Things to consider when contemplating a restoring or refurbishing a Wurlitzer Butterfly Piano.
Reality: The Wurlitzer Butterfly Piano was a truly unique design. You will have multiple challenges in approaching a restoration that you will ultimately be happy with. Understanding them is key to making an informed decision when contemplating a restoration project.
Physical Size Limitations: With the unique shape and and small footprint of the soundboard, these pianos will always have limitations to the amount of volume and tone that can be achieved and/or expected. This is not saying that they can't be made to perform well, you just shouldn't expect something with a 2-/12 foot soundboard to rival a Steinway grand.
Prejudice: Being such a small misunderstood piano, the likelihood of finding a restorer who doesn't have a bias against it may be a challenge. Most of the comments found online in reference to these pianos are based on a lack of passion for these instruments, which is understandable. We can all agree they are not a Steinway, and were never intended to be. A restorer who doesn't recognize the challenges and potential of these instruments, will most likely not achieve satisfactory results. Additionally, after an unsuccessful restoration, it is easy to blame the piano after the fact. In my humble opinion, these pianos can perform well given the proper approach.
Education: Part of a successful restoration on these instruments will require educating yourself about these pianos. These pianos have unique features and quirks, and it may be up to you to communicate them. I have undertaken the restoration of two of these instruments and on both occasions, I have had to undertake additional work to achieve results I was happy with. Approach the project with the idea that you will have things that you will need to know about your piano.
Costs: Even though the piano is small, restoration costs will be just as much as an ordinary piano. Unless you are restoring a Model 1411 (88 key model), the costs of restoration can be prohibitive, and far exceed the value added.
Reality: The Wurlitzer Butterfly Piano was a truly unique design. You will have multiple challenges in approaching a restoration that you will ultimately be happy with. Understanding them is key to making an informed decision when contemplating a restoration project.
Physical Size Limitations: With the unique shape and and small footprint of the soundboard, these pianos will always have limitations to the amount of volume and tone that can be achieved and/or expected. This is not saying that they can't be made to perform well, you just shouldn't expect something with a 2-/12 foot soundboard to rival a Steinway grand.
Prejudice: Being such a small misunderstood piano, the likelihood of finding a restorer who doesn't have a bias against it may be a challenge. Most of the comments found online in reference to these pianos are based on a lack of passion for these instruments, which is understandable. We can all agree they are not a Steinway, and were never intended to be. A restorer who doesn't recognize the challenges and potential of these instruments, will most likely not achieve satisfactory results. Additionally, after an unsuccessful restoration, it is easy to blame the piano after the fact. In my humble opinion, these pianos can perform well given the proper approach.
Education: Part of a successful restoration on these instruments will require educating yourself about these pianos. These pianos have unique features and quirks, and it may be up to you to communicate them. I have undertaken the restoration of two of these instruments and on both occasions, I have had to undertake additional work to achieve results I was happy with. Approach the project with the idea that you will have things that you will need to know about your piano.
Costs: Even though the piano is small, restoration costs will be just as much as an ordinary piano. Unless you are restoring a Model 1411 (88 key model), the costs of restoration can be prohibitive, and far exceed the value added.
Keyboard and Action Restoration
After having worked on a number of these piano actions, I decided I would try to detail some of the work as it progresses, along with any helpful tips and or unique parts specific to these pianos.
After having worked on a number of these piano actions, I decided I would try to detail some of the work as it progresses, along with any helpful tips and or unique parts specific to these pianos.
