1963 Seeburg "1000" Background music system juke box

VIDEO CORRECTION: THE UNIT WAS INTRODUCED IN 1963, NOT 1959 AS I INCORRECTLY STATED IN THE VIDEO! The seeburg 1000 background music system was introduced in 1963 in which to provide background music or "elevator music" as we know it today for shoppers in stores, or factory workers etc. These units played a special record designed by seeburg 2" diameter center hole 16-2/3 RPM disk. The machine was designed to provide continuous play of up to 25 disks, 20 songs per side, hence the name "1000". At the end of the last record, the changer would lift the stack upto the top of the changer spindle for another round of playing. This would continue indefinitly until the machine would be swiched off manually. This video shows the mechanical operation. Notice that there are two needles on both sides of the tone arm. The machine plays either side of the record without manually turning it over. Records were issed by seeburg thoughout the year so the same songs would not be heard over and over. When a new set of records were issued, the previous set was to be returned to seeburg due to copyright laws. The songs are always instrumental arrangements, often by orchestras never heard of before. Unfortunately, there is no reference as to the name and orchestra of the individual songs. Some songs heard are instrumental arrangements of popular tunes with lyrics from that time the record was introduced. Records were dated as to when they were to be put in service. The record in this demo is dated for use on 12-26-64 and is an unknown "1950's" sounding instrumental. Due to an apparent eccentric idler wheels, these units produce alot of wow and flutter, which seems to be common for these at this age. The three units Ive seen all had the same operational characteristics. These units were 100% solid state when introduced. You might see the PA microphone inside the storage compartment in this video. Obviously they played over speaker systems throughout the building and the unit itself has its own built in monitor speaker.

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• seeburg
• 1000
• background
• music
• juke
• box
• jukebox

[frangiul13]

Can you tell me what Seeburg record and category (Insustrial/Mood, etc) this song is on?

[drh4683]

It can be found on INDUSTRIAL record N4 side B (N4B), dated 12-26-64.

[KT88seamp]

What is your opinion of that old Mantovani style elevator music?

[drh4683]

I actually like it. Its from a different era and one I wasn't part of. All I can do is preserve and appriciate these things from the past.

[disneysongtape]

The song sounds ALOT like "I've Got No Strings" from Disney's Picchoino.

[drh4683]

Thats exactly what it is. I didnt know the name of this tune until another member pointed it out earlier.

[reelinrocking]

The Wikipedia page for the Seeburg 1000, at the bottom, contains a link to Tony Miller's BMS page. Although he shows 1963 on all models, the BMS1 was introduced in 1960. The BMS2, as pictured in this video, also known as the BMS1000 or "Microwave", was introduced in 1963, as I have previously stated. There are many refences to these facts from sources such as "Always Jukin' ". And, No, Seeburg and None of the other Jukebox manufaturers used transistors in 1959. The Buick radio still had tubes.

[reelinrocking]

In response to a person message drh4683, yes I know about transistors. Initial Canadian patent for idea of FET, 1925. A 1934 German patent, 1947 Bell Labs operational device from 1925 patent, 1st silicon trans by Texas Instruments in 1954. 1st MOSFET built at Bell in 1960. 1st all-transistor TV by Philco in 1959(NOT the Predicta)?? Didn't it have a picture TUBE(CRT)? Transistorized electronics were not common in the U.S. until the mid-60's, especially in jukeboxes and TV's(late-60's).

[jukeboxexpress1]

@PnnyPnchr In fact they did! Starting in 1948, Seeburg introduced the SICM which played both sides of 100 78rpm records intermixing 10" and 12" records, using the first Select-O-Matic mechanism. These had an upgrade kit later to convert them to play 33 1/3rpm LPs. In 1952, Seeburg introduced the 45rpm Library Units. These held 100 45rpm records and played both sides. Special EP background records were made for these also. The BMS's were smaller and lighter, plus played longer.

[PnnyPnchr]

This is verrrry interesting. But I wonder why they didn't use a Select-O-Matic mechanism like in their jukeboxes?

[jukeboxexpress]

@yenbadcito They sure can play on a regular turntable with the proper speed. Haven't you seen drh4683's other videos?

[yenbadcito]

i would like to know if these records can play on a regular turntable (that would have a 16.66 rpm level, for exemple) ??????????????????????

[seatboi]

WOW! Never saw one of these selecting & playing! It's mind-boggling watching that elaborate turntable! half moving one way, the other 1/2 running backwards! YIKES! blows my mind! Sounds great though! SWEET machine! Thanks for posting this! Check out my videos! I have a 45 player fetish! ;)

[MrAccordionPimp]

I think this machine is soooooooooo awesome - Brings back good memories

[Hypnotoad27]

Isn't that from Pinocchio? I believe it is!

[scatpack68]

funny you mentioned that kevykev, I suddenly felt happier because I cracked open a cold one after hearing this. So yes, the possibility is there.

[Geoffr524]

Pretty cool to see some technology from way back.

[kevykev38]

Now was there a such thing as subliminal messaging back then? Like with sayings like "I'm so happy shopping" and "I am so thirsty"? When i was a little boy my grandfather use to repair these machines and i don't know if it was my imagination but i remember something like that. Yeah my grandfather was cool he had like every tool to fix these and radios and tv's as well.