Description

On each annual "Wurlitzer National Day" the latest model was introduced to the operators and in 1955, Wurlitzer’s 1800 superseded the previous year’s 1700. It was one of their first models to play 45rpm records. Despite featuring the same mechanism as its predecessor, the 1800 had a markedly different cabinet with a speaker grille spanning the full width of the machine.  

Overall it had a slightly more understated feel than the outgoing model, not least because the mirror tiles, which formed the backdrop to the carousel on the 1700, were replaced by red panels and radiating chrome strips on the new model. The pilasters were more subtle too, being less colourful, less wide and relocated inset rather than flanking the grille. 

This model has a capacity of 52 records (104 selections) and offers a terrific sound thanks to a powerful valve amplifier and two 12” speakers. These machines also featured Wurlitzer’s patented ‘Cobra’ pick up system, about which our jukebox engineers wax lyrical. First introduced in 1948, the Cobra system set new standards in audio quality.

All of our vintage products are sourced to order and restored in our workshops in Surrey by our talented in-house team. 

We offer a grade A1 restoration as standard. We do not use a 'restoration checklist' as every component is checked and refurbished as part of our uncompromising refurbishment process.

We are thorough and comprehensive throughout and are striving to deliver a machine that is near to how it came out of the factory. All of our restoration work is guaranteed by our one-year on-site parts and labour warranty. 

Rudolph Wurlitzer was born into a family of musical instrument makers in Germany in 1829 before emigrating to America at the tender age of 24. He began by importing his family’s instruments and selling them in the US market but quite quickly set up a manufacturing business and in 1880 the first Wurlitzer piano was built in the US. Electric pianos came next, shortly followed by the cinema and theatre organs, dubbed ‘Mighty Wurlitzers’, that provided such a stirring accompaniment to the silent movies of the time.  

In 1933 the New York based company bought the rights to a patented jukebox mechanism and under the management of Farny Wurlitzer, Rudolph’s successor, they began designing and manufacturing their first jukebox, the ‘Debutante’. Known as the ‘small man’s concert hall’, it enjoyed tremendous popularity and paved the way for even greater success when Wurlitzer’s inspired designer, Paul Fuller, came up with the 'Bubbler' design that we all know and recognise today.


Music and Title Cards Pricing

Music itself is an important part of our business, as reflected by our treasured vinyl library, so we are able to help you source and create the perfect playlist. We also make all of the title cards in original typewriter font – so if you’re a bit stuck for choice, we are only too happy to help!

The charge for vintage records is £15 + VAT per record, this covers most records however some are highly collectable for which we have to pay a premium and are charge at a higher price. The title card service is £75 + VAT.

It is quite an involved process to supply records as we buy them in from dealers or collectors, they will only guarantee the "A" side, so often many records do not pass with us because we always supply records with playable "B" sides as well as the "A".

The centres are then cut (big hole centres) which also leads to some breakage as some of the records split due to their age. Finally they are hand washed and then played both "A" and "B" side on a gramophone for sound quality, only then are they fit to go on the Jukebox. The final check is again playing "A" and "B" side as you would hear it on your Jukebox.

It's all about delivering good quality sound for our clients and if you are investing in a vinyl jukebox the standard of the records have to demonstrate the high standard of our restorations.

Please contact us if you are interested in this service.

Details

  • Dimensions: (H) 140 x (W) 83cm x (D) 69cm
  • Imperial: (H) 55" x (W) 33" x (D) 27"
  • Made in the USA
  • Year of production: 1955
  • Vinyl Capacity: 52 45 rpm records (104 selections)
  • Highly sought after and still rising in value
  • Equipped with genuine 'Cobra' radionic tone arm by only by Zenith Radio Corporation, Chicago
  • Can also be fitted with a hidden Bluetooth receiver which opens up a whole world of music without detracting from the machine's integrity
  • This jukebox will be restored to order in our Surrey workshops to Grade A1 condition
  • Record sourcing and title card service available

Delivery

  • Free UK delivery
  • Please see here for further delivery information & exceptions
  • Please contact us for an international shipping quotation

Original 1955 Wurlitzer 1800 Vinyl Jukebox

This vintage jukebox will be sourced to order and restored in our in-house workshops. Due to the rarity of some vintage items and the varying degrees of their pre-restored condition it is not possible to give each product an exact lead time. Please contact us for more information.
Lead time to be confirmed.

Enquire about this product

Related Content

  • The Ultimate St Patrick's Day Playlist!
  • Valentine's Day Playlist

Other games you'll love