A Truly Dynamic Vibe
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$39.00 -
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Wurlybird 140B is Cherry Audio's first sample-based electro-acoustic virtual instrument, modeled after the 1964 Wurlitzer 140B, considered by many to be the crown jewel of the legendary Wurlitzer electric piano family. Though the 200-series models are more widely known — and often emulated — many devoted Wurly enthusiasts believe the 140B to have superior action and tone quality. Wurlybird 140B has been crafted by Cherry Audio through deep expert sampling of a professionally restored 140B, along with subtle randomization of key release and pedal sounds, precision modeling of the original preamp, faithfully emulated vibrato/tremolo, and even adjustable background hum. Additionally, Wurlybird 140B includes a broad spectrum of tonal-enhancing stompbox-style effects, ranging from subtle to extreme.
The Wurlitzer electric piano is unquestionably one of the most classic rock and pop keyboards ever made. Its distinctly rich "bark" and organic timbre have been heard on countless hits over the years, including Ray Charles' "What I'd Say," Queen's "You're My Best Friend," Three Dog Night's "Joy To The World," nearly every hit from Supertramp, and a seriously long list of other rock and pop classics. The resonance of this sound endures today, with contemporary artists like Beck and Billie Eilish ensuring its enduring appeal.
Over the years, there have been several iterations of the Wurly (or "Wurli"). The model 200 and 200A variants, released in 1968, are the most well known. These models are lighter and more durable than previous versions due to their molded plastic cases, making them more practical for live gigging musicians. Although the 200-series models are the most common, dedicated Wurly fans consider the earlier 140B model the best in the range, with superior action and tone quality. The 140B resulted from Wurlitzer's complete redesign of the keyboard's mechanical action, modified cabinet design, and the introduction of their first solid-state amplifier.
When expert sound designer and sample programmer Mike Martin shared his plan to embark on a comprehensive project sampling keyboardist Tom Hammer's 140B — featured in countless recordings and restored by the experts at Vintage Vibe — we eagerly embraced the chance to create an awe-inspiring sampled instrument based on this rare treasure.
Wurlybird 140B offers everything a true connoisseur and performer would want from such an instrument. It features carefully modeled built-in vibrato/tremolo, varied release samples, adjustable background hum, and even the "clunk" of the sustain pedal. In addition to the super-accurate sampling and preamp modeling, Cherry Audio has included eight stomp-box style studio-quality effects: Tube Overdrive, Chorus, Rotator, Delay, Reverb, Seven-Band Graphic EQ, and all-new effects algorithms for the 70's Phaser and LoFi with discrete vinyl and noise. Wurlybird also provides over 60 fabulous and inspiring presets that span from classic to modern tones.
Musicians will find immediate inspiration in Wurlybird's preset library, created by veteran sound designers James Terris and James Dyson.
James is Director of Sound Design, responsible for preset programming and curation at Cherry Audio. He is a long-established sound designer and musician based in the San Francisco Bay Area who has worked with Dave Smith Instruments/Sequential, Pioneer DJ, Apple, and Han Zimmer’s Remote Control.
James is a freelance sound designer and musician based in the UK. He creates third-party preset packs as JD Soundsets. He draws inspiration and influence from Tangerine Dream, 80s film scores, and others and has been a long-time sound designer for Cherry Audio, Modal, and IK Multimedia.
Virtual instrument based on the rare 1964 Wurly 140B model electronic piano
Deep multi-sample programming by sound design virtuoso Mike Martin meticulously captures the response of every key and reed
Recorded from keyboardist and songwriter Tom Hammer's exquisite reference model
Subtle randomization of key release and pedal sounds for ultra-realistic response
Precise modeling of the original preamp
Gorgeously rendered resizable UI
Easily accessible controls for Vibrato (Tremolo), Tune, Hum, and Velocity Curve
Exceptional stompbox-style effects array: Tube Overdrive, Chorus, Rotator, Delay, Reverb, Seven-Band Graphic EQ, and all-new effects algorithms for 70's Phaser and LoFi with discrete vinyl and noise
Over 60 fabulous presets by veteran sound designers James Terris and James Dyson spanning from classic to modern tones
Complete MIDI control and DAW automation with effortless MIDI learn mapping
Wurlybird 140B Electric Piano is available in AU, VST, VST3, AAX, and standalone formats.
A free 30-day demo of Wurlybird is available. This demo will play white noise periodically, but is otherwise unlimited.
macOS Requirements: macOS 10.13 or above. macOS 13 Ventura supported. 64-bit required. Native Apple M1 or greater processor support, including Ultra. 3.4 GHz Quad-Core or M1 CPU with 8GB of RAM recommended. Local solid-state drive (SSD). Fusion drives or similar are not recommended for Wurlybird and will likely result in performance issues.
Windows Requirements: Windows 7 or above (including Windows 11), 64-bit required. 3.4 GHz Quad-Core computer with 8GB of RAM recommended.
Hard disk space: 380 MB
NOTE: Internet connection required for product activation.
Wurlitzer is a trademark of the Rudolph Wurlitzer Company. There is no association, affiliation or endorsement of Cherry Audio or its products by the Rudolph Wurlitzer Company.