by Rob-NYC »
Mon Oct 07, 2013 3:30 pm
Oh, he'd have no real trouble with the European machines as far as troubleshooting goes. Anyone expert in the American machines will have a combination of skills involving systematic analysis, common sense and patience.
The real problem with the foreign jukes was the fancy dancing they had to do to steer clear of the American patents. Americans had pretty much cornered the design market for simple, rugged mechanisms and the machines has mush more sophisticated amplifiers with tone shaping, AGC etc. The Europeans often to scrimped on safety with the use of amps that had open core transformers and often no cover on the bottom of amp chassis pans. Some of the interior shots and in-person sights of these machines were rather shocking (pun) compared to what was expected practice over here.
Another issue related to the exchange rates that prevailed back in the 50s-70s. This led to the use of less than desirable materials such as plastic gears and synthetic rubber for belts and idlers.
Much of those differences have disappeared over the years -for all that matters now.
Big, garish, belching and rugged jukeboxes were one of the things we Americans got right. Figures.
Rob/NYC
"If we believe absurdities, we shall commit atrocities" -- Voltaire