1inxs
Junior Member
Posts: 68
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Post by 1inxs on Jul 28, 2021 0:15:26 GMT
I have always had an interest in owning a vintage jukebox. Stocking one with vintage records and occasionally playing music is my goal. Over the years I have looked at a variety of jukeboxes. What makes one brand more sought after over another? I am currently looking at a Rowe AMI JAN 200 that seems to be in good condition. I don’t know if it works. I do maintain my Bally Slot machine in working order thanks to the slot machine forums. Recommendations for purchasing one for personal use and maintenance would be appreciated. Thanks for your help!
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Post by Ron Rich on Jul 28, 2021 2:48:31 GMT
A Rowe AMi JAN 200 would be one of the last models I would select for reliability. Later Rowe's ( about the R-90 up), were much more refined. I may be considered prejudice here-- but I think the most reliable 45 rpm player available, would be a Seeburg SMC model, equipped with my new computer. ( and I just so happens I have one for sale -- contact me if interested at ronnnrich@yahoo.com)
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1inxs
Junior Member
Posts: 68
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Post by 1inxs on Jul 28, 2021 4:05:16 GMT
I was looking for late 50s to 60s for the year. Can you give me some insight to what would be recommended through this era?
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Post by Ron Rich on Jul 28, 2021 14:21:51 GMT
I don't have any idea as to your electro/mechanical skills, but you will need some-- for photos of Seeburg's jukes, see Tony Miller's website ( info in our FAQs section) - for other brands, the German Jukebox site listed in FAQ's, or try finding the "pinball rebel's" site-- I would tend not to "pick" the "first model of any series" from any maker. Ron Rich
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1inxs
Junior Member
Posts: 68
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Post by 1inxs on Jul 28, 2021 15:05:18 GMT
Ron, I appreciate the feedback. I'll hold off and enjoy other people's jukeboxes. They are an interesting piece of workmanship and thought. Thanks again
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Post by Ron Rich on Jul 28, 2021 15:17:23 GMT
I did not mean to "scare you off" ! My view is somewhat different the the average home-owner, as I made a living working on jukeboxes (mostly Seeburgs) all my working life ! Ron Rich
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Post by jukenorman on Jul 28, 2021 16:15:38 GMT
I actually think you would be OK with a JAN. American jukeboxes of the period you are considering are pretty much always fixable, unless they are absolute basket cases! Support literature is generally good and spares are fairly plentiful. I won't dispute that some are better than others though. I recall the old boss of a local operater that I used to bug when I was young (I think the only reason he put up with me was to wallow in some nostalgia of the old days), he would always say "the Seeburg is the Rolls Royce of jukeboxes"!
Norman.
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Post by Ron Rich on Jul 28, 2021 20:43:27 GMT
Hi Norman,
Don't know how much you have done on AMi's but IMHO the JAN 200 is an awful "finicky" version--m later updated versions are much EZ er for me to keep/get working ! Ron Rich
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Post by jukenorman on Jul 28, 2021 21:08:49 GMT
Very little on the JAN to be honest Ron! I was basing my opinion mainly on the previous model, the Tropicana which was OK and on AMi's generally which I have always foumd alright. I am now warned about the JAN though!
Norman.
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1inxs
Junior Member
Posts: 68
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Post by 1inxs on Aug 1, 2021 1:11:30 GMT
Ron Rich and jukenorman What is your experience and opinion fora Rock-Ola #1462? It appears to be limited on selections, but other than that seems to have a pretty good look. Thanks Robert |
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Post by misterv on Aug 1, 2021 1:20:58 GMT
If you aren't up for a DIY project...... you may find a Pinball/Coin-Op shop with a healthy repaired unit ready to go.
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1inxs
Junior Member
Posts: 68
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Post by 1inxs on Aug 1, 2021 2:42:34 GMT
If you aren't up for a DIY project...... you may find a Pinball/Coin-Op shop with a healthy repaired unit ready to go. For the most part I DIY on everything I own. The closest thing to a jukebox is my slot machine from the 60s. I don’t have a problem with minor repairs on electronics. The Rock-Ola 1462 is original working condition only appears to need disassembly, cleaning, lubrication, re-assembly and adjusting. My real question is about the dependability of the 1462. Based on the previous posts, the Rowe AMI is a problem child and not recommended to own. |
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Post by Ron Rich on Aug 1, 2021 3:52:44 GMT
Look for signs of "rust" on the basket- the record retainers tended to rust at the pivot-- otherwise, some small drum connector problems, but a fairly good machine--
IMHO, buying a jukebox from a "Pinball shop" is like buying a KIA from a Ford dealer ! Ron Rich
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1inxs
Junior Member
Posts: 68
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Post by 1inxs on Aug 1, 2021 15:43:11 GMT
I appreciate the help. Would the rust still develop on a jukebox kept indoors and maintained since new? My man cave is kept at 75 degrees year round using mini splits. No swamp cooler for my collectibles.
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Post by Ron Rich on Aug 1, 2021 15:59:37 GMT
I have no idea--just l@@k -- LOL Ron Rich
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