Wurlitzer 206A

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Wurlitzer 206A

S/N 127281L

Steve Graham

Estimated 1980 – Model 206A pianos were made from 1974-1983 with the last serial number being 133144L. On back of action rail is stamped 80414047 (code interpreted as YYMMDDXXX). Suggests April 14 1980. Serial number ending in L indicates built at Logan Utah plant.[/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text=”Resources for Steve Graham” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][iron_button text=”Service Manual” text_align=”left” link_external=”https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0666/2821/files/Wurlitzer_200_and_200A_Service_Manual.pdf?8872610067384662061″ hover_bg_color=”#0a0a0a”][vc_empty_space height=”20px”][iron_button text=”Zip File With All Images” text_align=”left” link_external=”https://crickers.rocks/blog/wp-content/uploads/206A.zip” hover_bg_color=”#0a0a0a”][vc_empty_space height=”40px”][vc_column_text]

Initial Plans

• Regulate Keyboard
• Inspect Amp Circuit  (complaint – not working)
• Add Vibrato
• Add Aux Out
• Consider removing wiring from large multi-pin jacks on rear (removes shock hazard), potentially install IEC AC jack like a 200/200A
• Consider adding 4×8 speakers in piano lid

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Service Log

Regulate Keyboard

• Disassemble piano, remove action rail
• Inspect & clean capstans
• Check if key easing needed. Not necessary
• Regulate piano
• Quicken keyboard action:
  • Remove each whip assembly one at a time and lubricate all 3 action centers (wood/felt/pin) with 8 parts naptha/1 part silicone. Reassemble each whip back into the action rail..
• 1 broken whip – install new one (lowest note)
• Remove hammer assemblies one at a time and lubricate action centers, reassemble.
• Lube key posts with Vintage Vibe key post lube
• Reinstall keys,
• Clean key tops
• Set Lost Motion:
  • adjust bottom capstan screws (ensuring the jack accurately returns in the hammer butt on slow return of a depressed key)
• Install harp
• Check that hammers hit center of reeds while avoiding braces
• Install damper rails.
• Reassemble piano
• Top 2 keys (B6 & C6) stick when depressed. The front of hammers’ felt rubbed against the harp assembly – would catch and not release. Filed down front of hammer felts just enough to clear harp assembly.
• Check key height
• Adjust damper screws and adjust damper felts so all reeds are equally dampened
• Set each key’s let off with regulating capstan screws (evens out loud/soft notes and evens feel)
• Voicing – adjust each pickup to bottom of reed to increase or decrease harmonics. On a few softer notes, I adjusted the reed very slightly to one side of the pickup to increase its volume relative to the other notes.

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Rebuild Amp PCB

Adding Vibrato & Aux Out using Vintage Vibe’s 206A > 200A conversion kit

• Remove piano’s selector switch pot – install new 50k pot w/ 18k resistor across lugs 2 & 3
• Remove R57 12k from reed bar preamp

Change components on amplifier board (203724)

• Remove C22 1mF (used for teacher microphone circuit & adds hiss)
• Install:
  • R17 4.7k trim pot 1 & adjust to ~ 2:00
  • R13, R14, R15 680k
  • R16 10k
  • R12, R41 27k
  • R18 680ohm
  • R21 & R41 27k
  • R42 120k
  • R43 1.8k
  • R44 15k
  • R46 120 ohm
  • R47 56k
  • R48 180 ohm
  • Q3 & Q4 142083-2
  • Q15 & Q16 (later model versions)
  • C10 22mF 25v
  • C16, C17, C18 .12uF 100v
  • C23 1uF 25v
  • C24, C25 39pF 25v
  • C26 & R59 4.7uF & 25v in series
  • C27 47uF 10v
  • LDR photoresistor
  • Jumper wire & posts

Install amplifier into piano and test – No Sound

Double-check & reflow solder points on amplifier PCB

Install replacement transistors set (27) from Busted Gear:

• Small signal transistors:
  • TR1, TR2, TR15     2N5089 NPN
  • TR3, TR4                2N5088 NPN
  • TR7, TR8                2N5087 PNP
  • TR9, TR10, TR14      MPSA06 NPN
  • TR12                        MPSA56 PNP
  • TR16                        MPSA14 NPN
• Output Transistors:
  • TR11                        TIP36C PNP
  • TR13                        TIP35C NPN

Install 1/4″ Aux output and potentiometer under piano left side

Install switch to mute internal speakers (when using Aux Output) under the piano in the old control center cluster.[/vc_column_text][vc_masonry_media_grid element_width=”3″ grid_id=”vc_gid:1601659749694-b18766d7-16aa-9″ include=”2251,2314,2312,2250,2361,2362,2364″][vc_single_image image=”2366″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center” onclick=”zoom”][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]

PARTS

VINTAGE VIBE ORDER #22432

Wurlitzer 206 / 200A 1/4″ Jack Plate $8.00

Wurlitzer 200 Series Lid Hardware Kit $10.00

Piano Key Post Lube $12.50

Wurlitzer 206A Vibrato / Aux Output Kit $90.00

Wurlitzer 140, 200 Whip Assembly – 200 $12.00

Subtotal: $132.50

 

BUSTED GEAR

Qty. 1 Wurlitzer 200A Small-Signal Transistor Kit $ 16.98

Qty. 2 Wurlitzer 200A Output Transistor Kit $ 20.96

Qty. 2 1.5 amp glass fuse with axial leads for Wurlitzer 200A $  9.00

Qty. 4 Pigtail Adapter Springs for 1/4″ fuses $  6.00

Subtotal: $52.94

 

TOTAL PARTS: $185.44[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]