Euroslot-Sep08-pg34-36 8/21/08 10:02 AM Page 36
MUSIC
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WURLITZER - the most famous name in the jukebox industry
W
urlitzer produced its first jukebox in 1934 and very
soon became the most popular brand in the early days
of jukeboxes, due to its ingenious designer Paul Fuller and the
outstanding marketing activities of Homer Capeheart. In
many countries Wurlitzer became synonymous for jukeboxes
and still today the company’s famous slogan from the 40s
holds true: “Wurlitzer means music to millions”.
Deutsche Wurlitzer GmbH started production of jukeboxes
in Germany in 1960 and concentrated in the last 20 years –
after the decline of the professional jukebox market - on
reproductions of nostalgic models.
Paul Fuller designed the legendary model 1015 after WWII
and in 1946/47 Wurlitzer sold 56,000 units within 18 months.
It was the most popular jukebox model ever built.
Deutsche Wurlitzer GmbH called its reproduction of the
1015 “ONE MORE TIME”. The OMT in 1986 was a
sophisticated design replica of the original 1015 from 1946,
with the latest CD technology. It was welcomed
enthusiastically by the operators and collectors world-wide.
But the market changed. Today, it’s no longer the operator
buying this model. Now it is still the collector, but in addition,
On-line follow up
it is the wealthy private person that buys this nostalgic piece
of furniture for his or her own home. It is the attraction in the
living room. In addition, more and more companies that are N
SM Music has followed up the launch of its on-
line version of the Icon™ digital jukebox with its
looking for unique incentives choose nostalgic Wurlitzer first 3 G interface, sold to leading UK operator, Bob
jukeboxes as prizes or eye-catchers for entrance halls and Rudd Leisure Ltd. The historical jukebox was installed
exhibition stands. at the “Alexandra Hotel” in Jarrow ,Tyneside by NSM
Initially, Wurlitzer had estimated production figures of Sales Manager, Alex Kirby.
1000 maybe 2000 units... The unbroken success is According to Nick Rudd, Marketing Manager of
overwhelming. Total sales figures today come close to the Bob Rudd Leisure: “ NSM Music is now in the
original 1015. forefront of jukebox innovation. Icon offers an
This success encouraged Wurlitzer to start assembling the unbelievable deal for operators: a low entry price, a
replica of the Classic 2100, an icon from 1956, representing great music library, no-cost finance, on-line access,
the chrome and glitter of the “Silver Age of jukeboxes”. This and now a 3G interface. NSM boxes have always
provies an attractive alternative for the modern living room. been known for their aesthetics and style.
The latest jewel in the Wurlitzer nostalgia range is the Now that 3G is available, Icon can only enhance its
Peacock. Paul Fuller created the model 850 (Peacock) in 1941, The Peacock never had the same claim to be the number one best selling jukebox in
commercial success as the 1015 – due to the fact that Wurlitzer had to stop production of Britain”
jukeboxes during WWII, shifting activities to military products. However, the Peacock is NSM’s Alex Kirby concurred: “ NSM continues to
considered by many experts as the most beautiful jukebox of the “Golden AGE”. be in the forefront of jukebox technology, being
Today, most operators concentrate on slot machines pioneers of digital downloading and the first to
and games, no longer on jukeboxes. But many also know obtain a PPL dubbing licence.We have many more
that the fantastic design of the nostalgic Wurlitzer is a enhancements to the Icon in the pipeline and ATEI
door-opener to get a foot into top hotels and bars. The will be a great showcase for the company in 2009.”
Wurlitzer is a piece of furniture and decoration, playing
background music in the bar and lobby, creating visual
and acoustic atmospheres.
Even the former communist countries in Eastern
Europe are discovering the charming elegance of
Wurlitzer jukeboxes, although they have no history in
jukeboxes at all.
The Wurlitzer customer list now includes millionaires
from the Forbes lists, the British Lord, the Formula 1
champion, the famous artist, musician, the successful
broker, but also the enthusiasts that dream for years of
their Wurlitzer before they can afford to buy it. Alex Kirby (left) with Nick Rudd
36
SEPTEMBER 2008
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