[Jukebox-list] Cheap juke buyers (Was: trade-in for a 200 select?)

[Kuglarb at wmconnect.com]

I agree with you!  Whew....I want to add one more thing, I appreciate this 
discussion as it has helped me make up my mind quick like that I really did not 
want another jukebox afterall.  That's money that I can spend somewhere else!
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Hi!  This is a fantastic newsgroup!  I have an old jukebox and just love the 
discussions.  Not only are the subscribers very knowledgeable about these 
great machines, but also make this newsgroup entertaining.  As a follow-up 
and my 
two cents worth to the discussion of cheap juke buyers, I just wanted to 
express my opinion about buying a jukebox for the first time or having big 
dreams 
of becoming a collector.  This is especially for anyone pondering such an 
idea. 
What I have learned is that if one is not very mechanically or electronically 
inclined, your're just about out of luck in enjoying an old jukebox.  Having 
a jukebox may be worth a whole lot more trouble and aggravation than it is 
fun.  Experience has shown me that those items that may seem to be so called easy 
'quick fixes' may not be so easy after all.  It seems that the experts who 
have the knowledge to repair or troubleshoot these machines are harder and 
harder to come by.  If you find one or two, they seem to want a fortune just to 
offer some advice, even over the telephone.  Why would a repairman want to charge 
me $2500.00 to overhaul my machine if the only thing wrong was a bad relay?  
I am glad that the car mechanics have not gotten to that point yet.  "I'll 
change out your alternator, but in the meantime, I'll have to overhaul your 
engine!"  Yea, right.  Another thing about the old jukes; the parts are much more 
difficult to find.  Many are down right impossible to find.  Again, the few 
that offer parts offer them more times than not at very elevated prices. I 
guess 
this is because of the rarity of the item, and there are fewer individuals 
now that have jukebox businesses.  It is wise to always remember the supply and 
demand concept when it comes to jukeboxes. 

I say all of that to say this, anyone just wanting to buy an old jukebox 
should think long and hard before plopping down a lot of money. The 'plopping 
down' of the money may be mild in comparison to the aggravation and stress 
associated with the ever so familiar 'one or two selections that won't play' or the 
so called ever, I mean ever so 
familiar 'minor' adjustments that need to be made.  Again, minor may be in 
the eyes 
of the beholder.  

I was told a long time ago by a wise old jukebox collector and a very fair 
top notch jukebox repairman that the jukebox hobby is winding down and will 
be a 
thing of the past.  At first I did not believe it.  I see why now.  I guess I 
am in the last generation of wanting or owning an old jukebox and this of 
course may be the last generation that keeps the service people and suppliers in 
business.  Hey, my kid couldn't care less about that beautiful jukebox in the 
den.  She wants a darned IPOD.  What the heck is that!@#?  You all have a 
wonderful weekend!

bentley