Nostalgic Diner Jukeboxes

In the age of iPods, iPhones and a whole assortment of competing MP3’s and other gadgets to play your music on, why in the world would a juke box still deserve mention? Answer, Nostalgia. For the older music loving crowd, having a jukebox around creates an ambience of past memories combined with the same music that was such a big part of those memories.

Reminiscent of the days of James Dean, Route 66 and the era of soul blues and rock and roll, the neon lighting and bobby socks adorned jukeboxes act as instant time travel machines. The main allure of a Jukebox is the amazing retro look it brings to a room. The glowing lights and bubbles are sure to make these music players great conversation pieces in any room especially, if you are going for a retro look in your decorating style. Jukeboxes are the water cooler of the home party, a gathering point to socialize around, and pick the next song that is sure to be the life of the party. They make music a lot more sociable, than just a personal MP3 player.

One of the most popular brands and one of the pioneers in the jukebox industry, AMI Jukebox created the first jukebox in 1927. This jukebox became prominent because they could play both sides of the 78 rpm records. This technology was used for almost three decades. AMI used accepted architectural styles to get the artistic feel of their jukeboxes. In 1936 and 1937, they produced the TOP FLIGHT model. This model has an Art Deco design and patronized by early New York City Skyscrapers. They also produced the SINGING TOWER which uses the Art Deco and Skyscrapers artistry to new level. Singing Tower was topped with lights like those on top of skyscraper. The use of new technology makes the light to change color as the music played. AMI continued to be dominant in the design of their jukeboxes throughout its Golden Years.

And then came the 1950s Select-O-Matic style, which revolutionized jukeboxes and placed them at the centre of American social life, the ubiquitous All American Diner. Over the years, jukeboxes came to be regarded as the unofficial mascot of diners, becoming almost synonymous with diner décor. These jukeboxes featured state of the art AM/FM radio with cassette player. The lighted song chart pages featured a decorative flip movement while the selection buttons conveniently concealed the dial scale. Polished to a high luster finish, these chrome beauties included a high fidelity speaker, internal/external antennas, on/off switch controls and panel lights. The specifications of some of the common models included on an average:

• AM/FM Radio

• Dynamic Full Range Stereo Speaker

• Electronically Assisted Tuner

• External FM Antenna

• UL Listed

• 90 Day Limited Warranty

• Featured in Chrome

• Dimensions: 12"w X 13"h X 5.25"d

• Weight: 8 pounds

Another very popular diner jukebox is the Seeburg. When it comes down to it, kids enjoy these jukeboxes as well. Most modern Jukeboxes come with am/fm radio, a CD player, and a docking station for you iPod. Also, a colorful jukebox will make a great addition to a younger child’s room.