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Best CD Jukebox Reviews

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By Temperance M


Evolution of the Jukebox

Juke box is a term that started being used in the United States during the 1930s and derived apparently from an African-American slang term “jook” or “juke” which means to dance.  The first successful juke boxes were made possible by the inventions of electrical recording and amplification.  Before that time, previous automated phonographs were more like a player piano, able to reproduce only one song from a turning tube inside.  However, with record players becoming available for home use, the single song automated phonographs fell out of fashion as people could have more choice in music to listen to at home.  

The Automated Musical Instrument company, which was later known as AMI, produced one of the first successful jukeboxes in 1927 which was coin operated and allowed the user to choose from eight records.  This 78 rpm version was very popular up until the Seeburg Corporation released a 45 rpm juke box in 1950.  The hay day of the jukebox was considered to be from the 1940s to the 1960s with the 1950s being extremely popular.  The increasing popularity of muzak and fast food restaurants whose main purpose was to get people in and out quickly has led to a decline in the popularity of jukeboxes in eating establishments.  

However, with the increase in popularity of retro style home furnishings and retro-themed establishments, the modern jukebox is making a comeback.  A jukebox makes a wonderful addition to a home game or entertainment room, especially if the retro theme is 1940-1960s.  There are many excellent new reproduction modes of jukeboxes – both the cd jukebox and the mp3 jukebox – that will add the perfect finishing touch to your special room.  There are sizes and styles available to fit any space and budget.

Vintage Wurlitzer Jukebox in Action


Wurlitzer Vintage 850 Peacock Jukebox

Wurlitzer Vintage 850 Peacock Jukebox Wurlitzer Vintage 850 Peacock Jukebox
Price: $9,499.99
List Price: $18,399.94

Wurlitzer Vintage 850 Peacock Jukebox

Features:

  • Replica of a stunning vintage 1941 jukebox with a beautiful wood cabinet, stunningly illuminated side columns, and a 2 speed color rotation in the central peacock image. Truly gorgeous vintage aesthetics with Philips CD PRO player and modern Wurlitzer technology inside.
  • Stereo Amplifier with 2x55 watts rms and Additional Subwoofer Amplifier with 100 watts rms
  • 3 way Stereo Speaker System with 6 built-in Speakers
  • Electronic Coin Acceptor
  • Optional Infrared Remote Control for Volume, Mute, Title Selection, and Title Cancel
  • Motor driven paging system for up to 2000 CD tracks (80 x 25)
  • Leather-bound book for presentation of all titles from 100 CD's
  • Connections for additional speakers

Dimensions

  • Height: 65"
  • Width: 39"
  • Depth: 27"
  • Weight: 375 lbs.

Highlights of this Model

  • Art Nouveau and Art Deco theme from the golden age of the jukebox combined with modern technology blends into the finest contemporary retro style.
  • The Peacock model remains one of the best selling Wurlitzer models of all time.
  • This stunningly beautiful unit includes a 100 CD changer and can play over 1,200 songs with extensive options for programing and data retrieval of playback information.
  • Higher price tag puts the Wurlitzer Vintage 850 Peacock Jukebox out of reach for non-enthusiasts – Original Peacocks sell for tens of thousands of dollars at auction!


Rowe Home Nostalgia CD Jukebox

Rowe Home Nostalgia CD Jukebox (Walnut Finish) Rowe Home Nostalgia CD Jukebox (Walnut Finish)
Price: $7,726.85

Rowe Home Nostalgia CD Jukebox

Features

  • User friendly programming interface
  • Play full albums, next song, repeat play, random play, programmable autoplay, timed selection lockouts
  • Chrome plated housings
  • Wood veneers with a hand rubbed finish
  • Infrared remote control
  • 8 authentic bubble tubes
  • Rainbow colored animated light show
  • 100 CD capacity with a Philips pro CD player
  • CD cover and title display
  • Tuned bass woofer enclosure
  • 250 watt amplifier with dual 7 band graphic equalizer

Dimensions

  • Height: 61"
  • Width: 33"
  • Depth: 28"

Highlights of this Model

  • Lots of eye popping bubbling tubes for a cool retro style.
  • Also available in a black finish
  • Stunning, room-filling sound
  • An excellent addition to your game room or remodeling project

Crosley CR12-10 Full Size 10 CD Jukebox

Crosley CR12-10 Full Size 10 CD Jukebox with Storage Base Crosley CR12-10 Full Size 10 CD Jukebox with Storage Base
Price: $2,495.95

Crosley CR12-10 Full Size 10 CD Jukebox

Features

  • AM/FM Radio with Front Loading 10 Deck Compact Disk Changer
  • Dynamic Full Range Stereo Speakers
  • Programmable 20-track Memory with Random Play and Repeat Play Options
  • Bubble Tubes and Authentic Neon Lighting
  • Includes 42 Disc Storage Base and Full Function Remote Control

Dimensions:

  • Height 44"
  • Width 26"
  • Depth 15"
  • Weight 50lbs

Highlights of this Model

  • Affordable and compact cd jukebox with good sound and some disc storage capacity
  • Maintains the Retro "cool" look in a full size jukebox


Vintage Mid-Century Wurlitzer courtesy of Joe Mabel
Vintage Mid-Century Wurlitzer courtesy of Joe Mabel

Comments

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jazzuboo profile image

jazzuboo  says:
7 months ago

Man, I definitely want an mp3 jukebox, I have 100's of gigabytes of music ready to go. Nice hub.

Litany Notch profile image

Litany Notch  says:
7 months ago

Oh no! Hope my kids don't ever find out there is such a thing as an mp3 jukebox or I definitely know it will be on their Christmas list!

Very nice hub and great pictures, who'd have thought an old jukebox would fetch over $13,000 - looks stunning!

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