Cherry Audio – Wurlybird 140B (Windows)

The Wurlybird 140B is Cherry Audio’s first sample-based virtual electro-acoustic instrument, modeled after the 1964 Wurlitzer 140B, considered by many to be the crown jewel of the legendary Wurlitzer electric piano family. While the 200 series models are better known – and often imitated – many dedicated Wurly enthusiasts consider the 140B to have superior sound and tone quality.

The Wurlybird 140B was created by Cherry Audio based on deep expert sampling of a professionally restored 140B, featuring subtle randomization of key and pedal sounds, accurate modeling of the original preamp, accurate vibrato/tremolo emulation, and even adjustable ambience. Additionally, the Wurlybird 140B includes a wide range of tone-enhancing stompbox-style effects, from subtle to extreme.

The Wurlitzer electric piano is undoubtedly one of the most classic rock and pop keyboards ever made. Its distinctive rich bark and organic tone have been featured in 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 Supertramp hit, and a very long list of rock and pop classics. The resonance of that sound continues today, with modern artists like Beck and Billie Eilish ensuring its enduring appeal.

Over the years, the Wurly (or “Wurly”) has seen several iterations. The most well-known are the 200 and 200A models, both released in 1968. These models are lighter and more durable than their predecessors, thanks to their molded plastic bodies, making them more practical for touring musicians.

While the 200 series models are the most common, Wurly aficionados consider the early 140B model to be the best in the line, with superior action and tone quality. The 140B was a complete redesign of the Wurlitzer keyboard mechanics, a redesign of the case, and the introduction of the first solid-state amplifier.

When veteran sound designer and sample programmer Mike Martin shared his plan to embark on a comprehensive sampling project of Tom Hammer’s 140B, featured on countless recordings and restored by the experts at Vintage Vibe, we jumped at the chance to create a stunning sample instrument based on this rare gem.

The Wurlybird 140B offers everything a true connoisseur and player could want from such an instrument. There’s a carefully modeled onboard vibrato/tremolo, a variety of release samples, adjustable ambient hum, and even sustain pedal ‘clunk’.

In addition to the ultra-precise sampling and preamp modeling, Cherry Audio has included eight studio-quality stomp-box-style effects: Tube Overdrive, Chorus, Rotator, Delay, Reverb, a seven-band graphic EQ, and brand-new 70’s Phaser and LoFi effects algorithms with discrete vinyl and noise. Wurlybird also provides over 60 stunning and inspiring presets that cover everything from classic to modern tones.