How to choose your juke
and what you should look out for
 It's not everyday that one decides to go out and purchase a jukebox. Most people who do will probably only ever buy one machine during their lifetime.
True, there are many who own several machines, but you don't have to be a collector in order to qualify as an enthusiast. Most people only manage to find room for one machine, although many owners change their machines as they work their way up to their desired machine.
Buying a jukebox is an important event, unlike purchasing a loaf of bread or a new pair of shoes - it should not be undertaken lightly. There can be many pitfalls along the road to finding your ultimate dream machine. A veritable minefield of confusion and bewilderment awaits. However, with a little guidance and a good deal of qualified advice, the operation can be accomplished with very few problems.
There are several ways to go about finding and purchasing a machine, Let's have a look at the choices:
Category One
Fully restored fully working ready to take home
and use! Machines in this category are usually the most expensive at least
initially as the total cost has to be borne in one go, so you need to have
worked out your budget well in advance. This
is a convenient way of buying a jukebox provided you can find the right
model without having to travel hundreds of miles searching for it in the
first place.
Category Two
Machine
in good condition all round with as many original features as possible including
plating, glass, plastic trims, decals, buttons, etc. fully working ready
to use. The same rules apply here as in category one except that original
machines are harder to find and are very often in private ownership.
Considered by many to
be the most desirable machines
You
may have to purchase at a fairly high price without any warranty or guarantee
although you could get the jukebox checked over by an expert for a small
fee before you part with your cash.
Category Three
Unrestored but fully working this is a fairly
popular method of buying particularly for the more enthusiastic who want
to have a go at restoring a machine but need the security of knowing that
it does at least play before they start pulling it to bits.
Machines
in this category are usually in need of a considerable amount of cosmetic
work and may need a fair bit of money spending on them in addition to
the purchase price ie plating may need attention, ideal for the D I Y
man.
Quite a popular way to buy especially if the budget is a bit tight
Category Four
Unrestored, as is, as seen or as found. Usually
bought by the trade or at least the more experienced person, this type of
machine can have hidden dangers lurking unseen ie it
could be incomplete.
Usually
offered for sale by people specialising in importing large quantities
of jukeboxes from all kinds of foreign parts, these machines will normally
be in need of serious restoration and will probably have parts missing
and broken. Could be an expensive mistake, not recommended for the first
timer, will need money spending on it
Let the
buyer beware!
Category
Five
The Replica if
you're not bothered about authenticity, these machines have a lot to offer.
Bear in mind that, with the singular exception of the "Wurlitzer 1050 nostalgia",
no manufacturer ever made a domed or arch shaped jukebox that played 7 inch,
45 rpm records - those machines dated from the 1940's and played 78s.
The reproduction or replica machines have the appearance of the 1940's
models with up-to-date, state-of-the- art technology inside the cabinets.
Up to 200 selections on vinyl 45s and over 2,000 selections on compact
disc are possible. Vinyl machines are no longer in production but you
can get a brand new CD machine with a factory warranty and many years
of trouble free use in front of you. Can be an option worth considering
Category
Six
A Juke
Joint bespoke restoration. The machine of your choice, restored to your
exact requirements.
Not
only do we carry out all the work but we will try to find the jukebox
for you and purchase it on your behalf. This is a limited service and
you will need to contact the Juke Joint to discuss your requirements and
our availability. |
