Wurlitzer

For nineteen years, the Wurlitzer in my living room has been a constant source of musical companionship. It is a small, upright piano, but holds many musical secrets. Songs ranging from "Amazing Grace" to "Fur Elise" have been produced by the eighty-eight ebony and ivory keys that make up the keyboard. They are slick, slightly rounded, perfect for precision and ease of playing. Currently, the low C string is snapped, leaving only a dull plunking sound when this key is played. The A above middle C sticks slightly and some of the lower keys buzz, but they add to the character of this old instrument.

The dull medium colored wood has been polished, and gives off a deep sheen when the low light of the piano lamp dances off it. It sets the perfect mood for a few hours of music making. Along the lid are pictures of family portraits ranging from the early 1900's up till the present. The music stand, most likely not originally with the piano, has a golden eagle fused to it. It usually sits, heavily laden with books and sheets of music. The piano bench perfectly matches the piano itself with the glossy sheen on all surfaces. The bench, like the piano, has seen much wear. It is beginning to bottom out, so full of music the staples and nails can no longer bear the weight.

This piano is a source of delight for many users, but now that I'm at college it sits dormant for weeks at a time. Whenever I go home and walk into the living room I see it begging for someone to spend some time with it, to wipe off the dust that has begun to collect and produce melodies to fill the house. So I will oblige and spend three to four hours at a time with my Wurlitzer, my friend.