SMC Discussion Areas

Hey everyone,

I was thinking, which usually becomes be a bad thing, the other day about U-Select-It machines and how so many I've seen do not have bases...
I have two versions, pictured below, and wanted to poll the members to see if there is a need to reproduce a few of these bases...

I haven't asked for a quote from anyone yet; just want to ask here to see what a fair price for a reproduction base would be to encourage an order, then I would know if the quoted price will be within our budget... Rumor has it, these have been reproduced in the past, but I do not know what they sold for at that time... I am thinking a selling price somewhere around $250 may be affordable to those that may need one, but the "tan base" pictured may be a little more complex to fabricate thus a slight cost difference between the two bases...

Any suggestions, feedback or concerns are welcome!
Thanks for you time and input!

I would think there would be a market if you could keep it in that 250 range for a nice quality reproduction...

I've looked into having them reproduced and I was being quited 450-500 each? which was astronomical and I didn't do it...

I was told making and bending the rounded corners in the front was the challenge,, but of course that could have just been a challenge to the shop I was getting quotes from .. others may have the proper tools to make.

I would think the only one needed to produce and the one more sought after is the stand on the left.. the one of the right was for the larger machine where part if it actually sat down into the base.. but I have never seen one of those larger machines without it's base... whereas the other one was easier to take off or add to it.

Good luck on your efforts.. I'll be curios to find out what you come up with.

John

        Are they found without stands because they could be ordered that way? Seems a little heavy for a wall hanger.

        I have never owned one but you asked for input. I have always thought these were nice because they save space,
 but they're so skinny it looks like one would tip on a soft carpet.

       I am always for original reproductions but if the base were made a little wider, I think the machine would have a more balanced look.

Jim,

Just bought a U select and I am in need of a base (the one on the left to be exact). If you pursue this please let me know as I am interested. I am going to check with my local fabricator to see what the cost might be with him as well.


Will be in touch....

Jeff

Glen it's amazing that they are not as tippy as they would appear... I thought the same and the bases are original pretty heavy duty and help balance the weight..

Ihad three uselect its.  One new square one with a base, one wall mount, and one old one with the base.  The two that I had with the bases were like how John mentioned.  The candy belt assembly went down into the base.  There is no way that machine would be sold without a base.  If you were to make a base, the one on the left would be the only way to go.

I was asked yesterday to look into making one for a friend.  The best price he had been quoted was $750.  I think it would be a great item to have. I see the U-Select machines far to often without stands!

Jared

Jim from Northland Jukebox reproduced the base several years ago.
  TFJ

I've asked him a year or so ago and he either is not doing them any longer or I personally think he just does them for his restorations and doesn't sell to others? just my two cents?

Update:
I may move forward with this project provided I have some interest...
I will have a final price quote by the end of this week; preliminary pricing for 6 or more was just over $220. Unfortunately, it isn't as reasonable as I was hoping in order to keep the price at or around $250... I was hoping to be able to make a little profit for time & efforts...  I'm not even sure about shipping fees yet...
Again, I am at the mercy of the members to see if this will help some of you out and more importantly, will fit into budgets...
Thanks for any and all input/suggestions!

Jim,

If you choose to go forward with this I will definitely commit to buying one. Just let me know what I need  to help make it happen as I have not looked into getting one fabricated. If buying one here will help others get a base at a reasonable cost them I'm all for it.

PM me if you need to talk.

Thanks for taking on this project!!!!

Jeff

$30 profit can't be worth the hassle, but considering how many are missing the base I would think you could get a bit more for at least 5 if you needed one yourself. The machines are pretty cheap without a base and it really makes a difference for the machine for the restoration.

Another update:

I decided to have the bases reproduced, but only for the "solid top" version where the machine sits atop the base.  I know some have expressed an interest and I appreciate your involvement which did aid in my final decision.  I was able to get the manufacturing cost down just a little which will afford me the ability to sell the initial run to those members interested for the original estimation cost of $250 plus shipping.  For those still interested, contact me off list or by phone should you have any questions or concerns...
77two*834*327one

The U-Select-It Bases have been manufactured as you can see in the photos...
I think they came out very nice!  They are almost identical to the original too! But, you guys/gals be the judge...  I did have a couple at the Chicago Show so anyone that saw them can comment as well...
I talked with Mike & Jim @ Northland about the bases, but they did not make their version as close to the original.  They're version has a back cabinet door that helps with integrity/strength.
.

They look great Jim!
  TFJ

Sweet! a great looking repop

Looks to be the same in every way . Awesome. 

Jim ,

  Thayer looked Great at the Show !!!