Which Juke to get ?

[Sodak Bob]

 I have decided to move a jukebox to the top of my "want list".   As I am in the middle of nowhere South Dakota - my options are very limited. I do have a lead on a Rockola 1428 - but would have to ship -    Looking for the vintage 40's or early 50's look.  Any suggestions on what and where ?   Thanks Bob

[VMC 81]

first off buy something that you can get parts for.

Then look at what records are avaliable, 78s or 45s of the music you want to play

 Next what style are you looking for?

 For me a 50s machine running 45s has to be a Seeburg no questions. Then it would be a C,G or a VL200 which I have and you can load it with a 100 45s for a total of 200 songs. The first machine to do so.

 But  if you are looking to play 78s then a Wurlitzer or Rockola

 But any way you go you need to like the way it looks and it should have good sound quality

[davethebirdman]

The post above pretty much summed it up...

A 1940's box for me has the looks and plays the 78's I now need to play to listen to the music I like...

However, most people asssociate jukeboxes with the 1950's R ock and Roll and for that you'd be better off with a 45 player...

I've a Seeburg, Wurlitzer and a Rockola from the Silver Age and the box I play most is my 1900 Wurly... For
pure visual appeal I like the Rockola... It has loads of chrome and plays the record as a record player would have done.. Truely visible.

It really is a matter of taste....

[VMC 81]

for something a little different but very cool

[MCarter]

I got a Rockola 1422 forsale. And i own a Seeburg G, Don't play them as much as i use too.

[Kilroy]

Really can't add anything to what's been said, machine wise decide on what type of record /genre you want to play, 78's  stopped showing up in the US market by 1959, though you can find  R&R songs of the early 1960's on 78  from other countries , but expect to pay big $$

[SIGNGUY]

Like what others have said... Get something that you can use..
I think to fit the theme of coke machines and such, a 50's machine does just that?
I have a Seeburg mode G, Lots of chrome, lights up, full visibe mech, holds 50 45's and you can get pretty much anytying on 45's.. plus you can buy nice machines for not alot of money.
I know of some real nice restored Seeburg R machines in the 3200-3500 range and up.. or unrestored models in the 900 on up..

Good luck on the hunt! that is most of the fun!

[loman4ec]

DO you want a machine that is restored or a project. I have a nice solid Seeburg C that needs restoration but is all there and has a super solid cabinet that I would be willing to sell. I am getting ready to start the restoration in a week or two. Just about everything you can imagine is available for it in reproduction parts. let me know if you are interested. I can ship via NAVL or any common carrier.

[BrianS]

I bought my Rockola 1428 about 17 years ago.  I started out looking for a 1015, but got tired of the hunt.  This internet thing they have now really makes it a lot easier to find stuff, they should have come up with it a long time ago.  Anyway, I bought it from a guy who's father used to have it in his restaurant down on The Plaza in Kansas City.  I have to say I still love this machine.  Very cool but simple mechanism, easy to work on, and tremendously reliable.  The motor has been modified to play 45s so I don't have to stick with 78s type music.  We play it anytime we end up with a group of people over.  So while I would still love to find a Wurly 1015 or 1100, I don't think you can go wrong with the Rockola.  I personally prefer them over the Seeburgs, although the ability to play both A&B sides can be a plus.  If you end up with the Rockola, send me a PM.  I have the service manual which you might find useful.  I have been meaning to upload it to the forum as a Xmas gift back to the group for the education I get from their posts, just didn't know if there would be a benefit to anyone.  Good luck with your hunt!