1953 Rockola Fireball Comet jukebox model 1438 before repairs

[m2esectr]

The vertical carousel was justly introduced by Rockola in 1952 for model 1436, of which a 78rpm version existed. AMI then adopted a variation of it in 1955, which Wurlitzer in turn adopted in 1967. But unlike later ones and other makes, the carousel in 50's Rockolas rotates in both directions, changing when end position is reached, and stays in place after the last record has played.

[chrisw71]

Very nice jukebox, I hope you get it working.

[Lashon3D]

Just make sure that if you use a modern magnetic cartridge that the tonearm can track it light enough. Modern magnetic cartridges track at only a few grams.

[retrochad]

We have had to adjust and add counterweighting to very old tone arms to make sure they apply the proper stylus pressure on the modern magnetic cartridges...they seem to work very well and have the correct pressure and remain in the grooves.

[maynardcat]

That was a great find and an excellent investment .  You seldom see things like that at garage sales anymore. I plan on keeping my 3 Wurlitzers and the one Seeburg. Looking forward to seeing the videos of your repair progress.

[retrochad]

I actually saw an ad in the paper advertising a 1953 Rockola jukebox at this garage sale and I went at about 8:30 AM to get it. I almost never see these sorts of jukeboxes for sale and when I have they have been real expensive. This one was pretty reasonably priced.

[maynardcat]

Many years ago when the jukebox collection was getting started, my aunt and I seen an ad in the paper for a Wurlitzer 850 peacock, and he wanted 250.00. When we arrived the seller got a phone call from a man that said don't sell that jukebox I will give you 4 times that amount. I never did forget that, and wish I had been just 30 minutes earlier.

[wildbilltexas]

Wow, it looks like a challenge to repair.

[retrochad]

It does involve a lot of different things to repair but we have always got them working. The fact that they were designed for commercial service and were designed to be repaired easily does help.

[me748]

that is a beutiful jukebox. can't wait to hear it playing. i could just see it setting in the corner of a malt shop playing early rock and doo-wop.

[retrochad]

Thank you! I should have asked the former owners if they knew anything about its history. They did say it came from Las Cruces, New Mexico.

[jefferyb304]

I hope to see this unit working soon. What speed of record does this play ?

[retrochad]

It really should work well once I get it repaired...it plays 45 RPM only. I think there was a similar model made in 1952 which plays 78's.

[weasel2htm]

Nice find there, I can't wait to see the repair progress.

BTW, I got some video of a vintage Chevy Truck, I need to upload it to youtube so you can see it, I thought of you when I saw it.

[retrochad]

Thank you! I'd like to see that truck video when you get a chance to post it.

[Artist1974CH]

A Classic!!

[AllAmericanFiveRadio]

That is an amazing thing to see again. Fantastic find!!

[retrochad]

Thank you! I have never actually seen this model before but it looks very similar to some Seeburgs we have worked on.

[gusherb94]

That's cool.

[tasmith1969]

The magnetic phono preamp circuit listed in the RCA tube manuals is an excellent circuit. It can use a 12AX7, 7025, or 6EU7, whichever you like. I can send it to you if you need it.

[retrochad]

Thank you...I think we have a copy at our shop but that's the one I was thinking about using.

[Organgrinder010]

Cool!

[cubcadetpuller]

looks great. i cant wait to here it play again

[tmnt220]

Awsome jukebox you aquired there. I have to get my old seeburg running someday. Going to take alot of work tho. The mech is all gummy and the control box needs to be repaired.

[ottlmr]

that very cool

[Vinylrecordsneverdie]

Very awesome juke! I can't wait 'til u get it going!

[Maxxarcade]

Sweet Jukebox! I can't wait to see progress on that. Are the bearings ok on the phono motor?

The amp looks cool too. What tubes does it use for the pre-driver?

[retrochad]

Thanks a lot! I haven't got into the phono motor yet to check it out. I can't wait to start working on it.

I think the amp may use a 6SL7 or maybe 6SN7 1st stage amplifier and then a 6SN7 phase inverter, and 2 6L6 output. The Seeburgs of this vintage which originally had magnetic cartridges had a 6J7 metal tube phono pre-amp. I found a magnetic preamp circuit in the RCA tube manual so I may try that. It makes a huge difference in bass response with the magnetic.

[Maxxarcade]

If it is 6SN7/6SL7, then it is the same exact tube setup I'm using in my new amp project. I bet it will sound very good, especially with that 15" FC speaker :-)

[retrochad]

Yes that's right, it would be the same! Sometimes I have added tweeters with a crossover capacitor to these old jukeboxes with single large field coil speakers to extend the treble response when retrofitting with a magnetic cartridge...the Wurlitzers I have done really sound good.

[IDIDieselJohn]

Very luckey to get your hands on this old 50's juke box. There soooo rare!

[dillonwadej]

do field coil speakers sound better than regular speakers?

[retrochad]

No, not necessarily...just back in these days I think it was difficult and expensive to make a large permanent magnet for speakers of this size so they used an electromagnet (field coil).