8 Great Authentic Looking Jukebox Replicas!

>> Humble Beginnings

Although coin-operated phonographs had existed since the dawn of audio in the form of the Nickelodeon, it wasn't until 1927 when jukeboxes finally came into their own. This is because AMI (Automated Musical Instruments) put out a line of coin operated machines that had an amplifier, which made it possible for more than one person to hear the music when it was played.

These new audio wonders instantly became popular for a number of reasons, not the least of which they were cost effective. If an establishment couldn't afford to pay a live band or hire performers to keep everyone entertained, patrons could simply entertain themselves for just a few cents a pop.

>> A memorabilia classic is born

With AMI's jukeboxes becoming so huge, many companies decided to capitalize on their success by producing their own jukeboxes. Three companies that dominated the industry were Seeburg, Rock-Ola, and Wurlitzer. The machines they designed were all gorgeous pieces of machinery that came mostly with chrome material, colored lighting, art deco fluorishes, and other attractive embellishments.

However, it was Wurlitzer that designed the extremely popular "cathedral style" rainbow-colored machines that everyone has come to know and love, the 1015 Bubbler [>>]. Ironically, even though this model has become a 1950s icon, it came out in 1946! It since has become the most copied style of jukebox out of any design!

As time marched on, jukeboxes waned in popularity. However, thanks to renewed interest in the past, jukeboxes have become more popular than ever. Not one to miss a beat, many companies have capitalized on the resurgence by producing replicas of these amazing machines. If you're hoping to purchase one, check out the following 10 recommendations.

If you're someone who would like a jukebox replica in your home, one of the tough realities you'll have to face is that full-sized replicas are very expensive-- and by expensive, I'm talking in the 1K and up range.

If you don't have that kind of money at the moment, the good news is that your options aren't totally limited. You can buy a smaller-sized replica of a jukebox in the form of a desktop or tabletop player. As the description suggests, these are miniature, authentic looking replicas of full-sized jukeboxes that look and act like the real thing, complete with light shows and even "bubbling." Let's look at a few that are available right now:

>> Wurltzer Style Tabletop Jukeboxes

When it comes to authentic looking recreations of antiques, Crosley is usually at the head of the pack. Currently, the company has three tabletop Wurlitzer reproductions getting good reviews, the Crosley CR11CD Jukebox CD Player [>>], the Crosley Radio CR1701A-PA iJuke Jukebox, and the Crosley CR1702A-CH iJuke Premier.

The first jukebox (the CR11CD) is a combination CD player and radio that comes with AM/FM radio, LED digital display, programmable 20-track memory, and speakers. However, if you'd like to get a little bit more functionality, your best bet is to choose either the CR1701A-PA iJuke or the CR1702A-CH iJuke Premier, which each come with an iPod docking station.

If you have the money to spare, it would seem logical to go out and buy an antique. But why purchase an expensive, rusty and worn-out antique that you have to take the trouble to restore and update electronically, when you can get a brand spanking new full-sized jukebox replica? With these reproductions, you get the best of both worlds-- a sparkling new jukebox that can also play radio, CDS and mp3s.

Since full-sized jukeboxes cost a pretty penny, let's look at what's available, going from cheapest to most expensive:

>> Sub $2K Full-sized Jukeboxes

Crosley 12-2 iJukebox
The Crosley 12-2 iJukebox (pictured above with pretty model) is currently the cheapest full-sized jukebox on the market, going for just under $1K. It contains an iPod Dock with AM/FM Radio and CD player. It's also mp3 compatible. Although the jukebox at this price is a steal, check back at Amazon regularly, as it sometimes goes on sale for a little lower.

Crosley iJuke Deluxe II CR12-2-ST12 iPod MP3 CD Jukebox with Storage Base Stand
Just slightly higher in price than the Crosley 12-2 iJukebox is the Crosley iJuke Deluxe II CR12-2-ST12. This beautiful jukebox comes with AM/FM radio, a CD player that reads MP3 and WAV digital file formats, and an iPod docking station.

^^ Crosley iJuke Deluxe II CR12-2-ST12 iPod MP3 CD Jukebox with Storage Base Stand

Crosley CR1201A Full Size 10-Disc CD Jukebox and Stand
Next up is the Crosley CR1201A Full Size 10-Disc CD Jukebox and Stand. As the name states, it comes with a base to stand the jukebox on. In terms of features, it contains a 10-disc changer, iPod dock, AM/FM radio, remote control and storage base. Crosley CR1201A also has bubbling tubes to emulate the Wurlitzer 1015 bubbler, as well as a colorful light display.

>> $2K-$4K Jukeboxes

Crosley CR12-Di Full Size Digital Jukebox with Storage Base

Heading into the $2K range of jukeboxes, we have the Crosley CR12-Di Full Size Digital Jukebox with Storage Base. Visually, it's not as lavish as the previously mentioned jukeboxes but what it lacks in aesthetics it makes up in technology. This jukebox has practically everything a modern day audophile would need in a player, such as CD Player, iPod dock, CD burner, hard drive, AM/FM radio , and a fully-functioning video and music server that holds up to 1500 hours of content. This doesn't even begin to cover everything that this jukebox has, so feel free to check out the specs by visiting the link above.

Chicago Gaming Model 1015 Digital Bubbler Jukebox
In the $4K range of jukebox is the incredibly colorful Chicago Gaming Model 1015 Digital Bubbler Jukebox which, as you can tell by its name, is a direct replica of the famous Wurlitzer model. It's not only stunning to look at, it's jam-packed with many features, such as an LCD display that lets you browse by artist, song title, album, and genre; a 250-watt digital amplifier; a 250 GB hard drive; and four hi-fidelity speakers.

>> $4K and Up Jukeboxes

Wurlitzer Vintage 850 Peacock Jukebox

Just under $8K is the gorgeous looking Wurlitzer Vintage 850 Peacock Jukebox, which was based on the 1941 model designed by industrial designer, Paul Fullers. This replica actually has an electronic coin acceptor, in addition to a large speaker system, a 100 CD changer, and remote control.

Not suprisingly, this jukebox is incredibly expensive. But visually stunning and jam-packed with modern day features, the expense just may be worth it..

This marks the end of this lens. Hopefully, you have a better idea of what's available to you in terms of modern day jukeboxes. Remember, you don't have to go all out with an expensive jukebox to recreate the 1950s in your home or indulge your love of classic Americana-- even an inexpensive tabletop jukebox will do!

For a list of all the items mentioned above, please skip down to the "Mentioned in this Lens" section below. :-)