Jukeboxes have been around since the 1920’s so there is plenty of choice. To explain the differences it is useful to split them into their historical periods.
Pre-1940 jukeboxes are essentially true collectors items. They only play 78prm records and are hard to find in the UK. They are not a practical proposition for a beginner.
The 1940’s are generally regarded as the ‘golden age’ of jukeboxes. This was when there popularity was at its highest and the classic features of jukeboxes of light, colour and design were established along with visual play i.e. being able to see the record selected and played. Perhaps the most memorable of all jukeboxes , the Wurlitzer 1015 was produced during this period. However, jukeboxes of this period only played 78rpm records and none had more than 40 selections (some only had 20). Examples from this period are relatively scarce and prices tend to be high. For example, a 1015 in excellent condition would cost from £8000 to £10,000.
The 1950’s saw the advent of the 45rpm format and a much greater increase in jukebox capacity. By the end of the decade most manufacturers were producing jukeboxes which held 100 records giving 200 selections. This period of jukebox production is known as the ‘silver age’. Models from this era tend to be the more popular jukeboxes collected in this country. The 45rpm format has now lasted nearly 40 years and so there is a immense range of music available. Also there is a wide choice of styling and appearance available, from ones strongly influenced by car design to those reflecting the coming of the space age. Generally, prices are much cheaper than their golden age counterparts and a silver age jukebox in reasonable condition can be purchased for about £2000 upwards.
From the beginning of the 1960’s manufacturers started to move away from visual display mechanisms and the vogue was more of a closed cabinet design with the use of vibrant colours and lighting. Many of the major manufacturers struggled to survive during this period as sales fell. This trend has continued ever since although the advent of CD technology and the re-launch of jukeboxes in the 1015 style has brought about a small revival.
Jukeboxes of post-1960 design with no visual play can be bought for as little as a few hundred pounds.
Like most purchases, it normally comes down to how much you want or have to spend. If you are looking at a few hundred pounds then realistically you are limited to the post-1960’s range. Occasionally you might see a silver age jukebox in need of complete restoration in this price range but they are few and far between. If you have a budget of at least £1500 then you can start thinking about a silver age jukebox. Should you spend a lot of money on a post-1960’s? Well, if you really like the design of it perhaps but bear in mind that they tend not be such a good investment as the older models.
One starting point is by getting a book on jukeboxes. You can borrow one from your local library or buy one on-line from one of the major Internet bookshops. Most of the books tend to be American, but then so are most of the jukeboxes ever made. Another useful reference tool is the Internet. There are some very good Web sites showing pictures of jukeboxes and giving specifications. For examples, see some of the links on Tom’s Web site. There are about 5 jukebox fairs held in the UK every year - see the Events page for the next one. Go to one - have a good look at the jukeboxes - talk to the dealers - nearly all of them are friendly, helpful and very enthusiastic about jukeboxes.
There are a number of jukebox dealers throughout the UK who would willingly sell you one. They do to tend to sell the more expensive (silver age) boxes as this is where the biggest demand is and the most profit. You can't make much profit on a £300 jukebox. The jukebox you buy from a dealer will normally have been restored to some degree. You would also expect to get a guarantee - 3 months is fairly typical. For these ‘extras’ you will obviously be paying more than a private sale.
If you want to buy privately look out for ads in your local newspaper and the other publications specialising in small ads. Buying something you know nothing or little about sounds daunting but if you are mechanically and/or electrically minded and the outlay isn’t too great then a private sale might be a more cost-effective proposition. Manuals are available for most jukebox models but they do vary enormously in detail and usefulness. Some are nothing more than basic service and operating guides with a few wiring diagrams included.
Another decision when buying an older style jukebox is whether to buy one that has been fully restored both from appearance, electrical and mechanical aspects or an unrestored one that needs perhaps some or all of this work doing to it. Obviously the unrestored one will be cheaper but will you be able to restore it yourself? Do you have the space (and restoring a jukebox certainly needs plenty of this), time and patience? Certain aspects of restoration can be expensive, particularly re-chroming. Also, if you are buying an unrestored box are you sure it isn’t missing any mechanical or trim parts? If any are missing, how important are they and are they available from suppliers?. A lot of reproduction parts are available both in the UK and in the States but there are may that aren’t, particularly trim.
One reason for setting up the BJO was to encourage wider jukebox ownership in the UK. Members of the BJO are not experts or jukebox professionals but they have all had first hand experience of buying and owning a jukebox and they want to help you. Ask all the questions you want - even ones that may seem too stupid or obvious.