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Wurlitzer Jukebox
Company History Founded in 1856, Wurlitzer imported musical instruments from Rudolph Wurlitzer's native Saxony. Piano manufacturing was followed by 'Mighty Wurlitzer' cinema organs in 1908. The manufacture of jukeboxes began in the 1930s when Wurlitzer teamed up with Homer C. Capehart, formerly of the Capehart company. He sold Wurlitzer the 'Simplex' mechanism for $57,000, which he had purchased from its inventor, Mr Erickson. Wurlitzer flourished during the late 1930s. Capehart left the company in 1939, but the innovative designs of new recruit Paul Fuller, combined with the marketing networks Capehart had established ensured continuing success until 1948. Seeburg had become the market leader, especially after they launched a 100 selection machine. Wurlitzer modified the 'Simplex' to increase selections, but a new mechanism allowing 104 selections was not manufactured until 1954. The cost of competing with Seeburg, and producing annual redesigns was finally too much for Wurlitzer, and in 1974 production stopped. The name, however, lives on due to a German subsidiary set-up in the 1960s. Notable Jukeboxes The Model 950 was the first jukebox to include bubble tubes in its decoration. It is very rare. The Model 1015 is probably the most popular jukebox, from any manufacturer. Its marketing campaign used the now famous slogans "Wurlitzer means Music" and "Gee Dad, it's a Wurlitzer". Around 60.000 jukeboxes were produced, still a record for any model. The design was later reworked for the nostalgic 1050 and 'One More Time' models. The 'Centennial' models launched in 1956 included the Model 2000. This featured a new mechanism, allowing 200 selections, and turning pages in the selection holder. Only 6,000 Model 2000's were ever produced. Wurlitzer's swan-song was the Model 1050. It's nostalgic design was based on Wurlitzer's previous successes such as the Model 1015, but did not suit the times. It was still on the production lines when Wurlitzer closed in 1974. |