The Skyliners on my Wurlitzer 1550

[taf7060]

what a lucky man!!! what a dream toy!

[RICKROLLBLENDER]

the Wurlitzer 1500.... I bet that was a nightmare to restore....

[ninjabluewings]

WOW! She's A BEAUTIFUL MACHINE! These Songs And Players Remind Me Of Christine The Steven King Film From 1978. I Bet The Sound Is AWESOME! I Need An Original Juke Box SO BAD! But Way Outta My Price Range Sadly, Yours Has Been Completely Restored I Take It By The Looks Of Her?

[calemstevens33]

That upside down arm is for the B side?!?! OHH That is SOO COOL! This beats an iPod any day.... Although a bit less mobile.

[jazz0685]

Neat video...love the jukebox and the song is one of my favorites.

[TwinMillMC]

I'm only 28 but it's incredible, this song is so timeless. I'm sure it sounds just as fresh as it did the day it was released. Watching this jukebox play this song actually got me choked up. They're both beautiful!

[Xerox6085I]

Any chance you might have time in the future to put up a video showing the mechanic running through the motions....

[m2esectr]

Nice to finally see the "twin towers" jukebox in action, and great to learn that it can intermix 45's and 78's! The mechanism may be complex because of the twin towers and the two separate tonearms for A and B side. However the selection method by combining one of 4 letters with one of 26 numbers was designed to clear up any confusion the machine may have otherwise.

[TheMaxx111]

Was this converted from 78 to 45? I would think the small platter would cause issues.

[jukeboxeddie]

@TheMaxx111

Hi-

This machine played BOTH 78 and 4rpm intermixed. You could place a 78 or a 45 in any tray in either stacker. When a selection is made, one of the 2 stackers is activated and the record tray swings out from that stacker. The small turntable in the center has 2 nipples on it -- one is a small one for 78's and the other is a wider one for 45's. . If a record plays, the center rod picks up ONLY the record and pushes it up to the top.

[jukeboxeddie]

@TheMaxx111

So how did the machine know what speed to play it at? Here's the nteresting part. The 78 nipple locked into a female at the top and the speed was 78. If the 45 plyed, the outer form would rise slightly higher at the top so the difference in height would trigger the 45rpm motor. If side B played, the underside stylus played and a reversing motor spun the 45 in the opposite direction upside down. Crazy!

[TheMaxx111]

What about only holding the record by the spindal. Does this cause warpage? or other issues?

[jukeboxeddie]

@TheMaxx111

On this jukebox, there is NO spindle. There are 2 protruding collars at the top of the mechanism that enable the 78 or the 45 to latch onto. The 78 has a small hole and the 45 a larger hole. The collars on the turntable are engaged when it rises and if the 45 is played, the turntable rises a few inches higher, triggering the 45rpm motor to activate. There are NO warpage issues whatsoever.

[TheMaxx111]

I always wondered about older jukeboxes from the 1930's. They used steel needls right? THose need to be changed every play. Did they ware out the record then? The Jukebox did not put in a new needle each time.

[jukeboxeddie]

@TheMaxx111

NO, steel needles were used on old acoustical wind-up victrolas, NOT jukeboxes from the 30's. They used osmium-tipped needles which had to be replaced about every 25 plays or so. Only wind-up machines with those big acoustical horns used steel needles and had to be replaced after every play. Jukeboxes were much more advanced for their time.

[TheMaxx111]

I can't imagine the needles got replaced every 25 plays though. I could imagine the needles getting really nasty in there and destroying the records. How often did they replace records and service the machines?

[jukeboxeddie]

@TheMaxx111

In the early 1930's, needles were replaced weekly. Then they began using sapphire needles which lasted about 200 hours -- that's about

800+ plays. Of course diamond needles came in the late 50's and they last for about 20,000 plays. Also keep in mind that the original vinyl 45's were made from high quality materials -- not the poly-vinyl crap they used in later years. I have original 45's I've played since the mid-1950's and they still sound like new.

[jukeboxeddie]

@jukeboxeddie

Records were replaced according to their popularity in the location. Jukeboxes were made to play 24/7, 365 and there was no tolerance for downtime. Any downtime more than 1-2 hours & the operator would find his equipment by the side of the curb. Servicing was done by swapping components to minimize downtime. That's why machines you find today don't have matching component serial numbers. They were swapped out in the field for service calls, repaired and used for future calls.

