinets for another in good condition Wurlitzer 4300 or 4300D. Hindsight is such a great teacher. I did some foolish things, but sometimes trading a bit can save a few dollars over having something repaired. I just hope the tech can get this new acquisition going for me soon.They keys and stops all work, it is just the pedals don't so I am having hope.

The 4300, 4140, 4500 serieswere reported to have been some of the very best Wurlitzer ever made. It is so unqiue that Wurlitzer had the reed generator days, then the tube day, and then transistors. All of the organs had a different type of sound. Mark Morelock, at the parts place in Mississippi, worked for Wurlitzer for many years as far back as the reed organ days.

James

[mikeandmindy]

Thank you James and Andy your insight has been most helpful. The organ's wood finish is in pretty good condition and still plays quite well (of course I don't have the ears and expertise that the two of you would have). Might either of you know what I could use to clean it with...the wood, the keys, etc.

[andyg]

Keys, tabs etc. Lightly damped cloth is the 'proper' answer, with a mild detergent like washing up liquid. Really stubborn key stains? Use T-Cut automotive finish restorer very gently, then buff up with a fine cloth. Don't do this on tabs as it will take off the lettering!

Wood - there are a few threads on here from people more expert than I. I'm lucky, I have a french polisher as a student. He does my restorations free!

Andy