#wurlitzer

las vegas, nev. june 2025

Art Deco Wurlitzer butterfly baby grand piano, ca. 1937

This 1937 streamline Art Deco butterfly Wurlitzer baby grand piano in original walnut finish and remarkable condition. Wurlitzer 88 key deluxe has been positively identified as the style 1411. Of the Wurlitzer butterfly pianos, this model has the best detailing. It has the unique winged shape and is one of the most sought-after Art Deco innovations in piano design. The design of the wood that backs the pedals has great Art Deco detail. Piano keys are celluloid not ivory since Wurlitzer never used ivory keys on any of these butterfly pianos. Streamlined elements, including a quartet of raised banding around the body. These are actually sound port slots that radiate all the way around the case and allow sound to escape the cabinet. The “winged” lids open to reveal a secondary ported removable inner lid. These lids are decoratively cutout to allow the sound to ring out via a large F hole, similar to a violin, as well as multiple radial slots along the outer edge. The walnut is beautiful, warm and deeply grained. Although no one really knows exactly how many of these were made the number is thought to be approximately 75 that were manufactured in 1937. The “Butterfly” was made in at least two different sizes including a 73 key version in a Duncan Phyfe, Louis XV or Art Deco style case. The piano offered here is the most professional version of this piano, a standard 88 key model which makes it the most valuable.

Remember, this is based off of LOOKS, not sound or reputation.

Propaganda:

Wurlitzer Orbit III: (from a reblog by @dirtyriver)

I miss everybody! Back at the studio with my topiary hair (topihairy???? too silly goose??) because I had an AHA moment on my walk this morning and realized I knew exactly what the prelude is missing so I recorded that.

Wondering how to find the right illustrator for the record. I am thinking Victorian but make it Miyazaki. Send suggestions anonymously via smoke signal or telepathy or

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Philip Julian Kelsall MBE ALCM (born 13 July 1956) is an English theatre organist who has been principal organist at the Blackpool Tower Ballroom since 1977.

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ABOUT THE SHOW

Thursford’s Christmas Spectacular has attracted over 5.8 million visitors to date and is the largest Christmas show in the country.

It is set in the magical surroundings of mechanical organs and fairground carousels, with a cast of 120 professional singers, dancers and musicians – most of whom are straight out of the West End.

The three hour Christmas performance delivers an extravaganza of non-stop singing, dancing, music, humour (adult) and speciality acts.

It’s a fast moving celebration of the festive season featuring an eclectic mix of both seasonal and year-round favourites, with famous and much-loved chart toppers being performed alongside traditional carols.

Word of this amazing show has spread and it is now generally recognised as being the largest show of its kind in the country, if not Europe.

Up to fifty coaches per day travel from all over the country and many of our patrons have visited year on year, turning the trip into a mini holiday staying in the county’s hotels, guest houses and holiday cottages.

Please note owing to the length of the performance (3 hours) and adult content of the humour, we have 8 + Advisory age, naturally this recommendation is based on a child’s ability to enjoy a performance without disrupting the experience of other visitors.