Looking for new project - Suggestions

I am almost done restoring my Seeburg HF100r and have an opportunity to get either a 1972 Seeburg Bandshell USC2 or a 1973 Seeburg SPS2. A guy locally near me (about 10 minutes away) is selling off about 20 jukeboxes, some in great shape and some just the cabinets (e.g. Seeburg AY160).

The USC2 and the SPS2 are almost complete, do not know if they even turn on, but need a great deal of restoration. Was planning to call and go down to take a look at them to make a visible check to see what is missing from them.

Which one would you pick, USC2 or SPS2 and why?

Hi Ron,
They are virtually the same phonograph ! Cabinet is the only "real" factor--and then, the cabinet design engineer bragged to me that not even one new jig, was needed to make those SPS cabinets--we just "reformed" some of them--
As I noted in my "Seeburg MicroLog Trouble Shooting Guide", there were several problems with the early production USC-2's--hopefully all have been corrected by now--
I would be sure that the amps are correct, as they can be interchanged, but it was STRONGLY dis-courage !
(USC should have a TSA-10--SPS a SHP-1 or 3)
Ron Rich

From a pure sound perspective which amp has the most bang for the buck the TSA-10 in a USC2 or SHP-3 in the SPS2? I guess also the speaker configuration will have something to do with it but from what I can see the speakers are the same. The SPS2 I am looking at is not one of the upgraded Quads ether.

Ron,
IMHO, the SHP-1, is the best--depending on the volume control installed--SHP-3 was an "economy" move from the SHP-1.
Ron Rich

The difference that Ron is referring to is that the first volume control module was dual loudness tapped as their earlier pots had been and the last two (VC-3 & VC-4) had only a single tap. This simply meant that the earlier ones had more bass boost at lower settings.

It does tell you something about a company's mindset when they get that cheesy. They probable felt that since these machines were typically used -loud- the lower tap wouldn't be missed.

If you are willing to forgo the motorized remote capability any dual 25k pot could be used.

Rob/NYC

Hi Rob,
Not only were the later pots different--they dropped the parts off the boards in the later SHP-3's, and used far less expensive output transformers-- However, you are incorrect--almost any pot can be used with a PRVC-4---as long as it has a "spline" on the control handle, that can be attached to the PRVC clutch. Ron Rich

Thanks for all of the info... I am just waiting for the guy to get back to me as to when I can go take a look at the units.

Both units USC2 & SPS2 were described to me as "Mostly Complete" with some loose parts. Just from the cabinet look, I am leaning towards the USC2 but will see when I get a closer look at them... Both he will sell for $70 each, not a type-o either $70. Might need to make room in the garage if they are both in restoration condition. Or worst case sell them off for parts.

It's all in the eye of the beholder, but personally, I like the looks of the Bandshell over the Matador. A co-worker has a Matador and while he enjoys it, I don't find it that aesthetically pleasing to look at.
It's the same with the STD-3(Sunstar) and STD-4(Mardi Gras). Almost the same machine inside, but the STD-3 is easier on my eyes. The STD-4 looks like it belongs on the set of the Match Game.

I don't think you could go wrong buying both at $70 each. When they're done, you can do an A vs. B comparison and keep the one you like the best.

Good luck. Keep us posted!

-Jim

I went over last night to take a look and it was hard to see anything as this guy had about 40 jukeboxes in his garage so I could not really see what is in the units, he is going to rearrange his garage today so I can go over tonight.

And for the STD-4 your right or in the back ground of the Dating Game , he has one but its been restored already and wants $3k, to rich for me... I want something thats dead and bring it back from the grave like I did my 100r.

Guys,
It sure is in the eye---I like the USC-2, SPS-2, and the STD-4--I dis-like the SPS-1, and the STD-3--nor, was I ever "crazy about" the STD-1--- Also, I hate the SternBurg SMC-2, but love the Seeburg SMC-2. Ron Rich

So I bought both units Seeburg SPS-2 and the USC-2

The mechs and tormats are in both units.
Speakers are in both units.
Both units have the power units DCC4-2 (SPS-2) and DCC2 Code A (USC-2).
The USC-2 has a TSA-10 Cobe B AMP but missing the SHP-1 AMP for the SPS-2.
They both have the gray DRD-1 Digital Receiver Decoder units.
Neither have the DTP-1 Credit Unit "Black Boxes".

I also got an extra top access panel door (100% complete) for the SPS-2 and an additional glass top with title selections. Nothing extra for the USC-2.

I paid $200 for everything. I am very happy, yes missing an AMP for the SPS-2 but I more wanted the USC-2 so I will work on that one first while I look for a SHP-1 AMP. I will be picking these up either this weekend or next working out the details.

Question for anyone.... They are both missing the Pickering 340D cartridges, how much do they go for in decent shape? Also what would be a good replacement if I can not find a 340D?

I have one from a SPS 160 with good needles. PM me if intersted.

Well I bought both , actually while I was picking up the SPS2 & the USC2 yesterday, this guy had about 100 jukeboxes in his barn and I picked up a 146 Trashcan and is 100% complete (less the color animation for the dome). It needs new plastic side pieces but the white dome is perfect.

I really wanted the USC2 but that one seems to be worse for wear. The TSA10 amp has many disconnected wires, the DCC2 is not working either. The machine is missing the DPT and power switch, but for $100 I will bring it back from the dead. At least it has the mech in good shape and the pickering 340D, all of the glass is perfect & the cabinet is in good shape. I have cap kits coming for everything next week.

The SPS2, I have basic power (lights) now after replacing the power cord, but need to work on the DCC4. The big thing is I don't have any DCC or Amp mounting brackets for either machine and I don't have the SHP1 Amp for the SPS2 anyway, he had a SHP3 but I am holding out for a SHP1.

I guess I will work on the Trashcan for now, since the DCC units for both SPS2 & USC2 are pretty bad off. Just wondering if it is worth trying to save them or to buy ones that are in better shape...

Hi Ron,
If you purchase components on eBay, or similar sites, "you getz what you seezee"--eBay "guarantees" that--ONLY--
If you purchase them from any of the "legitimate sources" I listed, above, in the USA ( and probably others listed, out of the US), they all will, at least look at the item, and guarantee that it is not a "basket case"--ask first--
I have SHP-1's, and DTP-1's, for sale--PM me if you wish--
Also, as noted in my "Seeburg Mechanism Guide", the correct part number for that cartridge, you are calling a "340D" is 253781. Other interchangeable carts were issued, with different part numbers, due to the different needles installed, and in one case, a different colored plastic. Pickering's number was 340 ( I think)--which also had to have other numbers/letters denoting the needle type installed.
The "D" if used, would have signified a "diamond" needle, a "S" indicates sapphire.
And---as noted in my "Seeburg MicroLog Trouble Shooting Guide" The DCC-2, Code A units, were all (supposed) to be recalled, and re-worked to a code B unit.
Ron Rich

I completely understand buying from eBay and buying from a collector, not just with jukeboxes. I was not complaining at all about what I picked up, just stating status and fact that I got a great deal, knowing I would have alot of work to do. Especially since I went over the week prior to actually see the units in person, so I knew what I was getting.

Thank you for the info on the DCC-2 I need to see which I have for the USC-2, A or B.

I will PM you with a list of things you might have...