1955 Wurlitzer 1800 Vinyl Jukebox

On each annual "Wurlitzer National Day" the latest model was introduced to the operators and in 1955, Wurlitzer’s 1800 superseded the previous year’s 1700.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.

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.