Wurlitzer Juke - how much ?

[Skeleton Man]

Hi guys,

Someone in the same town as me is selling a wurlitzer juke..  all they said is it's from somewhere between between the 60's and 70's.

They don't have pics, but I wanted to know what a fair price is for if I do go and look at it ?

I'm going to ask if they'll take my cornelius squaretop as a straight swap, or at least a part payment..  (I fixed it but I can't get rid of the thing !!)


Chris

[dr galaga]

It's kind of hard to say given that much of an age range.  The ones from the early 60's are kind of collectible, but you would have to pay me to take one from the mid/late 70's!  '>

[Skeleton Man]

Even a ballpark figure would help..  (e.g. $200, $300, etc)

[Kilroy]

He's got to give you a model number to search on, we can all give you a ball park figure, but as the Doctor said, there's nothing to go on.
 I'd pay 1000 for a cool looking  restored 60's juke, big fins, lotsa chrome, loaded with 45's  visible player, etc, but having  come of age in the 70's,  you would have to pay me for to take one of those machines.

Does it work?  Parts cracked or faded or missing? I'd take a look at it, then ask to make an offer if you're interested when you have time to search a little more on the model.

Or offer $200

[SIGNGUY]

I agree model number and condition mean everything ... there are some pretty ugly beasts out there from the 60's - 70's that I wouldn't even take for free!

[Skeleton Man]

I will see if I can get a model number then..  I guess it would be a little much to ask if I could take photos and think about it..  (might think I plan to break in or something !)

The impression I get is it's someone in the same position as me.. and it's sitting in a garage collecting dust..

[SIGNGUY]

I would think it would be acceptable to tell the guy, hey I don't know much about these and I have some friends I'd like to consult with to help me make an informed decision on whether or not to buy the Juke. As far as pictures, if a model number is not available I'd say it's ok to ask.
All in all it always comes down to desire, if it's cool looking and you WANT it, you'll know in your head what your budget is so you'll most likely make the right deal. But if your looking to buy and resell, then you'll want all the info you can collect before buying.
Good luck! '>

[BrianB]

Asking for the model number is definitely a good thing. There's nothing wrong with being fully informed. Pic's would help, but aren't absolutely neccesary.

I agree with the others on the "looks" of a lot of the 60's-70's jukes....There are a few that look ok. Just my opinion.

[Skeleton Man]

Well I made a time to go look at it tomorrow, so we shall see what happens..

[Eric]

Hope he doesn't know what he has and it's a sweet 50s/early 60s for you! Good Luck!

[Skeleton Man]

Thanks Eric..  I've had to delay looking at it twice !  The first time I had to go out, and today the weather is so bad I'd be lucky to get to the end of the street (blowing snow, winds up to 45Km/h and wind chill of -41C).

[davethebirdman]

-41 I don't know how you guys cope.....

[Skeleton Man]

Most of the time it's only around -8 to -12C which is pretty easy to tollerate when you're used to it.. (of course gloves a heavy jacket help too  '>)

[Skeleton Man]

Well I saw the juke today.. it's a Wurlitzer 3210 (serial #712941) with around 600 45's...  but the asking price is $1500 !!!!!  ($1000 for the juke alone)

Needless to say I'm no longer interested..  I had a budget of $300 tops and was going to try opening with an offer of $200...

I should also add they refused to put a record in and let me hear it play, claiming it needed to be re-balanced and wouldn't play.

What's the average value for one of these ?

Pics below..

[SIGNGUY]

They where asking $1500 for it and WOULDN"T even play it for you? What does he think he has??? Some people!!!
Personally I just think it's plain old ugly and you couldn't pay me to haul it away!, but I'm more of a 50's era guy.. need chrome and some rounded corners for me to look at it! WOW..can't believe the gall of some people... hopefully you didn't have to drive too far?

[Skeleton Man]

One of these people trying to retire on selling one machine I think..  and no, it was like 2 blocks away from me, hence I was so interested..  

Waiting to hear if another juke in a neighboring town is still available so I can check that out..  (don't know the make, but it apparently runs, all be it with an external amp.. guess the original is shot)

[halehouse]

And a lot of $ for the records!

Stupid question:  What city is pictured across the top?  Cleveland?

[Skeleton Man]

I have no idea what the city is, but if anyone knows I'd love to find out.

I thought it was way too much $$ for the records..  they wanted the equivelent of 85c per record, yet I see them in salvage stores for a nickel each or 3 for a dime, etc..

I doubt the other people looking at it will bite at that price.. especially considering it would take 4 guys to lift it up the steep basement stairs !!

Can anyone give an idea of an acceptable price range for this era of machine ? eBay doesn't help because it's full of people asking anywhere from $800 - $1500 for simmilar models..

[dr galaga]

I would say that this machine would go for $250-$400 if  it worked (but who knows on ebay!).
It's from 1967 and only holds 50 records (100 selections) so it is not as desirable (the 3200 is a 100 record juke).

[Skeleton Man]

That's the price range I was kinda hoping for..  I would've considered $300, but not $1500..

[SIGNGUY]

I'd say $300 tops, but again, I personally don't like these machines... I'd save the money and buy a nice seeburg 1950's unit like G, R or J.  Chrome Baby Chrome!!! Gotta love the chrome!

[davethebirdman]

I have to agree. With the prices you guys can pick up 50's Jukes I'd save my pennies and get one of them.

[Skeleton Man]

I will save my pennies for something..  not sure what though..  the trouble is that it would cost me more in shipping for any machine than it's worth..  (I'd pay $400 for a machine and $600 shipping !)

My major problem:  I live in a small town, I don't drive and I don't own a pickup.  It's kinda hard to snag a truck and a driver on short notice..  (if it was in town or like a 15 minute drive obviously that would be easier)

[davethebirdman]

It mustbe really difficult in North America if you don't drive.

[Skeleton Man]

It is.  Back home (Australia) public transport anywhere was no problem, but here there is no public transport outside the major the cities (and I live in a small town).