Wurlitzer Jukebox Restoration And Repair

1959: The first Stereo amplifiers were introduced by many Jukebox manufactures. Wurlitzer had introduced Stereo in the model 2200-S, late in the 1958 model year. But, not many had sold because of the late introduction. For the 1959 model year, Wurlitzer introduced both, the Wurlitzer 2300 Jukebox (with Hi-Fi sound), and the Wurlitzer 2300S Jukebox (with Stereo sound)

The Wurlitzer 2300 Jukebox features the 200 play mechanism

Also offered, were the Wurlitzer 2304 Jukebox (104 selections)

and for the first time (an even less expensive)

the Wurlitzer 2310 Jukebox (featuring 100 selections)

Each Wurlitzer Jukebox model could be ordered with or without the Stereo option, and all featured the same, new cabinet design for 1959. Six Wurlitzer Jukeboxes models in total

Stereo was the last big advancement for Wurlitzer Jukebox. After the 1959 Wurlitzer 2300S Jukebox model year, sales began to decline. Wurlitzer produced two more models, (the 2400 and 2500) for the early 1960’s, that seem to still have a small following. But, as the years progressed, the viewable, inner workings of the mechanism began to disappear more and more, as the new “Console” Era took over. Beginning with the 3100 series of 1967, Wurlitzer cut corners in an effort to save money, by opting for more plastic parts on their mechanisms. But, this only made the mechanisms less reliable, finally forcing Wurlitzer U.S. to close its doors in 1974

Dimensions: 52″ tall, 34″ wide, 28″ deep and 324 #’s

1987: The Wurlitzer OMT Jukebox was first introduced for the 1987 model year, as a reproduction of the original Wurlitzer model 1015 (produced in 1946-1947). This time however,  featuring a 100 selection, 45rpm vinyl mechanism, computer controlled and stereo sound. For the 1987 model year, the side light up pilasters featured flickering lights with Gold trim. For the 1988 model year and continuing, these were replaced with real working bubble tubes (like the original Wurlitzer 1015), and the trim was chrome

1989: The Wurlitzer OMT CD Jukebox was introduced offering 50 album selections (Wurlitzer used this same mechanism in the New York. N.Y. Jukebox). In the mid 1990’s, a 100 album selection CD mechanism began to be offered as an upgrade. The standard amplifier (used on both Vinyl and CD), was the very reliable Wurlitzer i84 (introduced in 1984) with a white metal cover (This amplifier cover was changed to Black in the mid 1990’s as well). The Wurlitzer i84 amplifier featured DIN type commercial connectors

2000: Wurlitzer introduces a new amplifier, the K-99. The Wurlitzer K-99 amplifier also featured a Black cover, but now with RCA connections (making it much easier to connect to other devices). It was this version of the Wurlitzer OMT that was manufactured until December of 2012

Dimensions: 60″ tall, 32″ wide, 25″ deep and 360 #’s

Late 1990’s: Wurlitzer began to offer the OMT in different cabinet colors, (at an addition cost). A high gloss piano finish Black, White, Red and even custom colors were available

Early 2000’s: Wurlitzer began to offer the iPod version of the OMT CD (available only in upgraded colors Black or White, and featuring a premium Bose sound system)

2007: Wurlitzer issues a price increase on all models, and begins offering a standard version of the OMT iPod in Walnut finish with K-99 sound system, at less cost

2008: Wurlitzer issues another price increase on all models (as the economy begins the great recession). The Black or White OMT iPod version (with Bose sound) became listed as “Special Edition”. It was the last price increase Wurlitzer issued

Deutsche-Wurlitzer included a date code in the serial number of every item they manufactured beginning with the 1970’s and continuing

Here is an example of a Wurlitzer serial number built in 1987

Nr #2703 12345

Here is how it breaks down

• 2 – First number is Decade of production: A single number representing the decade the machine was manufactured. Wurlitzer used “1” for the 1970’s, “2” for the 1980’s and so on. Our example shows 2 for the 1980’s
• 7 – Second number is Year of production: A single number representing the last digit of the model year. Our example shows 7 for 1987
• 03 – Third and Forth numbers are Month of production: Our example shows 03 for March
• 12345 – Remaining numbers are the serial number

2008: The Wurlitzer 850 Peacock CD Jukebox was introduced as a reproduction of the original Wurlitzer model 850 (produced in 1941). This time however, featuring a 100 CD album mechanism, computer controlled and stereo sound. It featured the Wurlitzer K-99 amplifier with RCA connections, (making it much easier to connect to other devices). And came standard with a wireless remote and connections for iPod. The cabinet featured chrome die cast moldings

When Wurlitzer introduced the 850 CD for 2008, it was offered in two versions, the “Classic” 850 Peacock (with standard features), and the “Vintage” 850 Peacock (with upgraded features). The “Classic” 850 Peacock featured the Wurlitzer K99 amplifier, and standard lighting. The “Vintage” 850 Peacock featured a subwoofer, upgraded Bose sound system, and motorized animation for the front Peacock glass (to change the colors of the Peacock feathers). In toll, around $1500.00 – $2000.00 worth of upgrades. Both versions were available through 2010

2011: Wurlitzer drops the “Classic” version of the Wurlitzer 850 Peacock CD jukebox from it line up, due to poor sales. With the Peacock CD Jukebox already offered at a premium price point, the “Vintage” version out sold the “Classic” version. But, the ongoing 2008 economic recession also took a hit on sales. Wurlitzer choose to combine the two models. For 2011, the new “Vintage” 850 Peacock CD Jukebox featured motorized colored animation, a mono subwoofer, and standard K99 amplifier (dropping the upgraded “Bose” system). This allowed for a lower price point, roughly $2500.00 less than the previous models. It also included a Leather book for CD titles. This version of the Wurlitzer 850 Peacock CD Jukebox was manufactured until December of 2012

Dimensions: 65″ tall, 39″ wide, 27″ deep and 374#’s

Deutsche-Wurlitzer included a date code in the serial number of every item they manufactured beginning with the 1970’s and continuing

Here is an example of a Wurlitzer serial number built in 2008

Nr #4803 12345

Here is how it breaks down

• 4 – First number is Decade of production: A single number representing the decade the machine was manufactured. Wurlitzer used “1” for the 1970’s, “2” for the 1980’s and so on. Our example shows 4 for the 2000’s
• 8 – Second number is Year of production: A single number representing the last digit of the model year. Our example shows 8 for 2008
• 03 – Third and Forth numbers are Month of production: Our example shows 03 for March
• 12345 – Remaining numbers are the serial number