Buying a Rowe International R89

Hello Everyone,
I was thinking about buying a rowe international R89 with records. i was told it lights up but no needle and so cannot test it. I was just wondering what to look for or if i should waste my time on this project i do not know alot about jukeboxes but i have been able to work on seeburg ss160 and get it running. what are they worth i saw a couple of pictures if i think its the right one it does not look to appealing but i figured i could fix it and sell it i just enjoy trying to figure them out, more like a hobby. Thanks!

Hi,
I would "pass" on that model--the keyboard is a known problem, and is NLA.
Other than that, I would test it the same as any other jukebox--do the coins work, does the key board work, does it select the proper (both sides) records, is the amp working on both channels ? Cabinet appearance, and on all Rowe's with a plastic door---is the door broken (at the hinges) ?
Ron Rich

Hi,

The keyboard was an issue but not as bad as the CTI-2 (R-84 based chest version) on the R-89 it uses a overlay over the keyboard these plastic overlays wear out or split over the years. I still have a new overlay in stock.

One of the worst things on this jukebox was the 10 channel Light Control Unit and being as there is not that many of this jukebox about a replacement unit is hard to find. The CCC's on this range 4-07773-05 (the end two number can vary on the issue) are more reliable than the ones used on the R-84 to R-88 and the cold joint (dry joint) issue is not such a problem.

As Ron says the broken cabinet corners can be a major problem and the hydrolic rams will more than likely will be shot.
Test it out, check the sound and if you buy make sure it is well locked down prior to transportation.

Regards
Alan Hood
ami-man

Thanks for the responses it was cheap and I was already leaning not to buy it on appearance but I wanted to get a few opinions to make sure I was not passing up something good. Thanks again