[lizichell]

I bet that machine has a warmer sound than any or today's tinny ipod crap.

[gregoryagogo]

I wanna see and hear the coin being dropped in the slot!!

[2agray]

Wurlitzer's "Big Muthuh" and nightmare. Looks like you got it working great. They are a pain to keep adjusted.

[eldorado303]

DUDE!!!! need i say more???

[Sternbruecke110]

schade, das die schöne Box auf 45 rpm umgetellt ist. ich habe meine 1600 AF extra zurückgebaut auf Schellack. Macht doch viel mehr spaß und der Sound mit cobra ist auch super!!

[Dealit707]

Just curious!....What is the value of one of these in todays dollars? They must cost a small fortune.

[jukeboxeddie]

@Dealit707

If the machine is complete inside & out they could cost from $500-$1500 unrestored. I am restoring a 1500A now and it is a mechanical nightmare but it is a beautiful machine. Fully restored ones can sell for as much as $5000 but they are difficult to maintain. Only 1200 were made.

[bmxgeniesdad]

NICE BIT OF KIT , THANKS FOR SHARING

[pendragonshaw]

I'M IN LOVE WITH THAT "WURLITZER" !!

[rockybabyboy]

Amazing jukebox!

[Dee530]

GORGEOUS!!!!!!!!!

[bikeboytim]

cool!

[Georgiahulse]

This must have cost a bomb. Did people really have these in their homes?

[Davehvl]

A friend of mine in the 50's had one in their family room.

[Mexico002]

BADASS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Spectro96]

My dad use to be a jukebox technician back in the 60's-70's and mostly when a tube radio/amplifier have that buzz sound is because has a bad capacitor (dry cap).

BTW

Lovely jukebox and lovely music, would like to have a jukebox myself, thanks for posting.

[jukingeo]

That machine is sure a beast. Supposedly the heaviest jukebox ever built. I wouldn't want to be the one to move one. Very nice machine though once you get it to run properly. Definitely not for first time juke purchase.

[Dealit707]

That's funny, because that's the first thing I thought about when I saw this monster.

I guess you would get a mover versed in moving things like grand pianos.

What ever the cost.......I would pay, to ensure total security.

[KT88seamp]

Does that unit have a small hum and/or buzz if you put your ear into the speaker when nothing is playing?

[geert107]

no there is a muting on and also the High voltage is 0 when it stops playing

[BabbyKat]

Cool!

[ProcyonAlpha]

Man, that is beautiful!

[tough213]

hello I think that this jukebox is great I believe that this plays 78 rpm records as well can you show the jukebox playing one on side a and b I would like to see that . keep bring the great oldies thanks

[bURRkEEF]

Awesome! Great song and an amazing jukebox!

[rodmauldin]

i can build jukeboxes at the age of 10! easy all you need is a cardbord box and a cd player hint dont forget the details

[Bertrandd06]

Super juke-box et belle chanson des Skyliners.

Merci Blunigini c'est magique!

[jayceegallagher]

definitely the best version of the song by FAR

the only version i currently own is Art Garfunkel's

[shutixa]

The iPod of the '50s!! Beautiful box with a great tune ... thank you for sharing!

[koolbossjock]

Very Sweet,If i took anything to my grave with me it would be this.How bout a vanilla coke with that.

[theweddingplannerwnd]

is this for sale?

adam

[blunigini]

No, I'm sorry.

[theweddingplannerwnd]

its awesome - i have to sell my man u memorabilia collection to afford to buy one

[TECHNOBOFF]

a clever idea from wurlitzer, with the two pick ups so it can play either side. they were always ahead of their time.

[doowopp45]

not to cut down Wurlitzer because I love them but my 1948 AMI model B jukebox played both sides. The 1550 was 1953. I had a 1550. I never could get it to work right. It sure was pretty though.

[blunigini]

Sorry, the models 1500-1550 are 1952, the models 1500A-1550A are 1953. Check everywhere. The AMI B is great, hope to have one!

[dmorrell2253]

great sound!, beautiful machine!

keep em' coming!

[Koindrank]

SWEET!!! God bless you and your jukebox! :)

[koolbossjock]

WOW Thats rare man.What a sound these things had.

[peteykkk]

Great song and group! Great memories!

