AMI Model F Juke

[GreginNM]

Hey guys...what's the prevailing opinion of the 1954 AMI Model F-120 jukebox?  Is this a decent unit to get?  I found one that was working, but has sat for a long time.  Asking price is $250 OBO.  I appreciate any advice you guys may have.

Greg

[Kilroy]

The first question is, do you like it?

For resale value, AMI's are not as popular  as a wurlitzer or seeburg of the same time (ie 1954)

Never worked on an AMI, but i've heard they are very  easy to work on, and can the volume control goes  up to 11 <g>

Parts can be difficult to locate,  ansd not a lot repopped, again due to the low collector interest in them.

That said, it's a good price.  I'm indifferent on the look,  it's called lovingly or crudely a 'fish Tank'. 

If you do decide to go for it, plan on recapping the amp and reeiver.

Ph,, make sure it  didn't work it's way  up from Mexico or South America.. If it's been painted lime grren and red, run

[BrianB]

I would echo what Kilroy said. AMI's don't have the same collector appeal as the Seeburg's or Wurlitzer's.

I however like how they look and have been looking around for a decently priced, close-by "E" or "F". I would say that if it's complete (Amp, Selection Rec., Coin Gear, Turntable Mech, and the cosmetics aren't too bad) $250 obo is a great deal. Do you have any pictures of it?

Yes, definitely watch out for the south-of-the-border machines!

[Kilroy]

Greg,
how far are you away from Laredo?
I have a lead on a Seeburg C, haven't seen it yet, was told told it's nice.  Dealt with the  guy a few times, straight shooter, for the cost of shipping it to Michigian I can  buy one here to resotre.
If you are  interested i can get you more info and pics.
I have no stake in the sale,  it mqay be a Seeburgio special, in which case i would say pass.

[bcharlton]

Not a fan.  I own 2 AMIs.  I like my seeburgs much better.  They sound good but they are not very attractive.

[GreginNM]

Thanks for the advice, guys!  I attached a picture below of the jukebox, it's the only one I have.

Kilroy, I'm about 3 hours from Laredo, but fly down there all the time for training.  If you could get more info and pics, I'd be interested in at least checking it out. 

I know the AMI is likely much more budget/War Department friendly than a Seeburg/Wurlitzer would be.  I'm still just browsing the Juke option at the moment...don't know if I can get one past the Misses.  She did see the one Jeff Wolf posted sitting at the base of his stairs and liked it (she also likes the 30s/40s wood/colored plastic models).  She'd be all over a 1015 Wurlitzer if it didn't cost so much!  My buddy in Little Rock just picked up a 1938 Wurlitzer that he is working to restore, I'll see it in June when I go out there.

[Kilroy]

Greg, I'll  get the info to you.
The Rockola's and Wurly's of the 30's and 40's are  my favorite,   but they are limited to  playing one side of a 78,  so you have 20 selecions instead of 100 from a 50's box., and   the 78 pretty much was dead by 1960, so don't look tunes recorded after being available.  That said, Rhino records  did come out with a set   of hits  on 78 in the 1990's, out of production, and when it sohws up on Ebay, it goes for a few hunfred $$

[davethebirdman]

There's a guy this end of the world that repros 78's with modern day hits...

May have his details somewhere... Kept them for the day when I eventually get a 78 player...

[loman4ec]

I personally like the AMI. Its not as good looking as the seeburgs but it is a good looking box and I have heard that they sound better than anything else. The bottom line is its cheep and if you like it go for it. I know I would buy it for that without thinking about it if it were local to me. Go for it!

[MoonDawg]

        Looks a lot like a sand blasting cabinet to me