Pros / cons of 3 jukeboxes needed

Hello all,

I have a mid 70's Rock OLA Mystic 478 with an issue I'm trying to resolve.

I am looking to obtain a working box for the family room. While I am trying to work out the Mystic problem, I am also looking at a few local boxes that have caught my eye.

The first is the SEEBURG JUKEBOX SELECT-O-MATIC PHONOGRAPH, MODEL SS-160 (1967)
The second one is a ROCK OLA 448 jukebox (also mid 70's)

My question to the board members is which of these three machines would you prefer if you were looking for a good looking, and performing juke for everyday enjoyment? Considering all 3 fall around the same price range, what pros / cons or opinions you have experienced with any of these?

Thanks in advance,
-Joe

Hi Joe,
I know nothing about the RockOla--
The SS 160 I am very familiar with. IMHO, this is one of Seeburg's best models. Appearance wise, either you like it, or not--that's subjective. Operational wise, with the correct "original" parts installed, it is one of the best sounding phonos of that era. There are two MAJOR drawbacks, IMHO, to this model. 1. The tone arm. If painted red, is, without question BAD, and must be changed. 2. The castings that support the lid glass ( which covers the title strips) are subject to bending, thus causing binding on the coin return button first, then as the "bend" progresses, it will bind all along the front edge of the glass frame, as the lid is opened. Late production phonos had improved castings--even later phono runs had a thick steel support sheet screwed to the casting ( this was supplied as a kit, at no charge upon request, for years, as was the improved tone arm (greenish/blue in color).
Prior to purchasing this model, I would check the above--check that the amplifier installed was a type TSA-5 code C or D, and the correct door speakers are still installed in the phono ( speakers are silk screened as to placement).
HTH, Ron Rich

Thanks for the reply Ron. I truly appreciate the welcome to the board.

Perhaps I should re-post this inquiry in a separate thread, being new to Jukeboxes but somewhat experienced in Pinballs and Tube Amplifiers. This being said, the Jukebox bug has bitten but I know all too well that there are many purists of differing camps out there. With amplifiers there is tube vs. solid state, pinball has the spring, electro and digital lovers. With this in mind, I will understand if my next question is sinful toward the members of the board who are record or CD purists.

I personally love 45's and LP's and the engineering / mechanical qualities of the older Jukeboxes . However, I know enough to know that I might be over my head keeping one running for daily enjoyment. My wife and kids are from the digital / MP3 age and she loves playing music while cooking dinner. My kids dance around and have a great time with this. Please forgive if this question is sacreligious, but I was also considering a jukebox platform that can easily be applied in conjunction with an MP3 player kit like those found cdadapter.com.

To me, this would be the best of both worlds both in song selection and format / nostalgia factor. Do you have any advise for someone looking for a nice vintage Juke model that is a good candidate for a conversion CD / Mp3 or 45 / Mp3 use? I have seen Seeburgs and Rowes used for this mostly. Any opinions on this? Not looking for a jack of all trades in a Jukebox more looking for the nostalgia factor coupled with the ability to expand the song catalogue. I hope I did not ramble on too much.

Any takers on guiding me in the right direction?

Regards,
-Joe

Joe, based on your last remarks I suggest a Rowe Cd-45 "combo" in the R90-R93 series. The Cd changer wasn't the greatest --it was mid-eighties tech, but overall these models were the best sounding machines ever made -better than the all-Cd models.

While none of this era played MP3 for obvious reasons, they can be easily updated with one of those kits and this will make a more viable machine for the whole family.

The negatives are:

1) The top frame was fiberglass or heavy plastic and because of the force exerted by the gas cylinders that hold the door up for servicing, the top has been known to crack. If i still had any of these machines, I'd just remove the cylinders and build a stick to support the top when open. It is a bit heavy to lift though.

2) The other problem is common to all computerized machines...and that is the computer and mech control boards. These machines were extremely reliable in their day..but that was 24-30 years ago. You may never need repairs on either of these boards, but if you do it will not really be a DIY project. These were very popular so there should be a lot of parts still available.

If you don't have a collection of 45's I suggest an all Cd machine. Personally, I prefer the Rowe machines but I'd skip the first model (CD 100) unless thoroughly updated and the bass was a bit too "thumpy" for my taste.

There are tons of these machines available at prices similar to the 1960's-70's machines and updatable to MP3. For a young family that wants a rec-room machine, this is a better choice.

Rob-NYC

Thanks for the input guys!