Jukeboxes add fun and intrigue to a rec room or basement, and they add character and entertainment to a bar or restaurant. They are sources of income, too, and are eye-catching, nostalgia-inspiring, conversation-starting pieces of furniture. Buying a jukebox is a classic case of letting the buyer beware: it's an expensive undertaking, it's full of potential pitfalls and it requires plenty of due diligence and attention to detail.
Function
Decide what you want your jukebox to do. If you're planning to use it as a means for people to play a wide selection of modern music, a small digital wall-mounted jukebox is the way to go. It allows the owner to select a given number of songs, and the customer can pay extra to request a song that is not in the jukebox's regular repertoire. These digital models are sometimes made to resemble vintage jukeboxes.
If you want something old looking, you can buy an inexpensive replica of a vintage model. And if you're looking for authenticity, you should be prepared to pay top dollar; your jukebox will be very old and either recently restored at great expense to the owner, or in need of expensive restoration from you.
Authenticity
If you're buying a vintage jukebox, you owe it to yourself to ensure that it is the real thing. Buy from a reputable dealer, check the serial number and do plenty of research on the seller and the model you're considering. Know a bit about jukeboxes--for example, the iconic arch-top jukebox was made only by Wurlitzer, so if you're buying an arch-top jukebox that plays 7-inch, 45 rpm records and carries any name other than Wurlitzer, you're buying a replica. You may want to consult an antiques expert for help.
Practicality
It's nice to think that even now, you can buy a jukebox that spins the very same records your parents and grandparents listened to as teenagers. But it's also a bit impractical; vinyl wears out, and replacing it with records that are in sound condition can be expensive. This may also limit your music selection or make it exceedingly hard to find the records you want. Unless your jukebox budget is very high, you may wish to purchase a replica that plays CDs, which are easier to find and replace.
Design
Jukeboxes come in many shapes, styles and colors, and yours should fit the room, both in tone and size. A small basement with a pool table is no place for a clunky old jukebox, and a retro diner is no place for a modern digital jukebox. Make sure you have plenty of room for your jukebox. If it's too big, it will look odd and be an inconvenience to you and your visitors.
Related posts
Use four alkaline AAA batteries in the Wurlitzer remote control.Some Wurlitzer jukebox models include The Princess, the Digital Princess and the Peacock, but the One More Time CD jukebox, which fe...
Personal music players may be portable, but none have the panache of a classic jukebox.Repairing and restoring antique jukeboxes is a big industry and an excellent and rewarding hobby. Many of the...
Being able to idenfity a Seeburg Jukebox could land you a bargain purchase.Seeburg Jukeboxes were made between 1928 and 1989, and achieved a degree of notoriety by appearing in the opening sequenc...
How Does a Wurlitzer Jukebox Work?About Wurlitzer JukeboxesWurlitzer jukeboxes are automated machines outfitted with a selection of records, CDs, or songs stored in digital format. They are equipp...
Build a Computer MP3 JukeboxWith the right combination of hardware and software, you can transform your computer into a fully functional home entertainment system. If you love to listen to music,...
