A jukebox is a classic addition to a basement arcade or game room. The first experience I had with a jukebox up close was the one in my high school cafeteria. It was a 1980s Rock-Ola, from one of the original manufacturers of jukeboxes dating back to the company’s roots in 1927. I remember it cost 10 cents for one song or 25 cents for 3 songs.
While an old vintage jukebox that plays vinyl records would be a nice addition to your game room, they can be expensive to buy and service depending on their age, availability of parts and skilled service providers. Wurlitzer, Rock-Ola and Seeburg are the most well-known established brands and can fetch up to $14,000 depending on the model and condition although you can also pick up cheaper vintage models for $1,000 and up. New jukeboxes including ones that offer digital or CD technology but often come with a vintage look (and warranty) can cost up to $1,000 for brands like Victrola and can range in price from $1,500 – $8,500 from other manufacturers like Crosley. While Wurlitzer and Seeburg are no longer in business, you can also purchase more expensive Rock-Ola jukeboxes brand new for $8,500 – $12,500.
Expect a full size jukebox to have the following dimensions and size:
Dimensions: 60″ H x 33″ W x 27″ D
Weight: 320 lbs
Vintage Jukeboxes
Rock-Ola, Wurlitzer, Seeburg and AMI Rowe are the big four jukebox manufacturers that history remembers most fondly. Only Rock-Ola and AMI remain in business today.
Each offered a variety of styles that were among the earliest examples of coin-operated machines available in any market. They included colorful lights, air bubble tubes, and other features of the day. They typically played 45 RPM records with a capacity of around 100 records and were capable of automatically playing each side of the record.
Modern Jukeboxes
Modern jukeboxes give you the best of all worlds. Modern technology like digital and CD capability. WiFi and Bluetooth functionality. A current sound system with “Live Performance Reproduction” that can often be connected to an existing home sound system. And of course a warranty.
If you need parts or service, you’ll have a much better chance getting it at a good price and within a decent timeframe over an older jukebox manufactured by a company that no longer exists.
Modern jukeboxes have the ability to also play 100 old school 45 RPM records along with the ability to stream music via Bluetooth. Or you may choose to opt for a CD-based jukebox that holds 100 compact discs. And if you want the latest technology and want to skip physical mediums like records or CDs, you can opt for a digital jukebox capable of holding up to 13,000 digitally downloaded albums.
Five Modern Jukeboxes To Consider
| Model | Cost | Features |
| Victrola Nostalgic Wood 50″ Full-size Bluetooth Jukebox with Record Player and 3-Speed Turntable | $850 | Full sized jukebox mimicking old school jukeboxes from the 1950s. Comes with 3-speed turntable, CD Player, radio and Bluetooth capabilities. |
| CROSLEY Full Sized Bluetooth Jukebox | $1,800 | Can be hooked up to your Bluetooth device to stream directly through the jukebox. Includes CD player, AM/FM radio, LED lighting, external speaker jacks. |
| Rock-Ola Bubbler Digital Music Center | $8,495 | 8 brightly colored bubble tubes giving the retro look of a Wurlitzer 1015. Five internal speakers. Download music from an MP3 or from a USB device. Capable of holding the equivalent of 13,000 CDs in digital form. |
| Rock-Ola Bubbler Harley-Davidson CD Jukebox | $9,295 | Officially licensed by Harley-Davidson. Designed to mimic the old style 45 RPM jukeboxes but this one holds 100 CDs. Can be hooked up to your existing inhouse sound system such as Sonos. |
| Rock-Ola Bubbler 45 RPM Vinyl Jukebox | $9,795 | Plays 100 x 45rpm vinyl records as well as music through Bluetooth. 425-watt dual channel amplifier. Ability to upgrade to 700 watts. |