[Jukebox-list] AMi G-200 questions

[S.R. Boland]

Hello everyone, this is my first time posting on this
list and I'm a jukebox novice, so bear with me.  This
post will be somewhat long.

I want a jukebox strictly for home use -- I'm not a
collector -- and I've decided on the AMi G-200.  It
seems to be a not-so-popular model (even called ugly
by many), but I like its funky, squared-off style.  In
making my decision on which jukebox to acquire, I
first of all wanted a '50s model... and have 200
selections is a must.  The Seeburg 201 was in the
running for awhile -- but it's too pricey for me. 
And... call me crazy, but I really do like the look of
the G-200.  To me, it represents a nice transition
between the F and other G models and the more flashy
(and very expensive) H and I models.

An added bonus is that the G-200's vintage (1956) is
my birth year.

>From lurking on the list for a couple of days and from
scanning the archives, it seems that there are a few
fans and owners of the AMi F and G on the list.  I
would like to get their takes on this model (I can see
that the G-200 has some unique features not shared by
other G's and not continued through to the H models). 
I'm really seeking opinions/ideas on what likely
challenges I might face as a G-200 owner.

It seems that, for a 200-selection model, working
G-200s are reasonably priced in the marketplace.  This
is a big plus for me... when I decided that I'd start
looking for a jukebox, I knew I'd need to find a good
value because of my limited budget.  (I don't see a
jukebox as an investment for turning a future profit;
for me, it's just a form of entertainment that I'll
hold onto).  I was also pleasantly surprised to find
out that it is one of the best-sounding boxes of its
era.  (My family had a Wurlitzer 1800 in our living
room when I was a teenager... how would the G-200's
sound compare to that one?)

Specific questions I have are:

-- What are common mechanical and electrical problems
on this model?

-- What type/make (Jensen?), size (10"? 12"? 15"?),
and quantity (one? two? three or more?) of speakers
are used on the G-200?  Where in the box are they
located (under the mech?)?  (I understand that there
are treble horns as well.)

-- Is the carousel mech troublesome?

-- How is the bass/treble mix controlled?

-- How powerful is the amp, in terms of watts/RMS
rating?

-- Can you get a warmer sound using NOS tubes? (I ask
this question because that's generally true with
vintage audio and old guitar amps.)

-- Do reproduction trim parts exist?

-- Is it hard to re-create the original spatter-type
paint jobs in the correct colors (atoll coral,
emberred charcoal, night-sky black, etc.)?

-- Is it possible to have the juke set up to take
coins or be set on free play?   In other words, to
easily switch back and forth?

-- What stepper would be used for this model?

-- How is the tonearm adjusted for tracking force?  Is
a really heavy tracking force required (I'd like to
save wear and tear on my records, as much as
possible)?

That's all I can think of for now (I know, that's a
lot!).  I'm not at all in a hurry to acquire this
machine -- I'm keeping my eyes open for the right deal
at the right price, and not too far from home -- but
this subject has piqued my interest, and I wanted to
get some educated opinions.  Anyone is free to contact
me off-list as well.  Thanks!

S.R. (Boris) Boland
digiovanni13 at yahoo.com


       
____________________________________________________________________________________
Need a vacation? Get great deals
to amazing places on Yahoo! Travel.
http://travel.yahoo.com/