What's a good 'starter' juke?

[BryanH]

Ok, so I got into fixing / restoring soda machines 'cause I always wanted one of my own.  A nice jukebox has always been an interest.  With all the talk here it's getting to be a fairly close second.  So I'm looking for thoughts & recommendations on a good starter machine...  My preference would be:

- relatively cheap to buy
- relatively easy to find parts for
- relatively easy to fix
- something with lights (colored)
- one that you can see the mechanics working
- on the first one I don't really care if its records or CDs

If you have any thoughts let me know (pics would be nice also).

Thanks.

[dr galaga]

I would say a 60's jukebox (most fit all the criteria except "- one that you can see the mechanics working").  If you get a late 60's one you will have a mechanical machine that has a solid state amp (no tubes).  I bet Josh doesn't like these though since they, for the most part, have the wood grain sides!

I say that any juke is a good "starter" juke as long as it already plays. '>

[halehouse]

Rock-ola

I had a Rock-ola Princess 424 for about 10 years that worked well and when it did have problems was pretty easy to fix.  It wasn't expensive at all and still wasn't when I sold it. Mine had side stereo speakers on the top this this link doesn't have and it still has a small glass window on the top front where you can see the mech/turntable.

[JP White]

relatively cheap to buy
- relatively easy to find parts for
- relatively easy to fix
- something with lights (colored)

Rockola form the 80s will meet the above requirements.  You will have to back-track to the 50s to get a truly visible mechanism and the price usually goes up.  but like soda machines; deals are still found.  

The most reliable machines with a visible mech are the Seeburgs of the 50s in my opinion. The  A, B,C, G, H, R, J, JL, V, VL, 201, 222.  Seeburg switched to electronic memory beginning with the V that is a bit more complemented than the old pin bank memory.  The V and VL are very expensive.  I have restored several 50's seeburgs and all have been very reliable and have good sound.  The BEST sounding machines of the 50s are the AMI brand.  The styling ranged from "phone-booth" to "George Jetson" across the decade.  Some 50s AMIs are very complicated -  the G 200 and later are not at all for the beginner!  Earlier AMIs are much simpler.  
I have a Rockola 1468 (Tempo 1) in our game room as our daily driver.  Very good looking machine; but not of  the same quality or sound of the same year Seeburg.

[JP White]

Just finished a Seeburg 222 thats for sale.  This was the industry's first stereo juke and you can see they made a big deal out of 2 channels.   It even came with a stereo test record to help the operator set the balance...  I'm sure this was a big deal in 1958.

JP

[davethebirdman]

I would echo the thoughts of Halehouse. Anything Rockola after the1962 Princess 1493 is not considered silver age so is reasonably cheap to pick up still has a visiable of sorts mechs and is likely to continue holding its price.

How about a Wurly 2300 model onwards are great looking machines a bit more expensive than the Rockola but then you are getting a great deal more for your money (in my opinion.)

Jukes are very much like Soda Machines. Once you get one you need another. Just be careful they are not male and female because they start breding and before you know it you have a garage full of the buggers...  '>

[bcharlton]

Dave is right on.  I started with AMI 120f wo years ago and it has multiplied to 2 AMI 120s 1 AMI 200R (sold that one because I could not get it to work) A Seeburg 100B,C and a 100 HFR.  I am currently seeking councling.  I am into it as much as my soda machine problem.  I hope jukebox anonyomous can help me.  I know it has helped others in my situation.

BrianC

[SIGNGUY]

Jukes are probably the best compliment to a Soda machine Collection. I have a Seeburg G that is in great shape and goes well with my 50's stuff... I like Chrome, so it fits with chrome on my stuff. Some of the later Jukes with the cool lighting from the Disco era are cool too if you can't afford the 50's stuff.

[BryanH]

Thanks for the tips... any more thoughts and pics plse add.  I'll be watching for deals and let you all know if and when I get one.