Phonoland

Hi all,

After a year or so of repairing/restoring a few EM pinballs, I thought I may venture into jukebox world - but it sounds far more scary, recapping things and valve testing, etc!

But I saw this machine when buying my last pinball.

The chap selling says it was working but it had to manually push the record carousel (wrong word I'm sure - sorry) around but then the record would play. I think with lots of google, this forum and purchasing the manual, I could have a crack at fixing it but what worries me more is from the photo it seems the white lettering is missing across the top red glass where it should say "Wurlitzer Hi-Fi Stereo" and possible even broken to the right.

So, I have two questions, first one: thoughts on that piece of trim - does the lettering only show up when you switch it on? If no, is it likely it "fell off", can you find reproductions, etc?

Secondly, and I know this is how long is a piece if string, but how much would offer for this machine in this state?

Many thanks in advance

Danny

Danny, as you observed, the top glass has been replaced. the original was an annealed plate glass with a sharp curve where the silk screening was. I doubt you'll find one.

I bought two of the 200 model in July 1986 for $200 a piece. One stereo and one mono, we searched around the storage area and found all that was needed to make them intact.

You are correct in that these are different and a bit more complex than a pinball.

Unless that machine has been -properly- restored at some point, it will be filthy inside and require thorough washing, contact cleaning and burnishing and amp rebuilding.

If you decide to go for it I suggest a service manual is essential and an honest assessment of your skill in understanding basic -electronic- circuits and ability to solder and replace circuit components. This isn't as daunting as it might sound, but there is a fair amount of work and skill involved. Above all else: Do not 'tinker" - I have seen some awful damage done to these old machines by 'shade tree mechanics".

Rob-NYC

Rob-NYC wrote:If you decide to go for it I suggest a service manual is essential and an honest assessment of your skill in understanding basic -electronic- circuits and ability to solder and replace circuit components. This isn't as daunting as it might sound, but there is a fair amount of work and skill involved. Above all else: Do not 'tinker" - I have seen some awful damage done to these old machines by 'shade tree mechanics".
Rob-NYC

I like the "This isn't as daunting as it might sound"...
To me, maybe, but to a non-tech - I dunno bout that.
I really hate to sound negative but... I basically cling to reality.

I really hate to sound negative but... I basically cling to reality.

Well, here is a bit of "reality"for you;

-The number of people who actually had operating experience with these old relics declines, almost by the month.

-Everyone- I knew from that industry when it was based here in NYC are gone -all of them.

-The number of young people who are interested in jukeboxes is declining as well. As an operator with now 31 years of experience and 46 years of owning jukeboxes, I see this first-hand. It was always a very niche'd market, but now with people carrying their whole music universe in their pocket, the appeal of a 400+ pound machine with 200 selections (at best) is not going to grow.

Either those of us with real knowledge help people who want to get involved in the hobby, or eventually all of these old machines will be relegated to the dump. It is that simple.

Rob

Thanks everyone for the first thoughts.

From what I have read, it would certainly be a challenge for me. But in a weird way that makes it more appealing, in that I would have to learn new skills while restoring something from years gone by that I find rather beautiful. (Plus gives me another excuse to spend hours in my work room, which is therapeutic in itself!)

First things first - if indeed that piece of red trim is missing, then really it's a non-starter, as my goal would be to restore to original. The seller said he had another box that had never worked, but its not the same model. I'm speaking to him this weekend, and if it has that red trim (highly highly unlikely) then maybe….but I already feel this is heading towards the world of "In the mean time I'll be searching Craigslist for a suitable candidate".

I'm pretty sure I'll be back to ask more advice

Danny

Danny, it is not a "piece of trim". That marquee is screened on a single piece of glass that bends down over the entire viewing window.

The original obviously got broken and a sort of substitute was made using two pieces of glass.

I used a 2400 in a retro ice cream shop for about 11 months in 1988. I was always worried about that glass.

The 100 and 104 selection machines are a bit simpler and have the same sound system as the 200's I owned.

Without the original glass it will never be as built, but I wouldn't dismiss it totally -especially if the price is reasonable.

Rob

Thanks, Rob

The guy was asking $400 and would throw in the other machine (which I still do not know what that one is - he's not the world's best communicator )

But without that red glass (which I feel is a key part of its attraction) I think it will just never look as beautiful (to me anyway) as I know it could.

So, folks, I am still looking for my first jukebox project...

Danny

Rob-NYC wrote:

I really hate to sound negative but... I basically cling to reality.

Well, here is a bit of "reality"for you;

-The number of people who actually had operating experience with these old relics declines, almost by the month.

-Everyone- I knew from that industry when it was based here in NYC are gone -all of them.

-The number of young people who are interested in jukeboxes is declining as well. As an operator with now 31 years of experience and 46 years of owning jukeboxes, I see this first-hand. It was always a very niche'd market, but now with people carrying their whole music universe in their pocket, the appeal of a 400+ pound machine with 200 selections (at best) is not going to grow.

Either those of us with real knowledge help people who want to get involved in the hobby, or eventually all of these old machines will be relegated to the dump. It is that simple.

Rob

Hi Rob,

I couldn't agree more with you, 40 years in the trade (35 being self employed) and still repairing Rowe Ami jukeboxes.
I let customers watch me whilst doing repairs and if they wish to pay for the extra time spent on doing the repairs we turn it into a training course giving hands on information of cleaning, adjustments what and where to lubricate etc.
We are finding that the interest in jukeboxes in the UK is growing, more and more USA dealers are selling into europe on Ebay.

With regards to the Wurlizer 2400 I know it is almost impossible to get spares, if anyone needs any then it might be an idea to place a wanted advert on the Stamann website.

Regards
Alan

Alan Hood
ami-man
UK