Phonoland

As a restorer/servicer, one of my recent customers had me restore a Magnavox console stereo for them.
They offered me an additional "gift" as a thank you for my work.
This is a jukebox - Rockola Star(something)2? (possible 400 series model?)
All I know is it plays 45's, and doesn't have a mechanism viewing design.
It also needs some "minor" repair from what they said.

Anyone here familier with this juke?
Tips, etc?

I'm not sure about accepting it yet, thus my questions.
I'd have to pick it up 2 hrs away.

Hi Matt,
I'm surprised at your question--here's one for you--
My Chebby won't start--it's a Pick-um-up, truck--whutta I do ?
RockOla made the "400 series" from about 1963 to 1990---( model ID tag should be on outside rear of cabinet)
Ron Rich

Ron Rich wrote:Hi Matt,
I'm surprised at your question--here's one for you--
My Chebby won't start--it's a Pick-um-up, truck--whutta I do ?
RockOla made the "400 series" from about 1963 to 1990---( model ID tag should be on outside rear of cabinet)
Ron Rich

Oh Ron, ya gotta bust 'em, huh?
Sheesh!

Anyway, I only saw a quick look at a brochure the customer brought me, when they picked up the Magnavox today.
I seem to remember the name MAYBE being Rockola "Starcraft 2" or something along that line.
I saw a "Supersound 2" circa 1985 that appears to have the same cabinet style.
Model number perhaps 490 or 494 - I suppose it's close.

I just want some feedback on this, and if it's worth me dragging someone with me for a 2 hr trip.

It's free, but the gasoline isn't.

Take a look here: http://www.pinballrebel.com/archive/rockola/rfeat.htm ...And see if you can identify it by pic.

Generally, Rock-Ola has a slightly lower collectible value than Seeburg or Wurlitzer. They were sold as "economy machines" although they were very popular in Latin America and Europe due to simple construction. That last point is relative to your ability to repair what is still a complex electro-mechanical device. This ain't a "record player" -well it is...but with a lot of extra stuff added.

When jukes got into the late 70's many used LSI chips & components which are now NLA.

If the machine basically works well you probably can sell it for $150-$200 -maybe more but understand that you will either have to warranty it and be able to service it if problems occur, or sell it "as-is".

If you want it for your own enjoyment, that is another matter. Those here can probably talk you through most problems and their won't be a customer breathing down your neck.

Rob/NYC

Indeed, it definitely looks a LOT like the Supersound 490 series or the Encore 494 series.
But this specific one, I think the Starcraft 2 - I cannnot find ANYthing about it online.

It does look a bit boring though - no visible mechanism.
But shoot, for free, what can I expect, right?

I thought it might be neat to put in a corner of my basement entertainment room.
That's right! - I said NEAT.
LOL!

As for any repairs needed - I've restored a Wurlitzer 1100 and a Rowe/AMI before without much pain.

If it's a 490 through 494 I've got to warn you those have a nicad battery that leaks all over the main computer board. When that happens, about 9 times out of 10 you've got a great big paperweight/doorstop.

Guys,
I advise ANYONE running any electric devise, that uses a Ni Cad, to, if at all possible, cut the battery off the board--add a couple of wires, and re-mount that batt ( or, better yet, a new one) OUTSIDE the computer ! Ron Rich

Since the owner claims "it did work but needs some attention now" - and this battery issue is possible, I'm not so sure about going to get this beast.

1) I won't be able to find out what the problem is at the owners home.
2) The thing weighs 313 pounds and lugging it in a minivan 2 hrs home - I don't wanna get stuck with a pile of junk if a board is fried and unobtainable.