[kybdnewbie]

WOW! Only the second W1550 I have ever seen that works!

This is such a finicky machine - how did you ever get it adjusted to work so well! Definitely a complex and HEAVY machine - thanks for sharing this beautiful piece of Americana with us!

[soxbearshwks]

very very cool

[VICIOUS323]

wow...geee wiz...listen to that great wax sound...they dont make em' like they used to huh?,.....i love this jukebox what year is it?.... i wish i could see one in the flesh . owning one would be soo neat..i love the skyliners,...my two favorite songs by them are since i dont have you...(this one).. and this i swear... well enjoy that old wax!!

[DalrockTX]

I love to watch a jukebox. And that's probably the most amazing Wurlitzer I've ever seen. I love the ones that show you the record and that was fabulous. Did it say it can play both 45's AND 78's??

[farr64]

love that juke box and the skyliners its captured the 1950's.thanks for sending

[nostalgiabufff]

Fabulous old juke! I heard this song in 1972 when I saw American Graffitti for the first time and it is one of my very favorites. Beautiful colors that you have and I'm glad you used an original copy of the record, instead of a reprint. Keep on rockin' and lets see more!!! More MORE!!! Thank you!!! =)

[spicegirlno1]

One of my favorite all time songs...I was just 16 and had just met my first boyfriend...nostalgia for sure!!!

[olddad40]

Wow love your video, the juke box is great. Always loved them. how many songs do you have in it? And do you change them out ? Are you going to post more >Thanks for sharing rock on!!!! great Doo wop !!!!

[jukeboxmad]

IM HOOKED i love these old boxs you get in to them its for life i wasent born in the 50s i wish i was bring them days back !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[francoeyourtube]

greeeaaaaaatt!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Gamefan113]

That's an aswesome jukebox. It's so cool looking. Where did you get that jukebox from anway? What other songs do you have on it? If you have any other good oldies, please post it up using your kick ass jukebox.

[globehunter2]

The greatest spendor of these Juke Boxwes was watching

the Mechanism operate! it was a show in its self,

sadly in the 1970,s most juke boxes did,nt display

the phonograph they only produced sound. not exciting.

[Tejano44]

I love jukeboxes since my family owned a bar business and later worked as a bartender for many years . Viva club Rio .

[Heix360]

fantastic!!!

[tubellarbells]

jaw dropping !...I've loved these singing monsters ever I first one at 2 years old. I luckily own an AMI CONTINENTAL 1 and the Wurlitzer 2104 from 1957. But these two-tower models are too much !. I can only assume there is a tonearm on each side ???? !!!

45's and 78s on different sides ?

What cartridges do you use ?

Fantastic gift to all jukes lovers in the world.

Music never looked so good again after these jukes years, did it ?

Greetings from Santiago !

[blunigini]

Thanks for your comment!

Yes, there are 2 tonearms; the juke uses the same Astatic Cobra cartridge for 45 and 78.

Long life to the jukes!

[jasonlava]

Wow! That's one awesome machine, but very complicated. Looks like yours is working fine. I love the mechanical action and sounds as well as the record spinning and the of course, the music.

[irannostalgiacom]

Nice. Thats when listening to music was an experience in itself!

[billygtexas]

I guess this mechanism was Wurlitzer's way of competing against the first Seeburg 100 selection jukeboxes. I hope that big box not a nightmare to maintain.

[blunigini]

You're right: it was a desperate attemp to be competitive! Yes, the mechanism needs a lot of adjustments and I often call it "mechanical nightmare", but when you see it working the effect is great!

[billygtexas]

Beautiful restored jukebox and a real classic. Kudos for using a original 45 instead of a reissue for authenticity. I have never seen a Wurlitzer jukebox with that kind of twin stack mechanism before. Must be very rare.

[blunigini]

The mechanism is very complicated and the juke is very heavy and big. WurliTzer made it in 1952 and didn't sell many of them. It plays 78 rpm and 45 rpm both sides intermixed! I also have 3 wallboxes and other auxiliary equipment.

[stoneshepard]

This was OUR song thanks SO much, and I don't have to look at singer.the best way to do this.

[csilrun]

I love the old scratchy records. Great Video.

[markofkane2]

Thanks!! Old Jukeboxes are cool!!!

[edisonsclone]

I can't even tell you how many times i have watched this, You should make another with a different song!!!