Here is the Wurlitzer 1700F. This jukebox was manufactured in 1954 in a Hi-Fidelity model (F or HF, depending on which country) and a regular non "Hi-Fi" version. The F model had a limed-walnut finsish which was removed (or worn off) before I got it. (From what I saw of it under the trim, it is better this way, trust me).
Much of the aluminum trim was removed and buffed to a shiny state, thanks to my friend Brenda's suggestions and instructions. Thanks to Ed Myers for his time on this one - the mech was really screwed up, the motor was burned out and the rectifier sucked-- he figured out a lot of what was wrong with this puppy, one step at a time as I watched, totally confused.
These are not good machines to learn the basics on. They are quite complicated. This was a "molested machine"---someone came along and screwed it all up, apparently while trying to fix it. The amp was another story in itself.
The valance (Wurlitzer light-up part) and buttons are replaced reproductions, but everything else (except maybe the dome) is original. For a long time I thought the colors in the pilasters were supposed to be blue and yellow. When I took the machine apart, it was obvious that the red had faded to yellow, so the pictures you see out there on the web with yellow in the pilasters, where here you see red, are a result of fading with age.
Please do not post these pictures anywhere without permission.
before- red has faded to yellow
working on it
after the restoration- mech---and below, the jukebox poses for the camera
I have trouble deciding whether I like the 1700 or the 1800 better. This shot shows why.
