Articles by John Papa Jukebox History The Wurlitzer family started buying and selling musical items in Saxony as far back as 1659. Rudolph Wurlitzer came to the United States in 1853 and started an import business selling instruments to the U.S. government during the Civil War. Soon he became the largest instrument supplier in America…
Articles by John Papa Jukebox History Believe it or not, the name Rock-Ola is actually derived from the name of the company’s founder. It also happens to be a real cool name for a jukebox, implying a “rock ‘n’ roll’ play on words. David C. Rockola was born in Canada and as a young boy…
Articles by John Papa Make your jukebox grill look like new. Nothing dresses up a jukebox restoration and repair like a front grille that looks brand, spanking new. Polishing and elbow grease alone won’t do the job. The only way to do it properly is to start out by taking it off. Most jukebox hobbyists…
Opening in 1988, John Papa founded National Jukebox (NJE) out of passion for the beauty and history of these rare machines. Almost 40 years later, John and his crew continue to lead the antique jukebox restoration industry as one of the highest quality restoration shops in the USA.
Articles by John Papa How to separate the boys from the men. Let’s face facts. A rich walnut or mahogany cabinet is deserving of all the care and treatment it can be given. So let’s take a beginner’s look at how you can preserve, protect and finish some of the most beautiful surfaces to ever…
Re-Veneering a Cabinet, The easy vacuum way At first blush the jukebox cabinet looks beautiful and the mechanism is strong. Plus it plays well. It’s an excellent original, except for those damn chunks out of the veneer right on the top front and left side. Make a guess: What does that do to the value? Those…
Pick your plater like a spouse It’s something you’ll have to live with the rest of your life. So you’d better base the relationship on a strong combination of love, admiration, romance and sex appeal. Your wife? Husband? Sure. But we’re really talking about plating the parts of your beloved machines. When you’re ready to…
Articles by John Papa Catalin Plastics Ever see a terrific restoration and repair of a light-up jukebox only to have the whole image marred by terrible looking plastics? Well, here’s how to avoid that and make the catalin look like jewelry. Start by cheerfully removing the plastics from your box. Wash each piece with soap…
Articles by John Papa Jukebox History Born in Sweden in 1871, Justice P. Seeburg came to the United States at the age of 16. He settled in Chicago and worked in the piano industry as a mechanic and supervisor. In 1907, J.P. Seeburg started his own manufacturing company using his own name. The J.P. Seeburg…