Seeburg R

[FDNY1975]

Through word of mouth I found a Seeburg 100R about 30 minutes from my house I am going to look at it tomorrow. The seller states that it is a 10 year old restoration and they are asking $3800.00 for it but it has to be sold by Monday since they are moving and do not have room for it. Not being familiar with Jukes I was wondering if anyone could give me some pointers as to what to look for and what these are selling for. Understand that they need it gone in a few days so that helps me on the price I offer. Price they are asking seems high for a older restoration. Includes 50 or so 45's. Thanks Matt

[bcharlton]

I have a Seeburg R.  It is a great jukebox.  I can be more helpful with pictures.  The seller has "shown his hand" and may make your job easier to negotiate.  I would spend $3000 for a nicely restored R.

i would offer $2000 (assuming it looks great and works) and start from there.

Just my .02

[SIGNGUY]

I'm not a juke box expert but konw the differences between a restoration and a "clean up" .. so make sure to look for things like

the condition of the wood, has it been re-veneered or repainted
the condition of the glass.. is it in good shape, no cracks, chips, etc
the Chrome.. has it been redone or just polished? look for pitting and such.. a 10 year old restoration should have good chrome still if done properly
obviously operation.. make sure it works the right way.. look at the insides see if the insides where redone too, the amp rebuilt

I'd say showing the guy $3000 in cash would convince him if all checks out ok...

[Kilroy]

I've seen A1 restorations go for  2500-3000 these days, , a few years ago, yes he could have gotten $3800.
as for what to look for

- check the veneer  for peeling , the chrome for pitting  it could indicate a half #$%R# restoration or  storage in  humid conditions

-Play a few records - test the sound  , volume control is in the back, should be sharp and clear, the R is Hi Fidelity, not stereo.

- coin gear should be intact, If it's on freeplay,  Make sure  arms were bent in the credit swtich to keep the solenoids energized. This could cause a fire or burn out your keyboard solenoids.

The R is a bice bix. Good luck.

[FDNY1975]

All good advice as for condition I know what to look for in a quality restoration but component wise I am not familiar with Jukes. So as always you guys give great advice. Will get you some pictures tomorrow. Thanks Matt

[Kilroy]

Ask if the amp has been recapped,  you'll know from the sound quality, and don't be afraid to turn up the volume to taste the amp and speakers. the inside should be clean, I would think a restore would have the insides painted.
The R is a poular model, so most parts are repopped or OEM peices turn up on Ebay. Good luck!

[TomFromJersey]

Ask "who" did the restoration. Reputations for doing good or poor work tend to follow people.  If it was done 10 years ago and was a top quality job by an actual restorer then $2000 to $2500 would be fair. There were guys that charged $5500 10 years a go for a freshly restored box, they couldn't get that amount for the same box today.
  TFJ

[mygoose101]

The R is my favorite box. Way ahead of it's time because it has awesome sound even to this day. 

[FDNY1975]

An update I met with the seller today was not able to get a pic sorry. They say the machine had a restoration done 5 years ago. It does look like a newer restoration and a quality one at that all the chrome was in good shape, glass, paint was still pristine, wood veneer was in great shape. Sounded good was on set on freeplay.Come with about 100 45's. I found out the restoration was done upstate NY somewhere they say for $5000.00.
Here is the deal the house was sold they are having a estate sale and are asking $4000.00 for it at the estate sale it needs to be sold this weekend because the movers are coming on Monday. I made a reasonable offer we were still too far apart they said if it doesn't sell at the estate sale I would be hearing from them. My offer was no where near $4000.00 hopefully it does not sell tomorrow. Will let you know.

[FDNY1975]

I have a question relating to Jukebox restoration I see there are a few companies that keep popping up when you do a search for Jukeboxes/restoration/sales.. Is there anyone on here that has used someone or know of someone that does/sells quality restorations that you would recommend. Preferably in the North East. Thanks