T2000—what sounds like the name of a long-retired Terminator model is actually the designation of one of the most unconventional vintage electric pianos. Yet, the Wersi Pianostar T2000 has earned its place among iconic cult instruments. Despite its outward resemblance to the Fender Rhodes, it is remarkably powerful and offers far greater flexibility.
The Wersi Pianostar remains an insider tip for players who appreciate the unconventional. Its high-quality wooden keyboard ensures a satisfying playing experience. The instrument was particularly popular in the entertainment industry, where the Wersi brand enjoyed an excellent reputation.
Compared to the Fender Rhodes and the Wurlitzer 200A, the Wersi Pianostar appeared relatively late on the market (1980). This is partly because it relies on a fully electronic sound generation rather than a electromechanical one, which did not yet exist in the 1960s.
The Wersi Pianostar employs a frequency divider circuit, a technology commonly found in vintage transistor organs. Moreover, the keyboard of the Wersi Pianostar is fully polyphonic. Its solely electronic tone generation also allows for a broader palette of sounds than would be possible with electromechanical instruments.
The Wersi Pianostar features a resonant low-pass filter with LFO modulation, creating timbres that blend electric piano and synthesizer elements.
Its cult status has even been acknowledged by synth enthusiasts such as Tastronauten, who have added the instrument to their impressive collection and actively use it in their musical projects.
The Pianostar also includes a “Hawaiian” effect with automatic pitch bending, as well as vibrato with two selectable settings. An additional octave coupler allows the sound to be doubled one octave lower.
The Wersi Pianostar was available in several versions. In addition to the T2000 combo model in a Rhodes-style cabinet, there was also an upright version with a wooden cabinet. An elaborate grand piano variant was likewise produced, featuring a sophisticated mechanism that allowed the velocity sensitivity to be adjusted.
Visually, the Wersi Pianostar T2000 closely resembles a Fender Rhodes Mark II: the vinyl-covered case, slightly curved plastic lid, and not least its substantial weight all recall the classic design.
In addition, the high-quality wooden keyboard is pleasantly reminiscent of a Mark II. To the left above the keys is a control panel featuring a volume knob, a transpose switch, and a distinctive “Slalom” fader that produces various pitch-bending effects. This is an unusual but intriguing feature for an electric piano.
In addition, eight preset sounds (including piano, stage piano, electric piano, honky-tonk, banjo, and kinura) are available and can even be layered. On the right-hand side, a separate panel provides access to filters and modulation effects.
When no effects are applied and only one preset is selected, the Wersi Pianostar may sound rigid or slightly cheesy, depending on the chosen voice (Kinura). Its true character only begins to emerge once the filter section or octave coupler is engaged.
Then the instrument reveals its distinctly psychedelic personality: warm, organic, and spacious electric piano textures that are truly unique. From subtle, gently evolving filter effects to fuzzy, synth-like sounds, the tonal possibilities are surprisingly broad. Layering multiple presets effects is the key to unlocking the Pianostar’s full potential. An ultra-rare instrument that has been unjustly overlooked.
Unless otherwise noted, the photographs in this article were taken at the eboardmuseum in Klagenfurt am Wörthersee, home to one of the world’s most extensive collections of vintage keyboard instruments. We would like to extend our sincere thanks to the museum’s founder, Gert Prix, and the entire eboardmuseum team for their generous support.
Founded in the Hunsrück region of Germany in 1969, Wersi gained prominence in the 1970s for its electronic organs. In 2010, the Cologne-based retailer Music Store acquired the financially troubled company. Since then, Wersi has focused on the production of high-quality arranger keyboards.
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